83438 - History of Eastern Europe

Learning outcomes

Aim of the course program is to analyse ECE and the Balkan political history since WWII to 1989/91 (generally speaking from the establishment of Communist Regimes up to their collapsing at the eve of the 1990s) . Methodologically, teaching style is following a chronological approach, whether in the introductory remarks some attention is devoted to some relevant theoretical issues like: modernisation and State building processes; cultural identity, national question and self-determination.

Course contents

Aim of the course program is at analysing East Central European and the Balkan political history since WWII to 1989/91 (generally speaking from the establishment of Communist Regimes up to their collapsing at the eve of the 1990s). Methodologically, teaching style is following a chronological approach, whether in the introductory remarks some attention is devoted to some relevant theoretical issues like: modernisation and State building processes; cultural identity, national question and self-determination.

The subject is taught in English. 

The course is divided into to parts referring chronologically to the decades '40, '50, '60 (first part) and '70,'80, conclusions (second part).

Readings/Bibliography

Readings may change before the beginning of the course due to their availability at the "Ruffilli" Library.

Compulsory readings:Ivan T. Berend, Central and Eastern Europe 1944-1993. Detour from the Periphery to the Periphery, Cambridge UP, 1998 ; Second mid term exam: Robin Okey,The Demise of Communist East Europe. 1989 in Context, Arnold, London, 2004; Additional reading/reference: An Historical Atlas is highly suggested as a reference: Paul Robert Magocsi, Historical Atlas of East Central Europe, University of Washington Press, 1995.

Readings in addition to the Students who can not attend regular classes: Robert Strayer, Why Did The Soviet Union Collapse? Understanding Historical Change, M.E.Sharpe, New York, 1998; Robin Okey,The Demise of Communist East Europe. 1989 in Context, Arnold, London, 2004; Geoffrey Swain and Nigel Swain, Eastern Europe since 1945, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1998.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures with an active participation by the students.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on two different tests, one for each module and a final oral exam.

Each test consists in a written examination based on the readings provided for each of the modules.

The fist test is based on a 3 questions/free answers. The second one is based on a specific topic referring to the second module. Each test will last 120 minutes.

In case students could not attend one of the tests, they will be required to be assessed for the specific module at the oral exam. The same, in case of a possible failure of the test (less than 18/30).

In case of double failure or double missing of the test, the whole readings will be assessed during the oral exam.

Oral exam will consist in one/two questions regarding the whole readings and a topic selected by the students among those in the syllabus. The oral exam's weight is about the 25% of the final evaluation, which includes the tests' evaluations too. Students can upgrade the tests average between two marks approximately.

In case of failure at the January/February sessions, students are not allowed to be assessed before September. Only one of the two sessions is available.

Teaching tools

Maps, photos, movies and music.

The Syllabus will be published at the beginning of the Fall semester. 

The educational interpreting service will be provided: all lessons will be simultaneously interpreted into English by professional interpretes

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Privitera