220032 From National to Global Dynamics? Deconstructing National Narratives in 19th and 20th Century Europe (S) (SoSe 2024)

This blended course takes place within the framework of the European University Alliance NEOLAiA. Teaching faculty: Bielefeld University, Örebro University, University of Ostrava and University of Tours.

Application deadline at Bielefeld University: December 20, 2023 (bettina.brandt@uni-bielefeld.de)

Who can apply? Students in the master programmes in History and doctoral researchers in the BGHS.

• Are you interested in historiography?
• Are you curious about the diversity and similarities of national historical narratives?
• Do you want to meet students from all over Europe in Örebro (Sweden) to discuss these topics for a week from 21 until 27 April 2024?

The course aims at deconstructing national narratives in the field of historiography. Since its modern founding in the nineteenth century, history as a discipline has been an important site of nation-building. While the writing of national history in the nineteenth century is quite well explored, the entanglements between history writing, methodological innovation, the politics of nation, two world wars, the Cold War, the process of European unification, and globalization in the twentieth century still need detailed investigation. One guiding perspective of this course is therefore to analyze the trajectories of politics and historiographical trends, with special focus on times of crisis and challenges to existing narratives in the late nineteenth and particularly twentieth century Europe. In the course, we will discuss how the relationships between politics and history writing – especially more structural changes such as the establishment of universal suffrage and regime change – affected historical research and the existing narratives. The course focuses on deconstructing national narratives by comparing and contrasting developments in four European countries: the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Sweden.

The course introduces an innovative international perspective on national historiographies by contrasting developments in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Sweden. Teaching combines remote sessions and on-site meetings aiming to explore the topic of historiography in Europe. Participants will reflect on the interconnections between politics and history writing, with a special focus on times of crises and challenges to existing narratives in Europe. An online learning platform with resources will be made available to the participants throughout the digital phase of the program.

Requirements for participation, required level

English language proficiency (B2 minimum).

Bibliography

Berger, Stefan & Conrad, Christoph (2015): The Past as History: National Identity and Historical Consciousness in Modern Europe. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Iggers, Georg G. (2005): Historiography in the twentieth century: from scientific objectivity to the postmodern challenge. Hanover: Wesleyan University Press.
Torstendahl, Rolf (2015): The Rise and Propagation of Historical Professionalism. New York: Routledge.