220068 Locating History. Theoretical and Conceptual Approaches to Europe and beyond (S) (WiSe 2024/2025)

As Karl Schlögel argues, “history is set not only in time but also in space.” With this in mind, this seminar focuses on approaches to space in historical research. Where is history? What is the role of space in historical narratives? And how are space and time connected in them? How can spatial units become the subject of more reflexive historical research?
Starting from the "spatial turn" in cultural studies, we will analyse different theoretical conceptions of space and their impact on historiography. The recognition that spaces are also social constructs has led to a deeper reflection on the status of nations and nation states in historiography. We will consider debates concerning methodological nationalism before turning to the methodological and practical challenges of applying global, international and transnational approaches. In doing so, we will draw on interdisciplinary perspectives to compare and explain certain trends and developments in historical studies.
Particular attention will be paid to the historiography of Europe – not only regarding the problem of Eurocentrism. Using various case studies, we will also critically discuss how Europe is approached, framed, analysed and presented in contemporary historiography – as a centre of power, an unstable danger, a promise of peace and prosperity or a source of cultural identification and belonging?

Bibliography

Karl Schlögel: In Space We Read Time. On the History of Civilization and Geopolitics, New York 2016.
Sebastian Conrad: What is Global History?, Princeton 2016.