220110 Introduction into the history of state socialist Eastern Europe: A global perspective (S+GSH) (WiSe 2025/2026)

The course has a twofold aim that is reflected in the proposed structure of classes. On the one hand, it provides a chronological overview of Cold War history in state socialist Eastern Europe, a region that experienced an increasing global interconnectedness along the East-West and East-South axes. The class will explore these entanglements as well. On the other hand, it offers a selection of themes, each connected to key characteristics of state socialism in the region and beyond. This expansive geography allows for including case studies related to state socialisms outside of Eastern Europe. In an attempt to challenge the Soviet (Moscow)-centeredness of much of the literature, the case studies concern mostly East Central and Southeastern Europe and the peripheries of the Soviet Union.
Successful completion of this course enables the students to identify key characteristics of state socialism in Eastern Europe, while developing a sensitivity towards the multitude of local variations and potentially different “national” chronologies. Furthermore, students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and learning objectives will be able to connect regional state socialist legacies relevant to their respective fields and acquire the necessary skills to historicize contemporary policies.

Semester outline:

1. Introduction. Conceptual overview
2. The Soviet model arrives to Eastern Europe
3. Stalinisms
4. The early Cold War years: division and paranoia
5. Revolts and de-Stalinization
6. Decolonization and Communism
7. The global 1968
8. Perestroika and transitions
9. Discussion week
10. State socialism as modernization
11. Ideas that did not wither away: nationalism and religion
12. Communism and Gender
13. State socialist economies and consumption
14. Intellectuals and state socialism
15. Remembering Communism. Closing discussion

Requirements for participation, required level

This is an introductory class - no previous knowledge is necessary.