IREb1004 Contemporary History of Europe

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Vladimír Bízik, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Ines Ribas Johnson (lecturer)
Mgr. Viktória Kuba Lichá (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 14:00–15:40 Aula, except Wed 18. 3.
Prerequisites
! IRE104 Contemporary History of Europe && !NOW( IRE104 Contemporary History of Europe )
Being able to read and understand written academic texts in English, being able to follow lecturing, participate in English-language classes, and being able to find and assess academic resources and  write in English with academic aspirations.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the political, societal, and economic history of 20th-century Europe. Within the undergraduate program, it establishes a foundational knowledge base essential for subsequent courses in contemporary European politics and European integration. The curriculum encompasses topics spanning European history from the First World War to the dissolution of Soviet control in Central and Eastern Europe. While emphasizing post-World War II political history, the course maintains a balanced perspective on both Western liberal democracies and East-Central European communist states. The course methodology integrates traditional political history, focusing on key historical events, with a social sciences approach that examines long-term and medium-term economic and social historical processes through comparative analysis.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of 20th-century European history
  2. Understand the interrelationships between political, economic, and social-historical processes
  3. Compare and contrast the political development trajectories of post-war Western and East-Central Europe
  4. Evaluate how 20th-century historical developments influence contemporary European politics
  5. Critically analyze and interpret secondary historical sources
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in academic argumentation and writing
Key topics
  • 1) What is Europe and What is Contemporary History
  • 2) European Path to Modernity
  • 3) Ups and Downs of European Politics in the Period Between the Two World Wars
  • 4) Totalitarianism and the Second World War
  • 5) “Zero Hour” and the Division of Europe
  • 6) Rebuilding Western Europe: The Post-war Period
  • 7) Emerging Socialist Regimes in Central and Eastern Europe
  • 8) Western Europe in the Period of Troubles
  • 9) Emerging Neo-Liberal Western Europe
  • 10) Crises of Socialist Regimes Before and After 1968
  • 11) Transition to Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
Study resources and literature
    required literature
  • ROTHSCHILD, Joseph. Return to diversity : a political history of East Central Europe since World War II. Edited by Nancy M. Wingfield. 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008, xii, 274. ISBN 9780195334753. info
  • WEGS, J. Robert and Robert LADRECH. Europe since 1945 : a concise history. 5th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2006, xvi, 343. ISBN 1403917906. info
  • JUDT, Tony. Postwar : a history of Europe since 1945. 1st pub. New York: Penguin Press, 2005, xv, 878. ISBN 1594200653. info
  • MAZOWER, Mark. Dark continent : Europe's twentieth century. First Vintage Books edition. New York: Vintage Books, a division of Random House, Inc., 2000, xvi, 487. ISBN 067975704X. info
  • DAVIES, Norman. Europe : a history. Repr. with corr. London: Pimlico, 1997, xix, 1365. ISBN 0712666338. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching

Lectures, assigned required readings, academic research task, writing an argumentative essay, and optional in-class quizzes.

Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements

The course is assessed based on three graded components and one prerequisite:

  • Academic Research: Pass/Fail (prerequisite for essay submission and final examination)
  • Essay: Max 40 points
  • Final Examination: Max 60 points
  • In-Class Quizzes: Up to 15 bonus points

To pass, students must complete the Academic Research task and achieve a total of at least 60 core points.

Grading Scale:

  • A: 96+ points
  • B: 87–95 points
  • C: 78–86 points
  • D: 69–77 points
  • E: 60–68 points
  • F: Below 60 points
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: This course is not available for exchange students.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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