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The central aim is to analyse academic discussions within a body of knowledge in preparing an individual research project. Students learn to pose their own research questions, conduct research in libraries or archives, explore apposite methodologies, and develop an independent research project. The focus of the seminar is on individual research and writing. Students will learn to apply global and transnational perspectives to address the question of how the concept of European civilisation has been constructed and debated from the late eighteenth century to the present. This course will apply and evaluate new research methodologies (including so-called 'digital humanities') that have been developed in ongoing research projects in transnational cultural history.
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This course explores the influential yet elusive concept of European civilisation. In current debates Europe is often characterised by way of an accumulation of cultural heritage, a measurable set of shared cultural values, a common identity, a core ideal. At the same time, the idea itself of a shared civilisation is contested. Isn’t the very concept of civilisation based on essentialism, exceptionalism, and the exclusion of 'others'? We will address this theme from both theoretical and historical perspectives. How to define Europe while taking into account its linguistic, religious, and ethnic diversity? How to reconcile the centrifugal realities of migration and knowledge exchange with the idea of civilisation? The cultural history of Europe has been one of cross-border influences and multiple images. Which characteristics have been said to be distinctly European, rather than American, Chinese, or African? What has Europe had in common with the rest of the world? How have Europe’s geographical borders been defined, given (or in spite of) its varied cultural heritage? Have Europeans actually shared such historical values as equality, secularism, and solidarity?
The aim of this course is not to provide definitive answers, but to look at the way cultural historians can address this topical issue.
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