This course will address some of the most important and controversial topics in Twentieth Century Western European History. The focus of the readings is on the first half of the twentieth century and on Germany, Britain, France, Russia/USSR and Italy. (Research papers can focus on these countries or on others if you like--Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, etc., provided I approve the topic. Thematic topics are also acceptable--imperialism, the welfare state, political history, etc.).  Subjects will range from social, cultural, political, economic and military history.  The course will acquaint students with a few of the older 'classics' in Western European historiography. In addition, we will look at some of the most innovative recent literature.
