We live in a time when the direction the development of human societies is taking seems less certain than it used to. As authoritarianism, protectionism, and social tensions and military conflicts spread, many feel that the world is at a historical juncture. There are heated polemics around a number of fundamental questions of global significance. Does the expansion of individual rights inevitably cause social injustice? Is economic growth necessary? Is free trade good? Does immigration threaten the integrity of nations? Should capitalism be defended or ended? Should climate change make us look at history differently? Is there anything good about colonialism? Many of these debates have their roots in earlier historical periods. Often, they are mirrored in disagreements among historians about the causes and consequences of historical processes. This course brings historical debates (in both senses of the term) to bear on our understanding of some of today?s key global questions.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.