The cities of Central Europe, and most notably those of the Habsburg Empire, were at the forefront of Europe’s cultural, artistic and intellectual development until the outbreak of the Second World War. Moreover, these cities remain living monuments to the achievements of European culture to the present day. These cities also represent some of the darker aspects of European history. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the history of Central Europe, the complex historical role of central European cities, their interaction with imperial and then national cultures, economies and societies, and their importance in creating modern nation states.

Offered in summer only as part of the Summer Abroad Program.