070271 SE Seminar (2012W)

The seminar starts with an extensive introduction which lasts until early November. During this period, the students will explore key aspects of the history of the Habsburg Empire in the second half of the 19th century. In addition, they are invited to discuss the work on their BA thesis on an individual basis with me. The oral presentation of their papers will begin in November and last until end of January.
During the five sessions dedicated to the introduction, we will discuss two precirculated papers per session. These sessions should furnish you with an improved knowledge of the research literature and of key narratives; in addition, it will offer you insights into methodology and sources.
The participants in the seminar are expected to produce a brief written reflection on the two texts, which will be discussed in each session. This statement has to be sent via Email before the begin of each session. Alternatively, you could volunteer to moderate the discussion of one of the papers.

Sesison 1: Doomed to Fail? Interpretations of the Habsburg Monarchy between Revolution and World War II
Session 2: Political integration in the age of nationalism
Session 3: Emperor Franz-Joseph as a political actor
Session 4: Production and Consumption
Session 5: The Habsburg Monarchy & the world

The eight sessions after the introduction are scheduled for the presentations of your papers. I have foreseen six thematic blocks: the court and its politics / state and administration / nationalism and patriotism / society and media / politics and parties / foreign policy.
An extensive bibliography, introductory readings (compulsory readings and additional papers), as well as suggested topics for your papers can be found from 1 October on the Moodle page of the seminar.