070626 VO Austrian History from a Global Perspective (2008S)

This lecture course will discuss the historical traditions, representations and legacies of present day Austria. Lecture topics will be presented from a perspective which asks for the global meaning and the global conditions of local developments.

Lectures on: Roman Austria, Barbarian Austria, Medieval Frontier Austria (Ostarrichi), AEIOU World Empire, Colonial Aspirations, Continental Expansion, Multicultural Empire, The Republican Awakening, Ostmark in the German Reich, The Neutral Bridge, EU-Membership.

Common themes:
Where is Austria - Territorial Acquisition and Population
Who is Austria - Dynasties, Ruling Classes, Political Representation, Political Participation
Austria from Inside - Internal Features
Austria in the World - International Relations
Made in Austria - Economic Performance
Donau so blau - Culture
Crossing Borders - Migration
Key Elements for a Global Perspective.

Keywords: Bridge or Frontier - Encounter of Cultures or Western Bulwark - Multiple Identities - Competing Imperial Formations (Holy Roman Empire - Habsburg Monarchy) - Competing Notions of Austria - Austria's Role in the World-System - Austria as a world economy etc.

The lecture course is in a first place conceived for non-Austrian students. In a second place it addresses Austrian students of (global) history by making Austria a field of global history. The lecture course will contain two half day excursions.

Requirements: Regular attendance, active participation; Written Examination.