Ottoman Empire and the Balkans

Catalog description

This course is divided into two parts. Part one examines the rise, zenith, and gradual disintegration of the Ottoman Empire, one of the greatest, most extensive, and long lasting empires in history, with special focus on the southeastern projection of Europe, known as the Balkan Peninsula. The second half of the course concentrates on Balkan history proper, from the First World War until the demise of communist regimes in the late 1980s. Lastly, we will consider contemporary developments, especially the breakup of Yugoslavia and its aftermath.This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Global Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.