For over a thousand years the lands of Eastern Europe have been borderlands between two distinct states and societies. During that time they and any state structures which might have emerged have been dependant on whichever state had established itself as dominant. The course will look at the various patterns which appeared and discuss what might be the possibilities of the future. The course will look at the economic and social structures of Eastern Europe over the past two thousand years and relate them to the different political systems which emerged during this time. Themes to be discussed:- The balance between the powers of Central Europe and those further East. The way in state systems emerged in Eastern Europe and the Balkans The various differing social and economic of the ‘Borderlands’.
Course aim
To discuss the past of the various states which have emerged in Eastern Europe and to relate their various fates to the history of their more powerful neighbours
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- analyse how far social and economic factors have affected their state structures
- discuss the relations of the various states in Eastern Europe with the overall European power structure
- demonstrate understanding of the present state of Eastern affairs
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
What else do I need to know?
- All materials will be provided
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
Download full course information sheet







