The course deals with the main historical events of the last two centuries, primarily through a chronological approach. The first half of the course (Weeks 1–6) covers the long nineteenth century and the interwar period; the second half (Weeks 7–12) is devoted to the Second World War, the Cold War, and the contemporary international order. Throughout the semester, the syllabus may be slightly modified.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired a basic knowledge of key historical processes and events of the last two centuries, particularly within Europe. The course also aims to provide the essential tools to analyse and discuss specific historical categories, concepts, ideas, and political and social phenomena – such as nationalism, imperialism, decolonisation, socialism, communism, totalitarianism, and the post-1945 international order.