Contemporary Universal History (High School)

Contemporary history is the foundation from which to begin the study of political science and sociology, as it provides a series of developing concepts and allows for the analysis of recent historical processes that allow us to gain insight into current societies and political organizations. The student's education in history not only focuses on the acquisition of specific knowledge; this study is also necessary because it allows the student to acquire intellectual habits such as the ability to synthesize and critique. These skills are essential for understanding and interpreting the past in general and, in particular, the social, political, economic, and cultural behaviors of different social groups. This subject will allow students to learn to critically analyze historical documents of various kinds, understanding the motivations of their creators, the specific interests that drive them, and their historical significance. It will also allow students to apply the historian's methods of analyzing the past to current problems. This will contribute to offering a broad perspective on our past, fostering the development of a critical mindset, and deepening the study of the evolution and problems of contemporary societies, without which it is impossible to understand today's society.

K1: To know the principles and values of democracy and sustainable development, in particular, respect for human rights and fundamental rights, gender equality and non-discrimination, the principles of universal accessibility and climate change. K2: To know of basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. K3: To know the social and political processes and institutions of each area of knowledge K5: To know the basic components of cultural differences and social inequalities. K7: To understand the relationships between population, resources, environment and socio-demographic structure K9: Understand and synthesize the plurality of approaches and concepts of the subdisciplines linked to sociology. S1: To know of basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. S2: Use information interpreting relevant data avoiding plagiarism, and in accordance with the academic and professional conventions of the area of study, being able to assess the reliability and quality of such information. S3: Identify and apply interpersonal skills on responsibility, negotiation and emotional intelligence. S4: Demonstrate good communication and ability to work in multidisciplinary and international environments. S5: Develop personal autonomy in the work and professional sphere in order to identify one's own learning needs. S6: Compose and write speeches following a logical order, providing accurate information and in accordance with the different established standards. S7: Apply the knowledge acquired to identify the sociological perspective in the analysis of social, political and economic processes. S9: Be able to formulate, debate and defend critical reasoning, using precise terminology of the discipline and methodologies of the discipline. S10: Be able to manage, identify, gather and interpret relevant information on the economic, political and social field of teaching and research. C1: Know and be able to handle interpersonal skills on initiative, responsibility, conflict resolution, negotiation, etc., which are required in a professional environment.

BLOCK I - THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAPITALIST MODEL (1750-1848) Topic 1. The Crisis of the Ancien Régime Topic 2. The Transformations of Industrialization Topic 3. The Atlantic Revolutions and the Creation of Bourgeois Society BLOCK II - CAPITALISM AND IMPERIALISM (1848-1918) Topic 4. Nationalism and Demographic and Social Transformations Topic 5. Birth and Consolidation of the Labor Movement Topic 6. Social and Political Results of the Second Industrialization Topic 7. Colonialism and Imperialism Topic 8. States and Conflicts: The Great War BLOCK III. THE CRISIS OF LIBERALISM AND ITS SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES (1919-1945) Topic 9. The Soviet Revolution and its Influence Topic 10. The Birth of Mass Society Topic 11. The Great Depression Topic 12. Fascism Topic 13. The Second World War and its Sociopolitical Consequences BLOCK IV. TOWARDS THE CURRENT WORLD Topic 14. The Bipolar World and its Social Models Topic 15. The Underdeveloped World Topic 16. Welfare States: Crises and Transformations Topic 17. Neoliberalism and its Social Consequences

In the lectures, students will explore basic knowledge of contemporary history, offering historiographical debates, general reflections, and in-depth analysis of the most significant processes. In the practical section, the professor will provide period documents: texts, works of art, posters, photographs, documentaries, etc., along with other materials such as readings, news reports, films, and debates. These materials will allow students to complete various written and oral exercises, both inside and outside the classroom. These exercises will encourage in-depth study of particularly relevant processes and aspects of contemporary social history and delve into various topics of interest for understanding the past and its relationship to the political, social, economic, and cultural phenomena of the present. The practical exercises will require various readings and analytical exercises to delve deeper into the proposed topics. Lectures and practical exercises will occasionally be combined when especially appropriate. In some of the practical classes, various readings and sources on the topics studied will be provided. These will be required reading for all students. Some students may also be assigned to prepare an analysis of the topics for presentation in class and subsequent general discussion. Students will have two hours of weekly tutoring, either individually or in groups.