This class surveys the social, cultural, political, intellectual, and religious history of Europe since 1500, including the Reformation, the Dutch Republic, 18th-century Enlightenment and absolutism, the French Revolution, 19th-century imperialism and industrialization, the Russian Revolution, the two World Wars, and decolonization. Social, gender, and intellectual topics will be stressed. Students earn 4 credits during two weeks of intensive class meetings, June 23 to July 3, 2014. Students enrolled for 6 or 8 credits will then have the remainder of the summer session to research and write essays, with faculty guidance.  This is a companion class to "Art Since 1500."