The course explores the relevance of size in shaping historical experience. Using the examples of Belgium, Estonia, Ireland and Slovakia, it traces the history of these small nations from their emergence out of larger unions or empires to their experiences as small independent states. Students will spend one week on-site in one of these small nations and explore a range of themes by means of presentations, groupwork and visits to cultural institutions. No prior knowledge of the history of these countries is required.
About the course
Content
The course is designed to provide comparative historical perspectives on the role of small nations in European history. Researchers of four case study countries – Ireland, Estonia, Belgium and Slovakia – will encourage the students to explore a variety of aspects that have had an impact on the historical developments of small countries in Europe. The students will first read through introductory material on the four case study countries and engage in group task. The on-site week will include a number of lectures, seminars and visits. The students will work together in multinational groups towards a presentation and later reflect individually about the insight gained.
Topics include:
- Definition and characteristics of a small nation;
- Paths of small nations to statehood;
- Socio-economic transformations in small nations;
- Role of small nations in global imperialism before and after independence;
- Drawing the borders of small states and policies towards ethnic minorities;
- Immigrants and diasporas.
Learning outcomes
After the course, students will be able to:
- Describe and analyse the peculiarities of small nations;
- Describe and analyse the main historical events and processes in the four nations in the modern period;
- Describe and appreciate the similarities and differences between the four nations under consideration;
- Collaborate effectively within a diverse team on research about an aspect of small nations and communicate the results to peers.
Programme
Online pre-part: consists of two meetings, first group assignment, preliminary readings. Meetings are tentatively planned for 8 Sep 2025; 29 Sep 2025 (to be confirmed).
Onsite part:
Mon: Welcome, introductory seminar; Session 1
Tue: Session 2 and 3
Wed: Session 4 and Field Trip
Thu: Session 5 and Field Trip to the Estonian National Museum
Fri: Session 6 and presentations
Online afterpart: consists of additional reading, group feedback session, and reflective essay. Feedback session is tentatively planned for 27 Oct 2025 (to be confirmed).
Deadline for essay 31 Oct 2025
Assessment
Assessment consists of 3 parts:
- Preparation, first group assignment 20 %
- Participation and group work presentation 30 %
- Final essay (approx. 2000 words) 50 % (deadline 31 Oct 2025)
Transcript of Records will be provided by 30 Nov 2025 by University of Tartu.
Lecturers
- Dr. Róisín Healy (University of Galway)
- Dr. Gearóid Barry (University of Galway)
- Shauna Mulligan (University of Galway)
- Prof. Juraj Buzalka (Comenius University, Bratislava)
- Prof. Juraj Podoba (Comenius University, Bratislava)
- Matej Butko (Comenius University, Bratislava)
- Prof. Christophe Verbruggen (Ghent University)
- Prof. Antoon Vrints (Ghent University)
- Dr. Janet Laidla (University of Tartu)
- Prof. Olaf Mertelsmann (University of Tartu)
Course dates
Onsite period: 6 - 10 Oct 2025 in Tartu
Online period: 1 Sep - 15 Nov 2025. Sessions are tentatively planned on: 8 Sep, 29 Sep, 27 Oct 2025 at 2pm GMT/3pm CET/ 4pm EET (to be confirmed).
How to apply?
Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. Students will be selected at each of these universities separately. Students interested in the course need to apply via their home university. They should contact their faculty or programme to verify whether it can fit in their curriculum and to ensure academic recognition of the credits obtained. The home university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible, and then send these names to the host institution. Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place, if other universities do not use all their allocated places.
Please select your home university below and contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information.
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern: Application instructions for students at the University of Bern
- University of Bordeaux:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Galway:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ghent University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (see information about BIP's) - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Tartu: Application instructions for students at the University of Tartu
- Uppsala University: Application instructions for students at Uppsala University.
Contact
Janet Laidla,