SPS503 Cultural and Intellectual History of Europe
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Mar 03, 2026
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Social and Political Sciences
Course Objectives
This course analyzes major intellectual developments in Europe within socio-political and historical contexts. The course discusses major philosophers and scholars and analyzing their monumental works.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Richard Tarnas. The Passion of the Western Mind. London: Pimilico Press. 2010.
Additional Literature
Teaching Methods
This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods such as lecturing
Written assignments
Presentations
Reading analysis and group debates.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Introduction | |
| 2 | The Greco-Roman Worldview: The Foundations of Western Civilization | pp. 1-96 |
| 3 | The Christian Worldview: The City of God | pp. 97-178 |
| 4 | The Medieval Worldview: The Scholastic Awakening | pp. 185-214 |
| 5 | The Rebirth of Classical Humanism: Renaissance and Reformation | pp. 225-265 |
| 6 | The Secularization of Knowledge: The Scientific Revolution | pp. 266-291 |
| 7 | MIDTERM EXAM AND ITS PREPARATION | |
| 8 | The Philosophical Revolution | pp. 291-320 |
| 9 | The Triumph of Secularism | pp. 321-348 |
| 10 | The Transformation of Modern Era: Locke, Hume and Kant | pp. 349-381 |
| 11 | The Crisis of Modern Science | pp. 382-394 |
| 12 | Romanticism and Postmodernism | pp. 395-445 |
| 13 | An Assessment of European Intellectual History | pp. 446-474 |
| 14 | Presentations | |
| 15 | COURSE REVISION AND FINAL EXAM PREPARATION |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
Research Paper
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO4 LO5 LO6
Mid-term Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO2 LO5 LO6
Presentation
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO2 LO4 LO6
Participation
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO6 LO2
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
Research Paper
6 hours ⏳ (2 week × 3 h)
Participation
14 hours ⏳ (7 week × 2 h)
Home Study
28 hours ⏳ (14 week × 2 h)
Mid-term exam
17 hours ⏳ (1 week × 17 h)
Final Exam
23 hours ⏳ (1 week × 23 h)
Presentation
20 hours ⏳ (2 week × 10 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [SPS503] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 40 | LO1-LO6 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Research Paper | 1 | 15 | LO4, LO5, LO6 | Not Allowed | |
| Mid-term Exam | 1 | 20 | LO2, LO5, LO6 | Not Allowed | |
| Presentation | 1 | 15 | LO2, LO4, LO6 | Not Allowed | |
| Participation | 1 | 10 | LO6, LO2 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 3 | 14 | 42 | Research Paper | 3 | 2 | 6 | |||
| Participation | 2 | 7 | 14 | Home Study | 2 | 14 | 28 | |||
| Mid-term exam | 17 | 1 | 17 | Final Exam | 23 | 1 | 23 | |||
| Presentation | 10 | 2 | 20 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 27/03/2026 | |||||||||