Course Synopsis:

This course introduces key themes and ideas in the history of the modern world, with a primary focus on twentieth-century Europe and its interaction with other countries and continents. Topics covered will include: the First and Second World Wars; the Cold War; decolonization and Third World revolutions; the rise and fall of fascism and communism; and the Holocaust and other (less widely documented) twentieth century genocides. Although the main focus of the course will be on political events, students will also be introduced to a variety of social, economic, and cultural themes – and will in the course of the semester encounter a diverse range of individuals from Hitler and Stalin to Che Guevara and The Beatles.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

In-class mid-term exam: 20%
Take-home written assignments (2): 50% (worth 25% each)
In-class final examination: 30%

Texts required:

Findley, Carter and John Rothney, Twentieth Century World (7th edn.) (Houghton Mifflin, 2011).
Overfield, James, Sources of Global History Since 1900 (Wadsworth, 2012).

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.