Course Synopsis:
The course will cover major people, events, ideas, patterns and processes of the 20th century. It will identify modern ideologies and then go on to cover topics in a thematic and chronological way. Some topics include: World War I, major revolutions (China, Russia, Mexico), fascism around the globe, World War II, Gandhi, Rastafarianism, reggae and decolonization, 1968 student protests, genocides, the idea of human rights, apartheid in South Africa, and many others.
Learning Outcomes:
After successful completion of this course, an assiduous student will have learned to:
- understand the major trends in the global history of the 20th century;
- recognize that specific events are dependent on their social, cultural, and historical context and cannot be understood outside of them;
- recognize the ways in which historical events impact current events;
- engage with the central issues, methods, and practices of history as a discipline;
- develop skills in critical reading, writing, and thinking;
- develop skills in library research and critical evaluation of information.
Method of Evaluation and Weights:
Research bibliography assignment 15%
Short weekly reading quiz online (best 8 of 10 will count) - 24%
Midterm Exam - 15%
Document Analysis (3-4 pages) -20%
Final Exam - 26%
Total -100%
Texts Required:
- Keylor, Bannister, and Kinney, Twentieth Century World: An International History
- T. Kinney, ed., Conflict and Cooperation: Documents on Modern Global History, 4th Ed.
Please note: This is a preliminary website 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.
