HIST 231 World in the 20th Century
This class will examine political, economic, social, and cultural developments on a global scale from World War I to the 9/11 attacks. Topics will include the origins and aftermath of two world wars; the birth of mass movements, society, and consumerism; the crisis of democracy and the rise of communism and fascism as a response to economic depression; the emergence of the superpowers and resulting Cold War; modernization, conflicts, and revolutions in in Africa, Asia, Latin America; and the rise of religious fundamentalism at the end of the century.
In addition to providing the "who, what, when, and where" of twentieth-century history, this course will challenge students to explore why history matters by having them engage in a hands-on approach to historical study. Students will use primary sources (letters, period newspapers, photographs, political cartoons, sound recordings, period movies, etc.) to understand the significance of major historical events and their impact on the ordinary men and women who experienced them.