SCHEDULE AND NOTES

Topic 1: Diplomatic Disaster at Yalta

Topic 2: The 1940s

Topic 3: The 1950s

Topic 4: Coldest War

Topic 5: Arms Race, Space Race

Topic 6: The 1960s

Topic 7: The 1970s

Topic 8: Israel, Viet Nam, the Third World

Topic 9: The 1980s

FILMS

"Dr. Strangelove"

"Forrest Gump"

"From a Far Country"

WEB

Later 20th Century Literature

ASSIGNMENTS

6,000 word 'Amundsen Rule' Paper, Topical Reader Responses (5)

DESCRIPTION

The USA and the USSR created a bi-polar world which replaced high imperialism at the end of WWII. This system, one of ideology, brought a new ideological system to the West, and left problems to exacerbate at home and abroad. However, the period saw great technological advances and the seeds for renewal sown, if not yet harvested. This course includes a 6,000 word writing requirement. A grade of 2 or higher must be attained. 18 class hours.

READING LIST

Kennan, George, 'Memoirs'.

Brzezinski, Zbigniew, "The Grand Failure".

Asimov, Isaac, 'Chronology of the World'.

OBJECTIVES

• Learn as much as possible about the history of our civilization and your place within it
• Spread your understanding to other people who would otherwise never encounter it
• Begin to see the world around you as a place you can make a difference in

GRADING

Reader Responses (5): 25%, Midterm: 25%, Research Paper: 25%, Final: 25%.