Download The World in the Twentieth Century Spring Semester 2014

Course Syllabus: The World in the Twentieth Century Spring Semester 2014 Office Hours: M‐F 10am‐noon or by appointment Instructor: Dr. Kitty Lam Office: A126 Phone: 5067 E‐mail: [email protected] Moodle: https://courses.imsa.edu/course/view.php?id=757 (World in the 20th Century Spring 2014 – Lam) Turnitin Class ID: 7482731 Turnitin Password: Stalin Meeting Times: Section 6: AC Days, 11‐13 Mods (12:10‐1:20pm) Room A112 Section 9: AC Days, 16‐18 Mods (2:15‐3:25pm) Room A115 Section 3: BD Days, 3‐5 Mods (8:20‐9:30am) Room A115 Section 10: BD Days, 18‐20 Mods (3:05‐4:15pm) Room A112 Course Description: The intention of this course is to examine several major thematic topics in World History during the long
Twentieth Century. This broad array of possible topic ideas include modern ideologies, imperialism and
nationalism, war and peace, decolonization and the Cold War. Emphasis will be placed on student research and
investigative work. Further, students will be pushed to think critically about the historical events and ideas and
determine the causes or constructs that led to the present. Assessment will rely on class participation, papers and
projects. Finally, in pursuing this path, we will be meeting the Content Standards for World Studies as developed
at IMSA.
Course Objectives: 1. To create an educational setting that is conducive to the free exchange of ideas and information. This will
not only facilitate the student’s understanding of the material, but will create a better all-around thinker.
The same will apply to the development of written and research skills.
2. For the student to understand the numerous forces that have contributed to the creation of the Modern
World, whether directly or indirectly.
3. Where possible, for the student to identify recurring themes in history and examine them.
4. For the student to develop skills as a historian through the analysis and evaluation of historical material.
5. For the student to look at the topics presented from multiple viewpoints.
Instructional Design and Approach In the introduction to the first edition of the Cambridge Modern History, Lord Acton admonishes his fellow
historians to “Study problems not eras.” The history team has always taken that dictum to heart (even if not in
honor of the good Lord Acton). That our curriculum is problem centered is reflected in the extensive use of
primary sources and the tasks of interpreting them. That we study problems not eras is further reflected in the
team’s core conceptual standards, in the reading assignments and frequent in-class discussions. Everything has a
history and so by its very nature this course will be integrative. This iteration of the course proceeds
chronologically and thematically.
Texts and Materials World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO Online Reference (linked to Moodle)
World Geography, ABC-CLIO Online Reference (linked to Moodle)
Communist Manifesto (Required)
Edward H. Judged and John W. Langdon, ed. The Cold War: A Global History with Documents (Required)
J.M. Roberts, Twentieth Century: The History of the World, 1901-2000. (Optional)
Additional articles and handouts on Moodle
Course Content and Schedule: Note: A more detailed schedule of lessons, weekly reading and homework assignments will be posted on Moodle
on a week-by-week basis.
Unit I: Foundations of Modern Ideas (Weeks 1‐4)  The Enlightenment, Modern Science and Darwin
 The French Revolution
 The Industrial Revolution
 Capitalism, Socialism and Marxism
Short Writing Assignment #1: “Idea of the Modern” Diagnostic Paper (Due 1/31)
Unit II: Imperialism, Nationalism and War (Weeks 4‐7)  Explorations I: European Empires and the Legacy of Colonialism
o Options: British Empire in India OR France in Algeria
 Birth of the Modern Nation
 Alliances, Conflict and Tragedy: The First World War
Short Writing Assignment #2: Imperialism Primary Source Analysis (Due 2/24)
Unit III: Path to Armageddon (Weeks 7‐12)  Revolution and a New World Order
 Totalitarianism vs. Parliamentary Democracy
 Alliances, Conflict and Tragedy II: The Second World War
Short Writing Assignment #3: Totalitarian Propaganda Annotated Powerpoint (Due 3/21)
World to 1945 Research Paper, 6 pages (Due 4/11)
Unit IV: Decolonization and the Cold War (Weeks 13‐17)  Decolonization: The Case of India
 Origins of Global Confrontation: 1945-61
 Apocalypse Now: Cold War Crises from 1961-72
 Détente and Collapse of the Bipolar World: 1972-91
 Explorations II: Cold War and Decolonization Regional Variations
o Options: Africa OR the Middle East
Short Writing Assignment #4: Cold War Annotated Timeline (Due 5/7)
Unit V: Armageddon Averted? The Post‐Cold War World (Weeks 17‐19)  Group research presentations on world events since 1989
Assessments: Short Writing Assignments
Research Paper: World to 1945 (6 pages)
Group Research Presentation
Participation and Self-Assessment
Discussion Forum Posts
Quizzes
30%
15%
10%
15%
15%
15%
Detailed instructions for each assessment will be posted on Moodle.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND CODE OF CONDUCT 1/ ACADEMIC INTEGRITY In a culture where the value of ideas is rarely in their value for their own sake, it is crucial to appreciate them at an
institution that thrives on developing new ones. All of the work you turn in for this course should be your own.
Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams in their book The Craft of Research, 2d
ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003) explain:
“You plagiarize when, intentionally or not, you use someone else’s words or ideas but fail to credit
that person. . . . You plagiarize even when you do credit the source but use its exact words without
using quotation marks or block indentation. . . .You [also] plagiarize when you paraphrase a source
so closely that anyone putting your work next to it would see that you could not have written what
you did without the source at your elbow.”
Claiming as your own the work of others, in whole or in part, will result in an immediate failure for the
assignment and referral to Keith McIntosh for disciplinary action, which can include dismissal from IMSA. See
the IMSA Student Handbook for specific details and be sure to refer to the Chicago Style Guide for IMSA
Students (http://staff.imsa.edu/socsci/chicagostyle/) for written assignments.
2/ ATTENDANCE Attendance is mandatory (as per Student Handbook). Any unexcused absence will result in “no credit” in
participation for that class period. Anyone late up to 10 minutes will receive a “tardy” report and after 10
minutes, an “absent” one. If you have a good reason for being more than 10 minutes late, come to class and we
can discuss it after the period, but never during. If you do not have a good excuse, be honest. You are responsible
for getting notes/announcements from a classmate for missed classes regardless of the reason for your absence.
3/ PARTICIPATION Each student must actively participate in all classroom activities. These activities include general discussion,
small group work, and individual research assigned during class time. Please ensure that you stay on task, and
keep your comments germane to class discussion.
3/ REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS i.
Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances such as severe illness and family emergencies.
Computer malfunction and Internet connection problems are not appropriate excuses. It is your
responsibility to back up your files and make alternative arrangements for completing assignments.
ii.
If you will be absent from IMSA for official activities on a due date and anticipate difficulties submitting
your assignment, please see me ahead of time to make alternative arrangements.
iii.
Extension requests must be made prior to the deadline (in person, if possible). State your reasons and the
length of the extension requested. Extensions are granted based on my discretion and are not guaranteed.
4/ ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION PROCEDURES AND LATE PENALTIES Please adhere to individual assignment submission guidelines listed in assignment instruction sheets. You are
responsible for making sure that electronic submissions are properly submitted on time. Late penalties are listed in
the guidelines/instructions for each assignment.
5/ APPEAL OF GRADES
i.
You may appeal grades you receive on written assignments only.
ii.
A request must be submitted to me in writing (hard copy). The request should
a. explain in detail why you think your grade should be changed,
b. refer specifically to comments I made on your assignment,
c. accompany the original graded assignment.
iii.
Once I have accepted your appeal and reviewed your assignment, my decision is final.
iv.
If you only require clarification on a comment I made (ie. “What did you mean by ‘provide more
analysis?’” but not “Why didn’t I get 100%?”), a formal written request is not required. I would be happy
to discuss your work with you during office hours (not via e-mail) on two conditions:
a. you have already read my comments on your work, and
b. you bring the original graded assignment with you to office hours.
6/ COURSE MATERIALS i.
Bring a copy of all assigned readings to class. You may read the assignments from your laptop/tablet if
the readings are available electronically.
ii.
Bring paper and a pen/pencil to class. I will occasionally assign short in-class assignments that require
submitting handwritten responses on a sheet of paper.
7/ CLASSROOM CONDUCT i.
You are expected to behave in a civilized and scholarly fashion toward your peers. Respect will be shown
for those speaking and in addressing differences.
ii.
Cell phones, or any other annoying electronic gadgets that produce noise must be switched off or set to
“silent mode”. If your phone or device goes off during class, I will take it, and you can get it from me the
following day, in my office.
iii.
I will deduct points from your participation grade if I find that your behavior is too disruptive. Disruptive
behavior includes but is not exclusive to texting or any form instant messaging, carrying on private
conversations, sleeping, and doing work not related to the course.
8/ E‐MAIL AND NETIQUETTE i.
Use standard “business English” when sending me e-mails. A proper e-mail should have a subject line, a
salutation (“Hello Dr. Lam, Dear Dr. Lam, etc.”), full sentences, and your name at end of the message.
ii.
I will occasionally use e-mail to communicate important announcements and updates. The following are
appropriate situations for sending me e-mails:
a. asking for simple clarification about administrative issues or assignment instructions,
b. asking for simple clarification about concepts covered in lectures or readings,
c. setting up appointments outside of my normal office hours,
d. occasionally requesting extensions or make-up quizzes (depending on individual circumstances).
When possible, please see me in person to make these requests.
iii.
E-mail is not to be used for asking about or appealing your grades, or submitting assignment drafts for me
to review. Keep in mind that all e-mail correspondence with me will become a part of your student record
iv.
Please allow me at least 24 hours to respond to your e-mails.
v.
Similar standards for posting on the course Moodle discussion forum apply. Please write in complete
sentences and paragraphs, and be respectful of your classmates when writing forum posts. For more on
netiquette, see http://www.dce.k-state.edu/students/services/netiquette
9/ USE OF COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONIC LEARNING TOOLS i.
You may bring laptops, tablets, etc. to class for note-taking and/or writing in-class assignments. By
bringing such devices to class, you consent to their use as public resources. This means that I can ask
another student to look at your computer screen at any point during class time. You must also put away
these devices when asked to do so, even if you normally use them for note-taking.
10/ OFFICE HOURS i.
Please visit as often as you wish to discuss any issues related to the course.
ii.
Prior notification is not necessary if you plan to visit during my regular office hours.
iii.
To set up an appointment outside my regularly scheduled office hours, please tell me your first, second
and third preferences for a meeting time (verbally or via e-mail).