HIST 257 - 21st Century World: Global History & Issues since 1900

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours: [Reading Level 3 ]

This course presents a global view of the profound transformation of political, economic and international relations under the impact of the major wars and revolutions of this century. It stresses interactions between states and people, ideological and revolutionary conflicts, the evolution of the global balance of great powers and economic development and global inequality.

In addition, a significant theme of this course focuses on global interdependence–emphasiszing global patterns of integration while examining issues and events, not as isolated occurences, but in terms of their global linkages. In doing so, a more balanced treatment of developed and developing countries is the goal.
OFFERED: odd-year spring semesters

Suggested textbook(s); either –Crossley, et. al., Global Society: The World Since 1900. 3rd ed. Wadsworth, 2013. OR – Best, et. al. International History of the 20th Century and Beyond. 3rd ed. Routledge, 2015.

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Demonstrate a working knowledge of the significant global events, personalities, issues, conflicts, movements, revolutions, & technological, social, economic developments since the turn of the 20th Century.

Recognize the location of nation states.
Recognize the themes of global interrelatedness, identity & diversity, mass society, and the impact of technology and human activity on the environment.
Identify historical examples of imperialism since the late 19th century.
Evaluate the impact and significance of the World Wars.
Appraise the influence of major political and economic ideologies on global developments in the last century.
Compare and contrast historical and contemporary independence movements around the world.
Recognize the legacy of the Cold War.
Assess the rise of autocracy, ultra-nationalism, repression and their contribution to marginalization of peoples and the global refugee crisis.
Examine the economic development struggles and successes in various regions of the world.
Assess the prospects for peace in the 21st Century.

Goal 2: Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Concatenate the various international trends and developments of the last 120 years and evaluate how they contribute to our contemporary world.
Manifest comprehension of key aspects of international history on maps, quizzes, exams, papers, & presentations.

Goal 3: Demonstrate written communication skills.

Write a logical, coherent, critical essay, book report, or term paper.
Take and use class notes and outlines effectively.

Goal 4: Demonstrate oral communication skills.

Exchange viewpoints in a small group setting and arrive at consensus in response to critical thinking issues and problems.
Present material to the class in a clear coherent, useful and meaningful manner.

Goal 5: Demonstrate the interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills needed in the workplace.

Employ effective written and oral communication in group settings to organize information, concatenate different perspectives, compromise, and arrive at a working consensus.
Meet deadlines.