History 143: Twentieth-Century World History

Spring 2012

 

 

3 units; 3 hours lecture

Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A

Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU, UC

 

Section #2386 - T. TH. 11:15-12:40 PM

Room: SOCS 205

 

Instructor: Dr. Florence M. Baker                               

Office: SOC 116; Phone: (310) 532-3670 x3750

Office Hours: M. and W. 1:00-3:00 PM, T. and TH. 8:30-9:15 AM and by appointment

E-mail: fbaker@elcamino.edu

 

Course web site: www.elcamino.edu/Faculty/fbaker/History22

                                                                                                           

1. Course Description

 

This course is a survey of the political, economic and social development of the world in the twentieth century. It first examines the establishment of the European-dominated world order found at the start of the century. It then deals with the decline of European hegemony as the result of two World Wars as well as the independence movements of Latin America, Africa and Asia. The third part concerns the era of the Cold War and the impact of superpower rivalry on global development. Lastly, it examines the new political world order emerging in the post-Cold War era, the successes and failures of the world’s nations in responding to the globalization of the world’s economies, and the environmental and social challenges that confront us in the twenty-first century.

 

2. Course Overview

 

The purpose of this course is to provide you with the historical knowledge, resources and analytical skills necessary to better understand, appreciate and evaluate contemporary life and current events through an analysis of historical events that have contributed to the development of today’s world. Class materials include lectures, presentations, videos and assigned readings that will provide you with a basic framework of information. We will analyze these secondary sources as well as primary sources such as documents and cultural artifacts through class and group discussion and the writing of essay exams. In examining the past we will strive to identify and understand the broad patterns of human behavior and experience that comprise world history.

 

3. Required Texts

 

William J. Duiker. Contemporary World History. Fifth Edition. 2010.

 

 A Study Guide for this text is available at: http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=9780495572718&token=

Once found book mark the web site.
 

4. Course Objectives

 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Explain the origins, course and settlements of World War I and identify those issues left unresolved in the aftermath of the conflict.
2. Discuss the major ideas of Marx and Engels and analyze the development of these ideas as a revolutionary force in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the People's Republic of China and Cuba.
3. Define the concept of nationalism and explain its significance as a political force in the twentieth century.
4. Discuss the role of nationalism and socialism in the fascist ideologies of Hitler and Mussolini and compare their political regimes to that of Japan in the inter war era.
5. Compare and contrast the origins, course and settlements of World War II to those of World War I.
6. Evaluate the political, economic and social impact of Western Imperialism on the subjugated lands of Africa and Asia.
7. Identify and analyze the various factors that impeded or contributed to the success of local independence movements in Africa and Asia.
8. Discuss the effect of economic dependency on the development of Latin America and evaluate the effectiveness of the various courses of action pursued by Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba in their effort to achieve independence.
9. Explain the development of the Cold War and its impact on the geopolitical development of the world.
10. Identify and evaluate the significance of the various factors that contributed to the dissolution and collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
11. Discuss the major impediments to economic development and political stability faced by post-colonial African and Asian states.
12. Identify and analyze the major obstacles to state formation and economic development in the Middle East.
13. Identify the factors that contributed to Asia's economic resurgence and evaluate its impact on global economic relations.
14. Analyze the legacy of the 20th century in shaping major contemporary issues.

 

5. Student Learning Outcomes

 

Upon completion of Twentieth-Century World History, students will be able to develop and persuasively argue a historical thesis in a written assignment that identifies and explains major social, economic, political and/or cultural historical themes or patterns in the history of the Twentieth-Century World and apply appropriate historical methods to analyze and use primary and/or secondary sources as evidence to support the thesis.

 

6. ADA Statement

 

El Camino College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the timely request by the student to the instructor. A student with a disability, who would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying herself/himself to the instructor and to the Special Resources Center. To make arrangements for academic accommodations, contact the Special Resources Center.