The Cold War

HIST 211/3.0

How to Apply

Overview

The course explores the origins and changing nature of the conflict between postwar superpowers, as well as its outcome and lasting impact on global affairs. The Cold War is viewed not only from the Western perspective, but also from the Soviet perspective and from a variety of global perspectives. The course will focus on major geopolitical, ideological, economic, military, and cultural factors that shaped the Cold War as well as on specific individuals, their mindsets, interactions, and critical choices. Students will have an opportunity to formulate and discuss major historical questions, but also experience Cold War history through a variety of primary sources and multi-media tools.

Learning Outcomes

After completing HIST 211, students should be able to:

  1. Identify and describe issues and problems of Cold War history in their historical context.
  2. Articulate, summarize, and discuss historical problems.
  3. Develop a more nuanced and analytical way of thinking about the history of modern conflict in relation to the Cold War.
  4. Develop and polish research and writing skills in a research paper format.
  5. Develop in-depth analysis of primary historical sources.
  6. Demonstrate a broader knowledge of relevant Cold War scholarship.

Terms

Fall 2024
Course Dates
–
Delivery Mode
Online

Evaluation

20% - Online Tutorial Discussions
30% - Content Quizzes(2)
10% - Group Project
20% - Essay 
20% - Take-Home Final Exam*

**Evaluation Subject to Change**

Live Sessions

This course has required and optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities). Please consult the Timeline in the first week of class.

Textbook and Materials

ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at  to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

Required Texts

  • John Lewis Gaddis. The Cold War: A New History (New York: The Penguin Press, 2005).
  • Thomas Paterson and Dennis Merrill, eds. Major Problems in American Foreign Relations, vol. II., 7th edition (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 2010).

Additional historical documents will be assigned online.

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) on study/practice and online activity for this course.