HISTORY COURSE OFFERINGS SPRING 2019 FIRST MAN ON THE MOON NEIL ARMSTRONG JULY 20, 1969 50 YEARS AGO BENTLEY UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS HI 200-001 Making of Our Contemp. World.... 2 HI 200-002/-003 Making of Our Contemp. World... 3 HI 264-001/-002 History of China... 4 HI 265-001 History of Japan... 5 HI 280-001 Caribbean: Past, Present and Future... 6 HI 304-001 History of Espionage... 7 HI 305-001 Arts and Society... 8 HI 314-001/-002 History of the World Economy... 9 HI 316-001 Women and Gender in South Asia... 10 HI 317-001 South Asian Religions... 11 HI 334-001 The Soviet Union and After... 12 HI 343-001 Modern US History 1920-Present... 13 HI 344-001/-002 Constitutional History of the US... 14 HI 347-001 Work and the American Worker... 15 HI 371-001 Baseball as American History... 16 HI 372-001/-002 History of Boston... 17 HI 383-001/-002 World War II... 18 HI 392-H01 Nazi Germany... 19 HI 395-001 Israeli Palestinian Crisis... 20 LSM... 21 History Minor... 22 1 P a g e
HI 200-001 THE MAKING OF OUR CONTEMPORARY WORLD INSTRUCTOR: VEESER, C. This section of HI 200 asks why a century of great progress was also a time of exceptional violence. Rather than using a textbook, students work with packets of primary sources (photographs, statistics, political cartoons, newspaper articles, etc.) to construct their own history of the 20 th century. Assessment: 3 response papers to primary source packets; 2 short papers based on assigned novels; and a country report on an issue in a less-developed country explored through an online newspaper. BLOCK 5 T/F 9:30 A.M. 10:50:A.M. 2 P a g e
HI 200-002 THE MAKING OF OUR CONTEMPORARY WORLD AND -003 INSTRUCTOR: GELLER, R. Covers defining events of the 20 th century, including World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, decolonization, and the end of the Cold War. We will also reflect on the present moment in the light of our recent past. In addition to Europe and North America, serious attention will be given to historical developments in South and East Asia and the Middle East. Assessment: Mid-term exam (25%); short research paper (25%); final exam (30%), attendance and class participation (20%). BLOCK 15 T/R 5:00 P.M. 6:20 P.M. 3 P a g e
HI 264-001 AND -002 HISTORY OF CHINA INSTRUCTOR: ANDREWS, B. Chinese culture seems very different when viewed from the West. In this course we examine the sources of this difference in the patterns of Chinese civilization established in the Qin and Han Dynasties (3 rd Century BCE to around 200 CE). The focus of the course then moves to more recent history and China s relationships with the rest of the world since the 19 th Century. These led to profound changes in the lives of ordinary people, with the establishment of new trading relationships and the creation of an enormous network of migrant workers and entrepreneurs. The military power of western imperial powers in Asia also led many Chinese to question their own culture and its ability to adapt to the modern world. As a result, modern Chinese history has been one of tumultuous change. We end the course by looking at the history of the Chinese Communist Party and its efforts to create a stable, wealthy society with Chinese characteristics. Assessment: Preparation, participation, and in-class debate performance (5% total) Map quiz (5%) One short paper (book review essay on a biography of a Chinese person) (30%); Mid-term examination (30%); and Final assignment (30%) BLOCK 12 BLOCK 14 M/W 3:30 P.M. 4:50 P.M. M/W 5:00 P.M. 6:20 P.M. 4 P a g e
HI 265-001 HISTORY OF JAPAN INSTRUCTOR: NAKAJIMA, C. This course traces the rise of modern Japan from the seventeenth century through the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and into the post-world War II period by surveying the political, social, and cultural changes in Japan as it engaged with global economic and military forces and successfully became a modern economic power. Through readings, discussions, films, and lectures, we will explore the formation of the modern Japanese state and the Japanese people s national identities. Japan after the 2011 Great Earthquake Assessment: Mid-term essay exam (20%); final essay exam (30%); book review (20%); presentation (10%); map quiz (5%); Haiku exercise (5%); attendance and participation (10%) (including informal writings and occasional pop quizzes. BLOCK 7 T/F 11:00 A.M. 12:20 P.M. 5 P a g e
HI 280-001 CARIBBEAN: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE INSTRUCTOR: VEESER, C. The Caribbean is the site of many firsts : the first indigenous genocide, first slave-based plantation system, only successful slave rebellion, and the only New World socialist revolution. Add to the region s indigenous, African and European heritage its fragmentation into Spanish, English, and French colonies and you get a cultural melting pot that produces more than its share of world-class music, art and literature. Assessment: 6 quizzes, 3 short papers on the Indian genocide, abolition of slavery, and Fidel Castro s revolution, and a project using online newspapers on a current issue in the region. BLOCK 9 T/F 12:30 P.M. 1:50 P.M. 6 P a g e
HI 304-001 HISTORY OF ESPIONAGE INSTRUCTOR: ALBANESE, D. This course surveys the world of espionage from ancient times to the present. Students will study historically important spies, spymasters and organizations and their methods and motivations. In the final analysis students will attempt to understand the role espionage has played in shaping international relations, the modern state, military operations and more recently, the corporate world. Assessment: Two tests (20%) each; book report and critique (25%); class debate (25%); participation and attendance (10%). Mandatory Pre-session: March 2 9:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. Class meets March 23 April 20 (Saturdays) 9:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M. 7 P a g e
HI 305-001 ARTS AND SOCIETY INSTRUCTOR: HERMANSON, J. Laocoön and His Sons in the Vatican Arts and Society examines the interaction of art, politics, economics, and culture during the last 25 centuries in the Western world, starting with the Renaissance. Particular attention will be paid to three different countries in three very different centuries. Holland in the 17 th century, the Age of Rembrandt and the Dutch East India Company; France in the 19 th century, the Age of Impressionism and the Industrial Revolution; America in the second half of the 20 th century, the Age of Abstract Expressionism and American Empire. This course will provide an introduction to the history of art and the art of History for the beginner. (Course requires students to meet at Boston museums at least 3 times which count as a class). Assessment: Three 1-hr. exams (15%, 20%, 25%) and final exam 40%. Optional paper up to 8% of total grade. BLOCK 13 T/R 3:30 P.M. 4:50 P.M. 8 P a g e
HI 314-001 AND -002 HISTORY OF THE WORLD ECONOMY INSTRUCTOR: STERN, M. Modern Chinese garment workers This course examines the emergence of three of the principal economic structures of our world economy since the industrial revolution: capitalism, socialism, and, to a lesser extent, globalization and issues of empire and dominance. Because it is impossible to consider these phenomena in all their varied forms, we will look at specific cases that will provide us with archetypes for generalization. We will examine how different types of economic structures -- both market and non-market -- emerge; how they sustain or fail to support growth; the role of the state; and the role of culture in economic life. Assessment: Midterm (25%); final (25%); one case question write-up (10%); one analytical paper (15%); team case presentation (12.5%); class participation (12.5%) BLOCK 6 M/R 11:00 A.M. 12:20 P.M. BLOCK 11 M/R 2:00 P.M. 3:20 P.M. 9 P a g e
HI 316-001 WOMEN AND GENDER IN SOUTH ASIA INSTRUCTOR: JHALA, A. Poster of Bollywood film, Jodhaa Akbar (2008) This course is an interdisciplinary investigation into the meaning of gender in South Asia. We will look into the way women s lives and gender constructions have been influenced by the major historical events of colonialism, imperialism and post-colonialism. We will study feminist, orientalist, post-colonial and nationalist critiques through specific historical and ethno-historical works on South Asia. It is an interdisciplinary investigation into how gender, race, and class have affected colonial and postcolonial South Asian consciousness. On a broader level, our readings will examine some of the historical precedents for colonialism and imperialism, the nature of the colonial encounter, the relationship between colonial peoples and the metropole, and gender identities in postcolonial South Asia and diasporic South Asian communities. Assessment: Attendance and participation (15%); oral presentation/leading class discussion (20%); mid-term exam (25%); research paper proposal and bibliography (10%); final research paper (30%). BLOCK 11 M/R 2:00 P.M. 3:20 P.M. 10 P a g e
HI 317-001 SOUTH ASIAN RELIGIONS INSTRUCTOR: JHALA, A. South Asia has a rich cultural legacy, which has spread around the world through its diasporic communities. Not only did it birth several world religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, but it has also been home to ancient communities of Muslims, Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. In an interdisciplinary manner, students will be introduced to a broad history of the region through a discussion on the origins, cultural practices and political influences of different religious traditions within the subcontinent, from the Vedic age until the late 20 th century. Assessment: Attendance and participation (15%); oral presentation/leading class discussion (20%); mid-term exam (25%); research paper proposal and bibliography (10%); final research paper (30%). BLOCK 6 M/R 11:00 A.M. 12:20 P.M. 11 P a g e
HI 334-001 THE SOVIET UNION AND AFTER INSTRUCTOR: TROFIMOV, L. This course will examine Russia and the Soviet experiment one of the most audacious efforts in history to create a perfect society and a new world. We will focus on key Soviet achievements and failures, looking not only at policies, but also at the people involved, from Joseph Stalin to ordinary peasants. We will also examine the impact the Soviet Union had on the world, including its involvement in World War II and the clash of the two superpowers in the Cold War. We will then discuss the reasons for the rapid Soviet collapse and the emergence of new states in Europe and Asia. We will be formulating and discussing historical questions, but we will also try to feel and experience Soviet and Russian history through a variety of primary sources and multimedia tools. Glory to the Soviet State! Assessment: map quiz (10%); class participation (20%); two tests (15% each); paper or presentation (30%); reflection piece (10%). BLOCK 13 T/R 3:30 P.M. 4:50 P.M. 12 P a g e
HI 343-001 MODERN US HISTORY 1920-PRESENT INSTUCTOR: PUTNEY, C. Raising the flag in Iwo Jima - 1945 This course provides an overview of U. S. history from the aftermath of World War I to the present. Topics covered include Prohibition, the Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Korean War, the McCarthy Era, campaigns for civil rights including rights for African- Americans, gays and women, the Vietnam War, the countercultural Sixties, the Watergate Scandal, the Reagan Revolution, and 9/11. Assessment: Weekly quizzes (10%); mid-term exam (20%); final exam (20%); 20-minute class presentation (20%); 9-page paper (20%); class participation (10%).. BLOCK 12 M/W 3:30 P.M. 4:50 P.M. 13 P a g e
HI 344-001 CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF THE US AND -002 INSTRUCTOR: ALPERT, J. This course examines the history of the American Constitution from its origins during the colonial period through the modern era. As a living document, it has been amended and reinterpreted over the past two centuries. We will look at how the Constitution evolved as the country grew from an agrarian and simple commercial republic to an urban and industrialized world power, and from a homogeneous to a widely diversified people. Assessment: Attendance and class participation (10%); oral presentation (15%); best 3 out of 4 exams (75%). BLOCK 4 M/W 9:30 A.M. 10:50 A.M. BLOCK 8 M/R 12:30 P.M. 1:50 P.M. 14 P a g e
HI 347-001 WORK AND THE AMERICAN WORKER INSTRUCTOR: STERN, M. This course utilizes a variety of sources, including personal interviews, film, and documents to look at the history of work and the American worker from, roughly, the late 19 th century to the present. It considers such issues as shifting styles of work, including the assembly line, scientific management, and the re-engineered workplace of today, and examines the changing nature of working-class life and community among native-born and immigrant workers, women, and racial minorities. It also explores the dramatic evolution of organized labor movements in the U.S. and its relationship to government and politics, including the role of in the workplace and the state response to organization, strikes and radicalism. Assessment: Midterm (25%); final (25%); one paper (25%); team case presentation (12.5%); class participation (12.5%) BLOCK 7 T/F 11:00 A.M. 12:20 P.M. 15 P a g e
HI 371-001 BASEBALL AS AMERICAN HISTORY INSTRUCTOR: BENEKE, C. In this class, we will use professional baseball as a lens to explore American history from the mid-19 th century to the present. The analysis will be two-way as we look at how American culture and society have shaped baseball, as well as how baseball has shaped culture and society. The course will begin with an exploration of baseball s mythical and actual origins before considering its evolution as a game and profession. After that, we will consider key developments in baseball-related business and media history, while raising poignant questions about race, gender, community and the way Americans evaluate the talents of workers and the prerogatives of managers. Assessment: Class participation (15%); class presentation (10%); quizzes (10%); mid-term essay (15%); mid-term exam (15%); final essay (15%); final exam (20%). BLOCK 2 T/F 8:00 A.M. 9:20 A.M. 16 P a g e
HI 372-001 HISTORY OF BOSTON AND -002 INSTRUCTOR: PUTNEY, C. The Boston Tea Party This course will focus on the history of Boston, one of America s oldest and most influential cities (as well as the birthplace of Bentley). The course will chart the transformation of Boston from a small Native American settlement into a major metropolis, and it will introduce students to the people, ideas, inventions, and events that shaped the city. Assessment: Weekly quizzes (10%); mid-term exam (20%); final exam (20%); 20-minute class presentation (20%); 9-page paper (20%); class participation (10%). BLOCK 4 M/W BLOCK 8 M/R 9:30 A.M. 10:50 A.M. 12:30 P.M. 1:50 P.M. 17 P a g e
HI 383-001 AND -002 WORLD WAR II INSTRUCTOR: TROFIMOV, L. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin 1945 Our world today is what it is in large part because of World War II. In our course, we will examine the key battles and war figures, strategies of mass mobilization and resistance, but equally important, we will seek to understand why the war occurred in the first place, as well as analyze its lasting consequences for Europe and for the world. We will make ample use of first-hand accounts of the war, audio and visual recordings, which should enhance our understanding of one of the most devastating conflicts of all times. Assessment: Map quiz (10%); class participation (20%); presentation and presentation report (20%); multiple choice test (20%); final exam (30%). BLOCK 10 W 11:00 A.M. 1:50 P.M. BLOCK 3 R 8:00 A.M. 10:50 A.M. 18 P a g e
HI 392-H01 NAZI GERMANY INSTRUCTOR: CHOI, S. Nazi Germany remains one of 20 th century s most horrific regimes. How did this genocidal regime come to power and topple Germany s liberal democratic government? This class begins with the final years of the Austro-Hungarian empire as they shaped Adolf Hitler s personal and political thinking, and examines the history of anti-semitism in Germany and eastern Europe, the Nazi occupation of Europe, its racial policies, economy, and culture, and the Holocaust. We will also discuss Nazi Germany as a case study of fascism, and engage with fascism historically and conceptually. Assessment: Discussion and participation (10%); students will partner together in teams of 3, and create a podcast segment of a historical event or actor of their choice in Nazi Germany (20%); 12+ page research paper. This paper will be the final piece in a semester-long portfolio (30%);mid-term (20%); finals (20%) BLOCK 5 T/F 9:30 A.M. 10:50 A.M. 19 P a g e
HI 395-001 ISRAELI PALESTINIAN CRISIS INSTRUCTOR: ROSENBERG, M. This course is designed to introduce the major themes and essential questions of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism. While the Jewish people transform themselves into a modern nation-state in the Middle East, the consequences of that fulfillment is Al-Nakba the Catastrophe for the local Arab inhabitants. In examining the choices and contexts we will deepen our knowledge of history of the Holy Land. What is the enduring significance of the creation of the State of Israel in the Arab world? Why does this conflict occupy so much attention? How does this struggle fit into the geopolitical landscape, especially with regard to the great western powers? What possibilities does the future hold for Palestinian national aspirations? Can the dual narrative described above be synthesized and harmonized? Assessment: Class participation, written submissions including weekly essential questions, a research project, mid-term, and final exams. BLOCK E2 T 6:30 P.M. 9:10 P.M. 20 P a g e
Spring 2019 History Course Offerings and the LSM American Studies HI 343 Modern US History 1920-Present HI 344 Constitutional History of the US HI 347 Work and the American Worker HI 371 Baseball as American History HI 372 History of Boston HI 383 World War II Diversity and Society HI 200 The Making of Our Contemporary World Earth, Environment, and Global Sustainability HI 280 Caribbean: Past, Present & Future HI 314 History of the World Economy Global Perspectives HI 200 The Making of Our Contemporary World HI 264 History of China HI 265 History of Japan HI 280 Caribbean: Past, Present & Future HI 304 History of Espionage HI 314 History of the World Economy HI 316 Women and Gender in South Asia HI 317 South Asian Religions HI 334 The Soviet Union and After HI 383 World War II HI 392 Nazi Germany HI 395 Palestine and Israel in the Middle East Media Arts and Society HI 305 Arts and Society Quantitative Perspectives HI 314 History of the World Economy 21 P a g e
HISTORY MINOR To minor in History, students must take four courses in History in addition to the Gen Ed requirement in History. These four courses plus the Gen Ed History course can be on any topic offered by the department. The department also offers some credit for AP History and select study abroad courses. To minor, please declare online via MyBentley, and e-mail Cheryl Weiser (cweiser@bentley.edu) with a list of history courses you have taken at Bentley. 22 P a g e