Instructor: Anthony G. Gulig 
Office: White Hall 225
Office Hours:  T, Th 12:30-1:30; F 9-11  Virtual Office Hours M 6-7p
E-Mail: guliga@uww.edu 
Web Page: http://facstaff.uww.edu/guliga/ 
Office Phone: (262) 472-5148

Content Outline

"History is just one damn thing after another. . ."

This unfortunate sentiment reflects the reality that too often history is viewed as a fact-driven process with little room for a broader contemplation of the information at hand. This course is an attempt to break free from a singularly fact-based, one place-name-date after another approach by emphasizing the human and social nature of the historical experience. A wide range of historical themes relevant to the historical development and contemporary nature of the United States will be explored. Within these thematic groupings, topics such as colonialism, international relations, imperialism, and recent developments in the post-colonial era will be discussed. As well, the very nature of the study of history (historiography) will be examined.

The thematic and topical nature of the course and the limited timeframe of the semester means that this class can not be a comprehensive or purely chronological depiction of the historic global experience in the twentieth century. Rather, emphasis will be placed on those topics which were instrumental in shaping the global society or community in which we live today.

A socio-historical approach will demonstrate that ordinary people are just as much part of history as any king/queen, president, priest, or general. We are related to our past. This course will explore the historic and contemporary nature of that relationship.
 General Course Information

Prerequisites:

None.

Course Objectives

This course will enhance students’ ability to:

• Explain the origins of international problems [such as those arising from the rise of industrial capitalism, imperialism, nationalism, contending political ideologies, and national interests].
• Critically assess the changing role of the U.S. in the world since the late 19^th century.
• Compare and contrast political, economic, and socio-cultural systems and assess their effects on global power relations.
• Draw connections between past events and the contemporary world.
• Distinguish between different types of historical evidence (primary and secondary sources).
• Critically read and analyze historical evidence.
• Develop and support historical interpretations using multiple sources of evidence.  

This course will assist students in achieving the following goals of the General Education program:

• Think critically and analytically, integrate and synthesize knowledge, and draw conclusions from complex information.
• Understand and appreciate the cultures of the USA and other countries, both contemporary and historical, appreciate cultural diversity, and live responsibly in an interdependent world.
• Acquire a base of knowledge common to educated persons and the capacity to expand that base over their lifetime.

Web and E-Mail Proficiency:

Students must be able to retrieve information via the internet.  Information regarding course assignments, examinations and other assessments, discussions and assigned readings maybe made available via the internet.  It is the student's responsibility to check this on-line course syllabus page often (at least daily) for important information.  A Desire2Learn (D2L) companion page has been established for this course.  The sole purpose of the D2L site is to serve as an on-line repository for supplementary course readings.   Supplementary readings will be added to the D2L site in a timely fashion as they are selected and become available.     If you have trouble accessing on-line material, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor immediately.  Do not wait!  If you are having trouble with the content or context of this course, ask questions early, often, and repeatedly!  Information about the course, examinations and other assignments may be sent to you UW-Whitewater student e-mail account.  You should keep that e-mail account up to date and check it often to keep on track in this course.

Required Reading:

Michael Adas et al. .  Turbulent Passage. 4th Edition ( in rental).

Evaluation

Exams: There will be three exams in this course. A study guide will be made available on the web before each exam.

Exams must be taken in class on the date specified. Make-up exams may be given at the instructor’s discretion only in the most exceptional and unavoidable situations.  

All students should consult the final exam schedule immediately.  The final exam will be held according to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's final examination schedule.  If you will not be able to take the final examination during the appointed time, you are advised to drop this class now.

Participation: The ability to merely recite lectures or the prose in a history text is not education. Learning occurs best when ideas and interpretations are shared and discussed. Participation will occur in a number of ways in this course:

• Students will read and listen critically and interactively 
• Readings will be discussed in class 
• Students will discuss the readings and lectures with the instructor and other students outside of class on a regular, consistent, and on-going basis. 
• Students will complete course content surveys from time to time throughout the semester.

Writing Assignments:  There will be a number of writing assignments.  These brief written assignments will draw from the assigned reading, in-class discussion, and the core-course combined "Problems of Imperialism" film series.  In addition to the in-class writing assignments, all students are required to attend one of the four films in the "Problems of Imperialism film series (see film dates and times in the content schedule below).  Students will write and submit a brief (2-3 page) guided analysis of the film as part of the writing assignment section of the course requirements.  

A note on class attendance: Class attendance, while very important, is not rewarded with a grade. (It will be very difficult to participate in class discussions if you’re not there.) Attendance is, however, generally related to higher course grades through the fact that students who attend class every day and take an active role in learning earn higher exam scores and ultimately higher grades in the class. As well, and more importantly, they also learn more about the subject at hand and enjoy a richer, more rewarding, and valuable educational experience.   In short, you must be present to win...

Statement on Academic Integrity and Personal Responsibility:  All students are expected to complete the required assignments, readings, and participate in the class discussion as prescribed in this syllabus.  It is further expected that work submitted for this class is the students’ own work created expressly for the assignments in this course.  All assignments are due on the due date.  Late assignments will be penalized at the rate of one letter grade per calendar day it is late.  Exams must be taken in class on the date specified. Make-up exams may be given at the instructor’s discretion only in the most exceptional and unavoidable situations.  If allowed, all make-up work must be accompanied by written documentation of the reason for which the assignment or exam  was missed.  All make-up work must be completed with one week of returning to class.   Turn your cell phone off and locate it out of sight (and mind) during the entire time you are in class.

Important Note:  Plagiarism is a serious offense and all instances of it will be dealt with according to the  “Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures” [UWS Chapter 14] see below.   Students who submit plagiarized papers, in whole or part, will receive a failing course grade in all instances    Plagiarism is generally defined as using the ideas of another as your own.  Plagiarism is not avoided by simply changing a few words or by paraphrasing the work of others. 

All students enrolled in this class should download, read, and become familiar with thus guide on avoiding academic misconduct.

Grading: The plus-minus grading system will be employed. The weight of quizzes and exams in the calculation of final grades is as follows: