The twentieth century has witnessed great and momentous events throughout the world: wars,
revolutions, creation of new states, end of old empires, technological and industrial
transformations, new ideologies, the development of a global economy, demographic and
environmental changes that represent dangers for the new century.  This class will address these
world events and developments, and will stress themes such as modernization, urbanization,
tradition and change as they apply to nations on all continents.

As this is a required course in the social science credential program, the instructor assumes than
most, if not all, of the students in the class are interested in teaching history/social science on the
secondary school level.  Therefore, unlike other history courses, History 396 will emphasize both
content and pedagogy.  Students will be expected to analyze and comprehend the major events
and developments in the contemporary world, and will also be expected to focus on how to teach
these subjects to students in California secondary schools.  A good portion of this course will
correspond to the 10th grade world history curriculum in the California History/Social Science
Framework.
 

Course Requirements

Students will be expected to complete all assigned readings prior to the class meeting.  Readings
will be assigned from the textbook, from three novels, and from primary sources which students
can download from the course web site.  Students are expected to have the appropriate
documents with them in class since analysis of primary sources will comprise a major component
of the class.

1. Attendance
Attendance and participation in class discussion are mandatory.   There are no excused absences
except in cases of documented personal or family emergencies.

2. Examinations - There will be two mid-term exams and one cumulative final exam.  These
exams will contain multiple choice questions as well as essays.  In addition, there may be quizzes
on some of the supplementary readings in the course.

3. Oral Presentation - Each student will be assigned a document of historical importance, and
will lead the class in a discussion and analysis of that particular document.

4. Movie Review - Students will view two movies on the same topic and will submit a five-page
typewritten comparative analysis of the cinemas chosen.  The paper should be well-written and
edited.  Points will be subtracted for errors in spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc.  Papers
handed in late will have one-half grade deducted for each day late, up to two full grades.  Please
refer to the University policy concerning plagiarism and academic dishonesty.  This policy is
taken seriously and will be enfored to its fullest extent.

Grading Policy
First mid-term exam              =    25%
Second mid-term exam         =    25%
Final exam                            =    25%
Class presentation                 =    10%
Movie Review                      =    15%
 

Other Policies

     1.   Please inform me in writing in the first week of the class if you will miss a class because
     of religious observation.  This information is necessary to reschedule examinations and/or
     assignments.

     2.   It is YOUR responsibility to withdraw from classes.  Failure to do so will result in a grade
     of “U”.  The excuse that “VRR failed to drop me” will not fly, except in distinctly
     compelling cases which are supported in writing.

     3.   “Incompletes” will be granted only if you have less than one-third of the course work
     remaining, and you have an acceptable justification for your request.  It is your
     responsibility to contact me regarding this option.

     4.   If you are disabled and require additional time or other help for examinations and/or
     assignments, you must obtain verification from the Disabled Student Services Offices
     located in the Student Union (USU 206).  The number is 562 985-5401.

Assigned Text:

Duiker, William, Twentieth Century World History, 2002