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FUBiS Term III: The Cold War
(Course # 3.11)
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Type: |
B Track |
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Instructor(s): |
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Language: |
English |
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Contact hours: |
48 (6 contact hours per day) |
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Credit Points: |
4 |
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Capacity: |
18 |
Resources
Course description
Many of the certainties of post-World War II international relations are vanishing or altering beyond recognition. This course will introduce students to the institutions, issues, and ideas that have shaped international relations since the end of World War II. We start by looking at the world in 1945, with the collapse of German and Japanese power and the origins of the super-power rivalries in the so-called “Cold War”. Using case studies, we will discuss such issues as the nuclear arms race, de-colonisation, and super-power conflict by proxy in the years between 1945 and 1990. Important, specific events and crises in this regard will receive special attention; such as the Korean War, the Berlin crises, the Cuban missile crisis, and the conflict in Vietnam. In addition, we look at the division and reconstruction of Europe as well as the emergence and disintegration of the "Third World". Economic issues in international relations, such as trade and competition for resources, will also be studied. Attention will be given to the role of international organisations such as the United Nations in world affairs. The course is designed to provide historical knowledge of world affairs in the second half of the 20th century, but we will also investigate changes brought about by the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe; the disintegration of nation-states in the post-Cold War order; the Gulf War; and continuing conflict in the Middle East. In this way, the roots of contemporary crises will be examined. Students will gain an understanding of the recent past, which will help equip them to evaluate the current and emerging international order.
Student profile
Everyone is welcome to this course. It is ideal for students who have background in modern international relations history and supplements courses on the world wars or global politics/history. However, the course is designed for those without such training who have an interest in international relations. Students planning careers in diplomacy, journalism, or academia will find this course especially beneficial.
Prerequisites
none
Course requirements
This course uses a lecture format with seminars, as well as excursions around Berlin. There is much to cover in a short period of time. Regular attendance will be essential to keep up with the volume of material and pace of the course. As participatory seminars make up a sizeable portion of the overall grade you will be expected to have completed all the readings, integrate them with lectures, and come ready to discuss the topics.
Grading
Participation: 30%
One short essay: 20%
Final exam: 50%
Reading
Scholarly readings are an essential component of any course and this will be no different. A course reader will be made available. All the seminars will involve chapters from a book by a renowned academic in the field. They will also entail the reading of primary documents on various events in the Cold War put together in an edited text. This will provide students an opportunity to be “closer” to some of the dramatic events covered in the course and be exposed to the true craft of historians.
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