History 423 - The Cold War

The Cold War structured the experiences of people worldwide in the second half of the twentieth century. It shaped the ways in which states viewed their citizens, and citizens viewed their states. This research seminar explores the Cold War from US and Soviet perspectives as well as considers the experiences and influences of nations and people beyond the two superpowers, to understand how the global conflict shaped politics, culture, and economy. Focusing on the years between 1945 and 1990, we will explore the relationship between international affairs and domestic society. Further, the course will place considerable emphasis on the interactions between the Cold War conflict and the concurrent process of decolonization. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to current interpretative models and theoretical approaches dealing with the Cold War, as well as read key texts on how the Cold War shaped a range of developments in different societies across the globe. Along with examining the beginning of the Cold War and key conflicts in Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam, we will consider the Cold War’s domestic manifestations in the United States, Soviet Union and beyond. This course provides students with an opportunity to develop and execute a research project of their own design. Students will pursue the project and write a 20-25 page research paper satisfying the History Department research paper requirement.

Fall Semester. Professor Walker.

How to handle overenrollment: Preferences to History majors, seniors, then juniors and so on.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Research seminars require independent research, including the framing of a research question, and the identification and analysis of relevant primary and secondary sources. History majors must write a 20-25 page, evidence-based paper.