Contemporary World

Course Description

This course explores the historical background behind major issues of the contemporary world, including: colonialism/decolonization; the Cold War and other global conflicts; genocide; religious fundamentalism; and the role of women. Prerequisite: Must have fewer than 60 credits to enroll or can enroll by Written Permission

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

MAC--Foundations

  • Develop academic skills and demonstrate the ability to identify and use campus services and resources. In this course, student learning related to MAC Foundations SLO 1 will be assessed through reading comprehension quizzes, a book exam, a primary source analysis, and an in-class writing exercise.

  • Develop goals and plans related to personal purpose, interests, or values between self and community. In this course, student learning related to MAC Foundations SLO 2 will be assessed through a wellness self-evaluation and self-reflection essay.

  • Build connections between self and peers, faculty, and staff. In this course, student learning related to MAC Foundations SLO 3 will be assessed through a report on an extracurricular campus event.

  • Critically evaluate information and media sources in a variety of formats. In this course, student learning related to MAC Foundations SLO 4 will be assessed through in-class exercises on how to use the Library and how to evaluate information and sources.

  • Incorporate and cite sources accurately and correctly. In this course, student learning related to MAC Foundations SLO 5 will be assessed through an in-class exercise on citing sources.

Course-specific

  • Analyze historical duration, succession, and change in terms of human agency and larger systems or structures in a wide variety of places and periods.

  • Use historical thinking to contextualize and analyze primary and secondary sources representing different points of view.

  • Use evidence-based reasoning to interpret the past coherently while developing and presenting an original argument.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Class Attendance (and Participation)

20%

Mid-Term Exam

10%

Final Exam

20%

Foundations Assignments and Reading Quizzes

25%

Book Exam

10%

Paradise In-Class Writing

10%

Extracurricular Campus Event

5%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

93-100

A

90-92

A-

87-89

B+

83-86

B

80-82

B-

77-79

C+

73-76

C

70-72

C-

67-69

D+

63-66

D

60-62

D-

59 and lower

F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance/participation is 25 percent of the student's final grade for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.