2010 Spring HISTORY 196S-10
Bulletin Course Description See History 195S
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title FASCISM/INTERWAR DICTATORSHIPS Department HISTORY Course Number 2010 Spring 196S Section Number 10 Primary Instructor Koonz,Claudia Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
We will study the three classic dictatorships of interwar Europe: Stalinist Russia, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. In the process we will compare the ways these ruthless politicians seized power, the sources of their popularity, their command of the media, the use of state terror, daily life of ordinary people, and the persecution of “enemies” living inside and outside each nation. Using films, posters, pamphlets, and music from the time we will also gain a sense of popular culture. Against this “happy” background we will read works by the victims of terror that describe life and death in labor camps, extermination centers, and the Gulag. During the weeks after spring break each student will make a 15-minute presentation of his;/her research. In the concluding weeks, we will study the public memory and widespread denial of these criminal regimes and ask which of the three dictators most resembles politicians in today’s world?
Exams
Three announced quizzes during the semester on the assigned reading.
Term Papers
Several writing assignments throughout the semester will lead to the writing of a final term paper (about 20 – 25 pages). Examples of the short papers: comparing two interpretations of the same event, assuming an imaginary identity and writing an editorial about a particular event, compiling an annotated bibliography; a comparative book review on a controversial topic, and developing a thesis paragraph.
Grade to be based on
20 % discussion in class
20% three quizzes
20% short papers
40% final paper
Additional Information
This will be a discussion oriented seminar, with students working in groups and individually to discover and interpret materials produced inside and outside these dictatorships.
AREA: EUR
THEMES: Women & Gender
