HIST 18: The World Since 1945

Michael Hunt

This course is offered as an introduction to the contemporary world. At the forefront of our concerns will be the rivalry between the Soviet and American superpowers and their respective systems; decolonization, nationalism, and revolution m the "third world"; and changes in the international economy. The preponderance of our attention will be devoted to the third world, and it is for this reason that the course fulfills the non-Western historical perspective requirement. While aimed at improving understanding of the world since 1945, the course is also concerned with building skills. You will be introduced to the critical use of evidence and to ways of building generalizations from that evidence and articulating your views m clear, concise terms. The discussions, examinations, and assigned papers have been designed to help you in this process.