New Lectures in History (300-0-24)
Topic
Cold War Mirrors
Instructors
Jeffrey Eric Eden
847/491-7448
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L28: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
The Cold War spurred a decades-long rivalry between the US and the USSR to control the narrative of "great power" competition. Officials on each side promoted a vision of the other as the greatest threat to freedom and progress around the world, while casting their own side as the vanguard of prosperity and peace. Propaganda, espionage, "yellow" journalism, school curricula, and even hockey and ballet were enlisted in these efforts. In "Cold War Mirrors," we explore the story of the Cold War through these epoch-defining efforts to sway hearts and minds. From bluster, paranoia, kitsch, and sensationalism to more sophisticated critiques and theories, we will investigate how each side saw the other--and how each used the other as a mirror for reflection or distortion.
Learning Objectives
• Evaluate textual arguments for their usefulness, cohesiveness, and logic.
• Identify and access relevant information sources.
• Use effective oral expression strategies in making a formal presentation.
• Demonstrate effective written communication with use of revision.
• Participate responsibly and respectfully in informal group discussions.
Evaluation Method
Book report exercises, final essay (3k-4k words), section participation, attendance
Class Materials (Required)
Materials will be posted on Canvas
Class Notes
Areas of Concentration: Americas; European; Aisa/Middle East; Africa/Middle East
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Only History majors and minors can currently enroll in this class.