Topics in History (492-0-20)

Topic

Cold War Through Documents

Instructors

Jeff Eden
847/491-7448

Meeting Info

Harris Hall room 101: Tues 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Overview of class

This graduate-level seminar explores the Cold War through a wide array of primary documents. Through sources ranging from declassified CIA reports to memoirs, the class offers an immersion into major twentieth-century conflicts through the eyes of their participants. The class' geographical range spans the globe, and includes case studies from across Eurasia, the Americas, Africa, and beyond. Special attention will be given to documents that came to light since 1991, revealing how historical narratives and debates change shape (or fail to change shape!) in light of groundbreaking evidence.

Learning Objectives

Use the study and historical contextualization of primary sources to acquire knowledge of historical phenomena (cultural, economic, intellectual, political, and social practices and their interdependent development over time in their local, regional, and/or global contexts). These authentic primary sources, and they will be supplemented with secondary sources on culture and history. • Develop skills of historical analysis using primary sources as well as historiography, including the means to evaluate sources in their historical context; become acquainted with scholarly historical demonstration, discussion, and debate on culture and society. • Appreciate the impact of historical developments as demonstrated by and depicted in primary sources; acquire historical perspective on the Eurasian present; consider agency and subjectivity in the context of the times; reflect on the varieties of memory and experience.

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): Americas, European, Asia/Middle East, Africa/Middle East