Glennys J. Young
Introduces the causes, processes, and legacies of modern revolutions. Cases included the American, French, Mexican, Russian, and Chinese Revolutions. Special attention given to how these and other revolutions have shaped the modern world.
What causes revolutions? What, in fact, _is_ a "revolution"? What are the major types of revolutions that have occurred around the world since the end of the eighteenth century? How do revolutionaries seek to remake politics, society, and culture? What consequences do revolutions have for people from all walks of life? This course will explore these and other questions about revolutions by focusing on comparative analysis of major cases that are among those that have made the world what it is today. This year's course will focus on the French, Russian, and Chinese Revolutions. We will also examine other examples as necessary.
Student learning goals
Learning to read historical documents (including memoirs) critically and carefully.
Learning to think comparatively about historical events, including their causes, processes, and consequences.
Understanding how historians and other scholars have explained the occurrence of modern revolutions.
Improving effectiveness in writing clear and persuasive essays.
Learning to discuss historical issues and texts in an effective manner.
General method of instruction
Lecture and weekly discussion sections.
There are no formal prerequisites, other than a desire to learn about the subject matter.
Class assignments and grading
Students will write papers on historical documents and/or historical issues, and debates, on which we will focus in this course. Mid-term and final exams will include short answer and essay questions.
Grades will be assigned chiefly on the basis of written work, and, secondarily, on participation in discussion sections.