Purpose of the Course

In this course we will trace the origins of the Cold War, its impact on the foreign and domestic policy, the role of perception and misperception on the part of decision-makers in both countries.  We will examine the assumptions that each administration made with respect to US-Soviet relations. By the end of the course, students should be able to critically evaluate the US-Soviet relations. They should be able to understand the underlying factors that led to competition between the US and USSR around the world.  They should be able to critically evaluate the factors that led to the demise of the Soviet empire.

Course Requirements

This course will be a lecture/discussion course with discussion strongly encouraged.  The instructor expects students to keep up with the reading so they will be able to participate more actively in these discussions.  The instructor will also use a variety of AV tapes from the CNN Series, “The Cold War” to highlight various aspects of this course.  The AV tapes are an integral part of the course, not entertainment. Students should be prepared to take notes on these topics.  Questions from the tapes may be raised on examinations.

Cold War Film Paper

All students will be required to watch a film on the Cold War and write a short 5 to 7 page paper on the film.  Some questions that students might focus on include the following.  What is the theme or thesis of the film as it relates to the Cold War?  How does the film portray the Russians, Chinese or other adversaries of the United States?  What's the central message of the film?  How does the film helped to shape attitudes about the Cold War and threats to American security?  There is no set pattern to writing this paper.  This paper is meant to be a personal view of the film.  The paper is due by November 15.  Grades for the paper will be based on originality of analysis and the quality of the writing.  (You must select a film from the following list.)  Cold War Film List

Grading Policy 

There will be THREE EXAMINATIONS in this course. Each examination will count 25% of you total grade.  Class participation and class discussion will count for the remaining 25% of the final grade.

Examinations 

The examination for this course will consist of broad essay questions drawn from the lectures and textbooks.  A study guide for each examination will be provided by the instructor to help focus your study.  Students will also be expected to answer short identification questions focusing on the major personalities, historical events, and concepts of the course. 

Attendance

I consider attendance to be an important part of this course.  Excessive absences will be penalized.  Students who miss more than 3 classes for any reason will be penalized one letter grade.   

Required Textbooks

Stephen Ambrose and Douglas Brinkley. The Rise of Globalism, 8^th Ed.
     Penguin, 1997
Jeremy Isaacs and Taylor Downing.  Cold War: An Illustrated History,
     1945-91.  Little, Brown and Co, 1998