Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
HIST-H 109
PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD SINCE 1800
Fall 2012: M / W 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm
CA-215
Course Number: 8732
Instructor: Ben Stellwagen
Office Hours: M 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm, W 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, by appointment, CA-313G
E-mail: bstellwa@indiana.edu
Course Description: This course examines the historical evolution of political, economic, cultural,
religious, and social developments in world history from the late-eighteenth-century Atlantic revolutions
through the Cold War. It will demonstrate how the world evolved amid increasingly global interactions;
convey how those interactions shaped the conditions, attitudes, and values of peoples throughout the
world; and reveal the historical roots of developments in today’s world. Topics include the Atlantic
revolutions, industrialization, colonialism, World War I, the Russian and Chinese revolutions, fascism,
World War II, the Cold War, and independence movements in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle
East, and Eastern Europe. The course is divided into three units: accelerating globalism (nineteenth
century), alternatives to democracy (first half of twentieth century), and postwar independence and
development (postwar era).
Course Format: The majority of class time will consist of an interactive lecture format along with short
discussions of assigned primary sources. Audiovisual aides will be utilized during lectures to demonstrate
the appearance of course themes in various media. Textbook readings are meant to supplement lectures,
and primary source readings will be the springboard for discussion. Examinations will cover both
readings and lectures, so attendance, participation, and diligent reading are important.
Office Hours: Office hours exist to clear up any misunderstandings regarding the course or its materials,
to address a student’s scholarship, and, most importantly, to welcome one-on-one contact between
students and their instructor. This student-instructor interaction encourages the development of
intellectual relationships that lead to self-discovery. I cordially invite you to visit me by appointment at
the times indicated above.
Required Texts:
Robert W. Strayer, Ways of the World: A Brief Global History. Volume 2, Since 1500. Paperback edition.
Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-312-45289-6.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, The River Between. London: Longman, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-435-90548-4.
Stephen Kinzer, All the Shah’s Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror. 2d ed.
Hoboken: Wiley, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-470-18549-0.
Simon Wiesenthal, The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness. Revised and Expanded
Edition. New York: Schocken Books, 1998. ISBN: 978-0-805-21060-6.
Principles of Undergraduate Learning: Readings, writing, interviews, lecture, and class discussion are
designed to be consistent with the Principles of Undergraduate Learning to develop core communication
and critical thinking skills, better understand society and culture, and apply knowledge of the past to
inform thoughtful and principled reflections on the present.
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Skills Objectives: This course’s primary goal is to equip students with the skills and tools historians use
to promote a literacy of discernment, tolerate complexity, and cherish nuance. Opportunities for thinking
and reflection contribute to the education of our sensibilities, and the considerate expression of those
sensibilities in writing and conversation is a valuable asset when interacting in a diverse world. History
offers a storehouse of complex and rich problems, not unlike those that confront us daily in our social
lives. Examining these problems develops interpretive skills and the ability to privilege perspectives other
than our own.
Content Objectives: As the means for practicing historical thinking, this course will provide students
with a general overview of the events, trends, people, politics, and culture of the world over the last two
centuries. We will accomplish this overview by focusing on two broad themes: globalization and human
rights. Throughout the first half of the course, we will see how the world became increasingly
interconnected as the exposure of the developed to the “undeveloped” world proved to be mutually
influential during such processes as political revolution, industrialization, and colonialism. The second
half of the course will focus on the stakes of a global world, especially the human struggle to coexist as
seen through the violation and defense of human rights and social equality in the twentieth century.
Course Requirements:
Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to attend every class. Three (3) absences total are
allowed, regardless of circumstance. Should emergency require extended absences, please consult with
the instructor and present proper documentation. Participation is defined as active speaking and listening
in class, arriving to class on time, demonstrating completion of assigned reading, and helping foster an
environment of learning and support in the classroom. I will track this component through a combination
of attendance registers and short, in-class activities. (10%)
Book Review: Students will write a book review on either The River Between or All the Shah’s Men.
Book reviews are to be two pages (typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins, in 12-pt. font, Times New
Roman). I will provide a list of possible questions to consider and more instructions on how to write the
review. (15%)
Extra Credit: Students may choose to write a book review on both The River Between and All the Shah’s
Men. The higher score of the two will be used for your 15% Book Review score. The other score will be
used to replace the lowest 10% of your grade. Since reading both books is required anyway, I strongly
encourage you to utilize this opportunity.
Oral History Interview Project: During the second unit, students will conduct an oral history interview
with someone who experienced and remembers the Cold War. You will be given detailed guidelines for
how to conduct an oral history interview and will be expected to submit your notes as well as a three-page
analytical paper (typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins, in 12-pt font, Times New Roman). (20%)
International Policy Simulation: During the last full week of class, this activity will put course themes
to use in a simulation of how states negotiate in a global world. Attention throughout the semester will be
sufficient preparation, and grades will be a matter of participation. Details will follow. (5%)
Personal Reflection: As the capstone of the course, students will be asked to submit a three-page
response to the question raised by The Sunflower—if a Nazi asked you for forgiveness, would you grant
it? Since this question is of a personal nature and without an objective answer, students will be assessed
on how well they articulate the rationale behind their response and demonstrate thoughtful consideration
of the question. This assignment is in lieu of a final exam and should be treated as such. (20%)
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Exams: There will be two exams (15% each) that will consist of objective questions, identifications, and
essays. Exams will be based on all assigned readings as well as lecture and in-class materials. (30% total)
Grading Scale: A+ (97-100); A (93-96); A- (90-92); B+ (87-89); B (83-86); B- (80-82);
C+ (77-79); C (73-76); C- (70-72); D+ (67-69); D (63-66); D- (60-62); F (0-59)
Administrative Withdrawal: A basic requirement of this course is that you will participate in all class
meetings and conscientiously complete all required course activities and/or assignments. Keep in touch
with me if you are unable to attend, participate, or complete an assignment on time. If you miss more than
half of the required activities within the first 25% of the course without contacting me, you may be
administratively withdrawn from this course. Example: Our course meets twice per week; thus if you miss
more than four classes in the first four weeks, you may be withdrawn. Administrative withdrawal may
have academic, financial, and financial aid implications. Administrative withdrawal will take place after
the full refund period, and if you are administratively withdrawn from the course you will not be eligible
for a tuition refund. If you have questions about the administrative withdrawal policy at any point during
the semester, please contact me.
Late Assignment Policy: There will be a penalty of a letter grade (10%) if an assignment is late and two
full grades (20%) if it is more than one week late. Assignments more than two weeks late will not be
accepted. All writing assignments are due at the beginning of class. Exceptions can be made only if
discussed and approved well in advance of absence or in extreme emergency (which does not include,
e.g., printing problems or car trouble, both of which, while unfortunate, are still your responsibility).
Plagiarism: Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will be punished in accordance with
IUPUI’s Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct (http://www.iupui.edu/code/).
Physical and/or Learning Needs: Please bring any physical and/or learning need you may have to the
attention of the instructor as soon as possible.
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SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
UNIT ONE: ACCELERATING GLOBALISM
Aug. 20
Introduction
Aug. 22
Early Modern Empires
Strayer, Ways of the World, 403-417, 421-429
How to Read Primary Sources: http://www.bowdoin.edu/writing-guides/primaries.htm
*How to Read a Secondary Source (*starred readings are available on Oncourse in “Resources”)
Aug. 27
The Reach of Religion and Science
Strayer, Ways of the World, 462-487
Aug. 29
Atlantic Revolutions
Strayer, Ways of the World, 499-513
Declaration of Independence (1776):
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Declaration on the Rights of Man (1789):
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/rightsof.asp
Sept. 3
NO CLASS – LABOR DAY
Sept. 5
Prelude to Industrial Revolution
Strayer, Ways of the World, 449-458, 513-525
*Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792)
*Simón Bolívar, The Jamaica Letter (1815)
*Frederick Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? (1852)
Sept. 10
Industrialization and the New City
Strayer, Ways of the World, 527-541
Leeds Woollen Workers Petition (1786): http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1786machines.asp
Letter from Leeds Cloth Merchants (1791): http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1791machines.asp
Sept. 12
Responses to Industrialization
Strayer, Ways of the World, 541-556
The Internationale (1871): http://www.anu.edu.au/polsci/marx/int/internationale.html
The Red Flag (1889): http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/redflag.asp
Di Shvue (The Vow) (1902): http://www.anu.edu.au/polsci/marx/int/shvue/shvue.htm
(Be sure to scroll down the page to read the translated lyrics)
Sept. 17
Exam 1
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UNIT TWO: CHALLENGES AND ALTERNATIVES TO DEMOCRACY
Sept. 19
Nation, Empire, and Ethnicity
Strayer, Ways of the World, 589-606
Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Addresses to the German Nation (1806):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1806fichte.asp
Theodor Herzl, On the Jewish State (1896): http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1896herzl.asp
Start reading The River Between
Sept. 24
Colonial Encounters and Empires of Religion
Strayer, Ways of the World, 607-614
*Ram Mohan Roy, Letter to Lord Amherst (1823)
*Bahadur Shah, The Azamgarh Proclamation (1857)
Continue reading The River Between
Sept. 26
State and Society in the Age of Imperialism
Albert Beveridge, The March of the Flag (1898):
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1898beveridge.asp
American Anti-Imperialist League (1899): http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1899antiimp.asp
Continue reading The River Between
Oct. 1
Discussion: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, The River Between
Book Review Due in Class
Oct. 3
East Asia and the West: Conflicts and Threats
Strayer, Ways of the World, 559-571, 577-585
*Xu Naiji, An Argument for Legalization of Opium (1836)
*Yuan Yulin, An Argument for Suppression of Opium (1836)
Oct. 8
Change, Decay, and Crisis
Strayer, Ways of the World, 571-577, 586, 616-632
The Young Turks: Proclamation for the Ottoman Empire (1908):
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1908youngturk.html
*Mohandas K. Gandhi, Indian Home Rule (1908)
Oct. 10
Russian Revolution and Stalinism
Strayer, Ways of the World, 659-665
Joseph Stalin, Speech to Industrial Managers (1931):
http://academic.shu.edu/russianhistory/index.php/Stalin_on_Rapid_Industrialization
Memorandum on the Grain Problem in Ukraine (1932):
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/archives/k2grain.html
Stalin, On Applying Physical Pressure to Prisoners (1939):
http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/stalin/works/1939/01/10.htm
Oct. 15
NO CLASS – FALL BREAK
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Oct. 17
Political Extremism in Europe and Japan
Strayer, Ways of the World, 633-645
*Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf (My Struggle) (1925-1926)
*Mustafa Uemal Atatürk, Speech to the General Congress of the Republican Party (1927)
*Benito Mussolini, The Political and Social Doctrine of Fascism (1933)
*Cardinal Principles of the National Entity of Japan (1937)
Oct. 22
World War II
Distribute Exam 2
Strayer, Ways of the World, 645-657
F. Tillman, “All Captives Slain,” The New York Times (December 18, 1937):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/nanking.asp
Hermann Friedrich Graebe, Account of Holocaust Mass Shooting (1942):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1942graebe.asp
Oct. 24
Chinese Revolution
Strayer, Ways of the World, 665-675
Zou Rong, The Revolutionary Army (1903): http://www.chss.iup.edu/baumler/zourong.html
Mao Zedong, In Commemoration of the 28th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China
(1949): http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1949mao.asp
UNIT THREE: POSTWAR INDEPENDENCE, DEVELOPMENT, AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Oct. 29
Origins of the Cold War
Exam 2 Due in Class
Strayer, Ways of the World, 675-681
Winston S. Churchill, Iron Curtain Speech (1946):
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/churchill-iron.asp
Joseph Stalin’s Response (1946):
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1946stalin.html
Oct. 31
Conflict and Containment in East Asia
Letter Exchange between Lyndon Johnson and Ho Chi Minh (1967):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1967-vietnam-letters1.asp
Nov. 5
Discussion: Cold War interviews
Oral History Assignment Due in Class
Nov. 7
Gandhi and India’s Independence Movement
Strayer, Ways of the World, 691-700
Jawaharlal Nehru, Speech on the Granting of Indian Independence (1947):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1947nehru1.asp
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Nov. 12
African Independence Movements
Strayer, Ways of the World, 700-710
*Kwame Nkrumah, Africa Must Unite (1963)
*A. Adu Boahen, African Perspectives on Colonialism (1987)
Start reading All the Shah’s Men
Nov. 14
Cold War and Revolution in Latin America
Strayer, Ways of the World, 710-715
Eva Duarte de Perón, History of Perónism (1951):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1951evaperon.asp
Fidel Castro, Second Declaration of Havana (1962):
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1962castro.asp
Continue reading All the Shah’s Men
Nov. 19
NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING BREAK
Nov. 21
NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING BREAK
Nov. 26
Discussion: Stephen Kinzer, All the Shah’s Men
Book Review Due in Class
Nov. 28
Democratic Revolutions of the 1980s
Strayer, Ways of the World, 681-689
Dec. 3
International Policy Simulation
Start reading The Sunflower
Dec. 5
International Policy Simulation
Continue reading The Sunflower
Dec. 10
Discussion: Simon Wiesenthal, The Sunflower
Personal Reflection Essay Due in Class
Dec. 17
NO Final Exam. Film, questions, return coursework from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
* Starred readings will be available on Oncourse.
NB: The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
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