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Woods College of Advancing Studies

History

2012-2013

Professors: Alex Bloom, A.B. California at Santa Cruz, A.M., Ph.D. Boston College; Christopher Hannan, A.B. Harvard, M.Phil. St. Andrews, Scotland, Ph.D. Boston College; Martin Menke, A.B. Tufts, A.M., Ph.D. Boston College; Michael Paul, A.B., A.M. London School of Economics and Political Science; Ph.D. Boston College; Lorenz Reibling, B.A. Munchen-Kolleg Techniche, Cand. Ph.D. Ludwigs-Maximilians, M.S. Boston College.

HS 08215  European Civilization 1789–1989
HS08215 Syllabus

Survey of Europe's tumultuous history from the French Revolution to the revolutions of 1989. The focus develops modern ideologies (from conservatism and capitalism to Marxism and fascism), the role of technological change in accelerating globalization, and the role of the individual as citizen in modern society as well as the great challenges and achievements of the twentieth century.
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 17–May 9, Professor Menke

HS 11102 America’s War in Vietnam
HS11102 Syllabus
Constant references to Iraq and Afghanistan as America’s new Vietnam suggest an examination of America’s thirty year military involvement in Southeast Asia, a most controversial episode in U.S. history. Looks at the origins of the Cold War, the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon presidencies, antiwar activism and other Vietnam era movements, the American soldier’s experiences during and after service, and relevant parallels and differences with our current involvement.
Spring, Mon 6:30–9, Jan 14–May 6, Professor Bloom

HS 14101  Defining Moments: Creating a Global Presence
HS14101 Syllabus
Course looks at decisions, events and expectations that influenced the evolving direction of the United States. Course explores the framework, incentives, barriers, personalities, positions and power brokers determining the emerging presence of the United States in the world. Topics include America’s spreading influence before and after WWI; the Great Depression; US and WWII; Vietnam, the Cold War. Some readings: Michael Adams, The Best War Ever; Tim O’Brien, The Things They Carried; Emily Rosenberg, Spreading the American Dream; W.A. Williams, Tragedy of American Diplomacy; M. Walker, Cold War.
Spring, Sat 9-12, Jan 19–May 4, Professor Paul


HS 17701  Resistance: Call to Action

HS17701 Syllabus
Course explores the lives, motivations, and outcomes of individuals who for a myraid of reasons responded to the emerging Nazi catastrophe. Course defines resistance from religious, ethical, moral, political as well as military perspectives identifying the main protagonists, their moral or ethical dilemmas and final composite failure. What makes resistance permissible, legitimate or even mandatory? Do the gospels encourage resistance? Looks at religious organizations, political groups, and student movements during this tumultuous period in history. Analyzing confrontation, adaptation and alternative strategies enriches class insight. Guest speakers.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Professor Reibling

HS 18501  A Half Century of American Film
HS18501 Syllabus

A brief history of American film from the days of the silent nickelodeon through the end of the Romantic years of the 50s. Films are viewed, analyzed and discussed.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 15–May 7, Professor Hannan

HS 55601  Boston’s Neighborhoods
An historical look at Boston through parts of its “neighborhoods,” including the South End, the North End, South Boston, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Charlestown and Dorchester. Walking and bus tours are planned during the regular class meetings.
This course is now considered a Summer Session course only and subject to summer tuition (estimated $2200).  Registration begins April 15.
May 13–June 20, Mon & Thurs 6:30–9:30, Prof Hannan


Anticipated History electives 2013-2014
History New England; History Between Wars