Course Description
Examination of how the public memory of World War II changed in different countries in Asia, Europe, and North America from the immediate aftermath of the war to the present.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to completing the reading and viewing the films
required of undergraduates, graduate students will be asked to:
(1) make two in-class presentations on additional, in-depth
readings and (2) complete a 20-page historiographical paper on
one of the themes discussed in class.
Athena Title
WWII in History and Memory
Prerequisite
Any 2000-level HIST course
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
After taking this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of key facts, themes, and ideas concerning the history of World War II. 2. Critically evaluate how historians and others have interpreted the past, and understand the stakes of conversations among historians who study the history of World War II. This course provides the following learning outcomes for the History major: (1) Synthesize historical arguments based on the analysis of primary source evidence and secondary source interpretations; (2) Demonstrate their mastery of historical knowledge and practice through classroom discussion and debates; and (3) Demonstrate their mastery of historical knowledge and practice through clear and coherent written work.
Topical Outline
Part I: War Stories (Major national narratives of WWII from the perspective of the winners, losers, and those in between) Part II: Memory Change (How memory changed regarding horrific events such as the Holocaust and Nanjing Massacre, atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and issues such as the "Comfort Women") Part III: The Past in the Present (War crimes trials, compensation and restitution trials, and popular media depictions of WWII)
Syllabus