HIST 210 (A History of the World in the Twentieth Century II) is a three-credit arts or humanities course that introduces students to the major economic, political, social, scientific, and technological developments in post-Second World War history. HIST 210 has no prerequisites, but credit in at least one university history course is recommended. This course is cross-listed with GLST 210 and cannot be taken if credit has been obtained for GLST 210. HIST 210 has a challenge for credit option.
Who Should Take This Course and Why
The Voice Magazine had the privilege to interview Emily McIntyre, a bachelor of arts student with a minor in history. She notes that “this course picks up where HIST 209 left off, at the end of the Second World War.” She continues, “I might see upsetting things in the media such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the rioting happening in Iran this week, but they make more sense to me now. They don’t feel as random or unpredictable.” If you have ever wondered how global events continue to shape the world, Emily says “this course does a great job of illustrating that … there is a growing understanding of how interconnected our world is.”
Course, Assignments, and Exam Details
HIST 210 is based on four broad themes: global interrelatedness; identity and difference; rise of the mass society; and technology versus nature. It is divided into fourteen units, beginning with “Boom Time” in 1948 through to “Fast Forward” in 1999. Students will also explore units titled “Fallout”, “Endangered Planet”, “Great Leap, “God Fights Back”, and more. By the end of the course, students should be able to critically discuss the main currents and major patterns of world history during the twentieth century; analyze the diverse ways in which large-scale developments have affected, and also been affected by, the lives of individuals; explain the strengths and limitations of different approaches to historical understanding; and analyze and compare the effects of major developments in twentieth-century world history on Canada.
HIST 210 includes an eText, fourteen one-hour video programs, the Digital Reading Room, and a Study Guide. The video components “added so much to the readings,” according to Emily.
To receive credit for HIST 210, students must achieve a minimum of 50 percent on the final, and a minimum composite grade of D (50 percent). There are two assignments, each weighted at 30 percent, and a final exam weighted at 40 percent for this course. Emily says “the assignments were pretty straightforward … both were research essays and there was some guidance on the choice of topic.” From what we found in the Digital Reading Room, each assignment has a choice of two topics and all are accompanied by a plethora of additional readings and resources for students to browse and use in their essays. As for the final examination, “it’s a three-hour written exam comprised of multiple short essays. You can pick from a list of topics for each essay.”
Course Advice
When we asked Emily what her advice for this course is, she says, “I think with any history course, the key to really integrating all of this information is to think of it as a series of stories you tell yourself. It’s just a big, long, fascinating story that happens to be true.” She also mentions jotting down new names, acronyms, or terms so that “if they come up later, you don’t have to go looking for a reminder.” We also asked her how she found communication with her tutor throughout the course. “(They) always have something very interesting to add and often point you very directly where you should be focusing.” Emily really emphasizes the “very directly”. She also mentioned that the exam questions were very similar to the learning objectives and study questions, and recommended focusing on these throughout your studies. Amazing advice, Emily!