Examines the many facets of the most important event of the 20th Century in its global context.

East Asia has been an important part of the world economy since ancient times. China’s advanced economy provided many goods – both luxuries and practicalities – to foreign lands. The rapid industrialization of the West in the Nineteenth Century reversed the relationship, with the Asian market taking an important place in world trade. Belatedly, Japan, then China, then other Far Eastern countries began their own industrialization. These countries have been so successful that political power has followed on economic power. Now, China, Japan, the United States, and the European Union are entangled in a complex relationship. That relationship mixes competition with cooperation, and envy with ambition. Understanding something of the economy, society, and politics of “Industrial East Asia” is now and will remain in your lifetimes essential for business, travel, and informed citizenship.

The European experience from the outbreak of the First World War through the Great Depression and the crisis of democracy, the Second World War and reconstruction, to the collapse of communism and the movement toward European unity.

This course explores the history of the Western world from the mid-5th century through the mid-fifteenth century. Topics include: the end of the Roman Empire, the Germanic barbarian kingdoms, Byzantium and the Slavs, the rise of Islam, the Vikings, Church reform and crusade, economy and society, “Gothic Age” culture.

A study of the historic forces that have shaped the contemporary Middle East, and an analysis of the region’s significance in international politics including basic principles of Islam, Arab culture, and the influence of new forces in the Middle East.

Historical forces shaping the Russian identity and institutions; the rise and fall of the Communist regime, and contemporary developments in Russia.

Examines the history of the Westward movement through film and scholarship. Topics covered include race and culture, gender, capitalism, law and order, war, and the West in myth and legend.

Examines the portrayal and reality of major themes in crime and policing in films and literature.

Examines the evolution of the military art across time, some of the chief professional and moral issues facing commanders, and artistic representations of war.

This course uses historical cases to study the evolution of military leadership. It examines various models and styles of military leadership in the context of history utilizing contemporary concepts and principles. Students will consider how exemplary military leaders communicated, solved problems, and motivated their subordinates. A focus of this class will be on the moral dilemmas that military leaders have historically faced. The course will provide students with models and approaches that they can apply in today’s dynamic leadership environment.