What is History?
Introductory Trivia Quiz
Tentative Schedule
World History Links

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World War I Propaganda
Powers of Persuasion (Poster Art from WWII)
WWII Propaganda Posters
Nazi Propaganda
Propaganda Gallery

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This course, while grappling with these broader questions, will trace the rises & falls of the many "civilizations." We will examine general themes, specific people, influential ideas, pivotal events, military developments, and broader societal trends. More importantly, we will emphasize the importance of history as a series of debates about WHAT happened and WHY it happened.

First and foremost, history requires interpreting many different sources to reconstruct an explanation of the past. The study of history entails reading both primary and secondary sources. In their quest to reconstruct the past, historians may examine non-written materials as well such as cartoons, illustrations, paintings, architecture, or other artifacts.

Because historians are human, the study of history always involves differing levels of interpretation. It is never a simple matter of "Just the Facts." Nevertheless, good history seeks to reach the most plausible conclusions based upon the best available evidence. Historians cannot (or, at least, should not) make things up.

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How to find me:
Home phone: (515) 572-4879
E-mail: rmyost@yahoo.com

Required Reading:
McKay, Buckler, Hill, A History of World Societies, Volume II Since 1500 (4th Edition, 1996)
In-class handouts
Internet Readings

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Grading:
Each workshop is 20% (100 points each) of the total course grade (500 points total).
The grade for each workshop is arrived at as follows (approximately):

Group 40 points
In-Class 40 points
Individual 20 points

General Purposes of this course:
Learn about history as a discipline.
Learn about the uses and abuses of history.
Practice analyzing massive amounts of material.
Practice interpreting facts in historical context.
Practice thinking historically.

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