How to Proceed
Begin this lesson by reading this
lesson page and each of the content
pages indicated in the navigation
bar. Then read the assigned articles
and visit the Web sites. Finally,
most lessons will contain either
a short paper assignment or a
discussion. You will participate
in the discussion online, and
email your paper assignments to
your instructor.
Final Paper
Before we start, I want to give
you a preview of the final paper
assignment. Use it to guide
your thinking throughout the
Contemporary World course.
6–8 pages, double-spaced
Choose 1 of the following topics
(DUE by Friday, December 12th):
- We have examined the contemporary
world with a number of general
themes in mind, including
the Cold War; the
rise and fall of communism;
nationalism; de-colonization/neo-colonialism;
the rise of terrorism; the
international
economy; racial, ethnic, and
religious conflict; gender;
class; and environmental issues.
Which of these
themes do you think has been
most important in the shaping
the contemporary world and
why? Which of
these themes do you think
is likely to be most important
in the future? Defend your
choice(s) against some of
the other themes and use at
least three readings from
the course to support your
argument.
- In your opinion, why has
the so-called “third
world” been the site
of most of the world’s
conflicts since 1945? Use
at least three readings from
the course to support your
argument.
- One scholar has argued that
the history of the post-World
War II era shows that “Western”
ideas of democracy, human
rights, and capitalism have
triumphed around the world.
Do you agree? Why or why not?
Provide specific examples
from at least three course
readings to support your argument.
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