If you want drama and tragedy, then you will certainly get plenty of that in HISTORY 331. This is the story of Poland, a country that was restored to the map in 1918 after 123 years of foreign occupation, only to fall to a joint attack by Hitler and Stalin in 1939, endure five years at the very deepest circle of the Nazi hell, and then find themselves “liberated” by a Soviet puppet government that ruled with an iron fist for four more decades. Through all this tribulation there were many attempts at liberation and reform, so the class will offer plenty of heroes. But if all you want is a story of good and evil, liberation and oppression, then you will probably find HISTORY 331 disappointing. The real goal of the class will be to get beyond the familiar stories and come to an understanding of what it was like to actually live in Poland during the 20th century. We will focus on the ambiguities and uncertainties, the happiness that persisted in the face of difficult circumstances and the tragedies that invariably accompanied every victory. In a land that experienced rule by Nazism, Communism, and Capitalism, we will have a chance to see what all three systems really meant, not just as ideologies but as lived experiences.

Course Requirements:

There are no formal exams in this class. Instead, there will be frequent in-class quizzes (using the “i>clicker” system) and mandatory graded participation in an on-line discussion blog.

Intended Audience:

Students at any level and from any concentration are welcome. A very basic familiarity with 20th century global and European history can help, but is not required.

Class Format:

Two 80 minute lectures a week, plus one hour of discussion section.