HIST 112 - The Global in the Local

This introductory level course uses historical frameworks and methodologies to explore that bumpersticker motto: “Think Globally. Act Locally.” Through readings, films, lectures, and discussion, this course explores central trends in world history; economic change, from industrialization and commercialization to globalization and the information economy; political activism, inside and outside electoral politics; the construction of gender, race, and class, and their impact on everyday lives; urbanization and the development of neighborhoods; immigration and the transformation of communities. We will use similar resources plus site visits, tours, guest lectures, and hands-on activities to explore how these trends have shaped the state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There will be key points where we will explore how local developments have shaped national patterns. Throughout, students will be positioned as historians to analyze the changing relationships between “the global” and “the local.” In the end, they will understand not only our local community better, but they will be better prepared to analyze any community in which they find themselves. Meets the global and/or comparative history requirement. Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)