CSS 340
Fall 2019 not offered
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Certificates: International Relations, International Relations Minor |
The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 was a pivotal moment in the 20th century. This course examines how the histories of Japan and the United States and the history of science and technology came to intersect in this event. There is no question that the atomic bombings were horrific--but how can we best understand them? What do we really know about them? These questions are the starting point for this class. The answers are drawn in part from the trajectory of Japanese and American history, in particular the rise of Japanese imperialism. Another important part of the answer is based on the history of warfare, nuclear science, and the development of the bombs. We also examine some of the political and cultural dimensions of these bombings, especially the question as to what degree the bombs led to Japan's surrender and the impact the bombs had on both the Japanese and American peoples. Underlying the entire course is the historiographical theme of understanding a single event through multiple narrative dimensions. |
Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CSS) |
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