At the Potsdam Conference in 1945 Josef Stalin and Harry Truman met as allies. Three years later their two nations had descended into an ideological conflict that would last for nearly 50 years and affect the whole world. The Cold War, as the ideological, military and cultural conflict between the USA, the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China was called, involved proxy wars and crises throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, a massive and revolutionary arms race, great power rivalry that deeply affected domestic populations, complex diplomacy and the eventual collapse of a great empire. This course combines historical and International Relations methods, inquiries and theories to explore the onset, conduct and outcomes of the Cold War. The course will ask questions such as ‘who was responsible for the Cold War?’, ‘what kinds of thinking about International Relations made Cold War strategies such as Mutually Assured Destruction seem 'rational?’, ‘did the Cold War develop a more stable international system than the one we have today?’, and ‘what is the historical significance of the Cold War?’ By combining approaches and materials from History and International Relations, this course is designed to appeal to students pursuing degrees and majors in American Studies, History, Political Science, International Relations, European Studies and Security Analysis.

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the history of the Cold War
• Have an appreciation of the role of key theories in the IR in influencing the decisions made and policies adopted during the Cold War period.
• Continue to develop strong research, writing and analytical skills
• Be able to critically reflect on literature and arguments developed in key historical and theoretical materials.
• Understand and demonstrate the significance of the Cold War for today's world.

2,500 word essay (40%), 500 word tutorial paper (15%), tutorial participation (10%) and examination (35%).  Successful completion of the course requires attendance and participation in at least 10 of the thirteen tutorials.

The course is offered on campus via lectures (which will be streamed) and tutorials.

One 90 minute lecture and one tutorial per week.  Students will be expected to spend an average of seven hours per week outside these contact hours to prepare for tutorials, research and write the written work, and to prepare for the final examination.

Two First year courses in POLS or HIST or by approval of the Convenors.