LSO225 - Totalitarianism in the Modern World
| Semester | |
| School | |
| Last revision date | 2017-01-30 00:06:10.457 |
| Last review date | 2017-04-03 00:15:06.951 |
Subject Title
Totalitarianism in the Modern World
Subject Description
Why is the 20th century remembered, in part, as a century of war and genocide? LSO225 answers this and other fundamental questions about the 20th Century through the lens of "totalitarianism". We will explore the concept of "totalitarianism" as it relates to Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union and Fascist Italy. Students are encouraged to think critically about the ongoing debate over the meaning of totalitarianism and whether it accurately describes the dictatorships we traditionally refer to as "totalitarian" systems.
This course also aims to provide students with a broader understanding of the major social, political, economic, cultural and intellectual developments of the 20th century. Together we will explore the major "isms" that have shaped our world: liberalism, nationalism, imperialism, socialism, communism and fascism. We will also explore why and how the years of European cultural development culminated in the repressive and destructive regimes of Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini. Finally, we will explore the phenomenon of totalitarianism in the modern world, with a look at current global regimes that apply these methods of governance and control.
Credit Status
One lower level Liberal Studies elective credit for degree students.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the crucial turning points in the rise of the regimes of Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini by identifying, describing, and analyzing the drivers of social, economic and political change over this period.
2. Apply the methods, concepts and theories learned in the various cases we examine to an analysis of contemporary global political, cultural and ideological fault lines.
3. Communicate themes and ideas explored in class to apply this knowledge to further scholarly research.
4. Demonstrate analytical thinking skills through a critical interrogation of a wide range of textual and media sources.
5. Produce concise and coherent written assignments, including a short essay, which demonstrates the ability to identify a defined thesis question, and produce a strongly researched and written paper which clearly supports its thesis.
By the end of this course, students will have a deeper appreciation of the impact that the rise of totalitarian regimes had on subsequent developments in global history. The course will also sharpen skills in analyzing scholarly sources and ‘texts', in the process refining critical reading and thinking skills. Written work (including a short essay) and collegial seminar discussions, in addition, will allow students to explore new ideas in more depth, as well as sharpen research and writing skills. My objective is that the course leaves participants with more questions than definitive answers, creating an awareness of the complex social, political and cultural relationships that make up the world we today inhabit. Solving complex problems, after all, first requires an understanding and acknowledgement of the complexities of the problem itself.
Essential Employability Skills
• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
• Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
• Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
• Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
• Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
• Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
ENG106 or its academic equivalent.
Topic Outline
The Origins of Soviet Totalitarianism: The World that ‘Made’ Lenin
‘The Terror’: The Use and Abuse of Power in Stalin’s Russia
Culture and Propaganda in Stalinist Russia
The End of the Stalinist Order; The Rise of Fascist Italy
Culture and Propaganda in Fascist Italy
Film: The Coming of the Nazis
The Rise of the Nazis
Culture, Propaganda, and Terror in Nazi Germany
The ‘Race Question’ in Nazi Germany
The Cold War: The Long Decline and Fall of Soviet Power
Totalitarian Regimes in the Postwar World: South Africa, North Korea, Cuba
Mode of Instruction
Your professort will use a variety of appropriate teaching modes and techniques, such as the following: lecture, question and answer, tutorials, classroom discussion, group work, individual and/or group presentation, computer-aided instruction, video and internet content, consultation, etc.
Prescribed Texts
See professor's adendum for specific texts.
Reference Material
All students are required to use the following Research Guide for their assignments: Seneca Libraries. Guide to Research & Citation MLA Style. 5th ed. [Toronto]: Seneca Libraries. 2014. It can be found at the following.
seneca.libguides.com/mla
Required Supplies
None.
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
| A+ | 90% to 100% |
| A | 80% to 89% |
| B+ | 75% to 79% |
| B | 70% to 74% |
| C+ | 65% to 69% |
| C | 60% to 64% |
| D+ | 55% to 59% |
| D | 50% to 54% |
| F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
| OR | |
| EXC | Excellent |
| SAT | Satisfactory |
| UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices.
Promotion Policy
To be successful in this subject you must achieve a final grade of 50% or more.
Promotion Policy: Online Courses
Students must earn a cumulative passing grade (minimum 50%) for the term work in order to write the final examination. Students who fail the term work will automatically fail the course, although the professor can allow you to write the exam for practice purposes.
Students who have passed the term work and write the final examination must pass the final examination (minimum 50%) in order to pass the course. Students who fail the examination will automatically fail the course.
Exams for Online Courses
The final exam for this course will be held at Newnham campus. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make the necessary arrangements to write the final exam at Newnham. Should you happen to have another final exam that conflicts with your exam for this course, please inform your professor as soon as possible.
Modes of Evaluation
Term Work 75 %
Final Exam 25 %
Evaluation of Work
Evaluation is based on correct language usage, organization, and mastery of the subject at a post-secondary level. Students are expected to learn professional standards of performance in the subject areas, and tests and assignments may be graded on that basis. In recognition of the significance of exceptional communication skills in the work place, marks could be deducted for language errors on all tests and
Academic Support and Expectations
Missed Tests / Presentations / In-Class Assignments
Students who miss scheduled tests, presentations, or in-class or online assignments will receive a grade of zero. If there are valid reasons for missing the test, presentation, or in-class assignment, the student MUST:
a) Contact the professor or student advisor by email prior to the start time of the test, presentation, or in-class or online assignment, and
b) Provide documentation where appropriate.
At the professor’s discretion, a make-up test/in-class assignment or new date for the presentation may be granted or the value of the test may be added to a subsequent test or final exam.
Late Assignments
Students who hand in late assignments will receive a penalty of 5% per day to a maximum of five consecutive days (weekends included). Assignments will not be accepted after five consecutive days or as otherwise indicated by your professor. If there are valid reasons for the late assignment the student MUST:
a) Contact the professor by email no later than the date the assignment is due to indicate the assignment will be late, and
b) Provide documentation where appropriate. If the reasons are deemed to be valid by the professor, there will be no penalty.
Attendance and Participation
Consistent attendance is important for success in this subject. If you are absent from class, please notify your professor by e-mail. You are still responsible for the material and assignments missed and may be required to provide documentation. For extensions or special considerations, speak with your professor well in advance of any due dates. Any extensions will not be automatically granted.
Considerate classroom conduct, adequate class preparation, and constructive participation will enhance your academic experience and that of your colleagues. In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible, and collaborative.
Participation in Online Courses
Consistent online access is important for success in this subject. You are responsible for all online material and assignments; in addition, you need to be checking your Seneca e-mail on a daily basis for updates and other related information. While weekly updates and related e-mails will be provided, it is your responsibility to keep up with the content and maintain an active online presence.
Considerate online conduct, adequate preparation, and constructive online participation will be expected from each student and will enhance your academic experience and that of your fellow students. In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible, and collaborative, where relevant.
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre offers academic support to all Seneca students in the form of one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and workshops and can be located at either the Newnham, Markham, York, or King campus. Students can visit The Learning Centre in person to book an appointment or watch a tutorial on booking a tutoring appointment online at www.senecapolytechnic.ca/learningcentres.
Dropping a Subject
There are two deadlines for dropping this subject. If you drop by Day 10 of the semester, the subject will not appear on your transcript. If you drop by the last drop date, the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of DNC. To drop, please notify your professor, complete a “Timetable Change Form,” and return it to Registration by the deadline. Discuss any possible negative consequences of dropping the subject with your academic coordinator or student advisor.