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Aug 02, 2025
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SSC 1915 - BEHIND HEADLINES: UNDERSTANDINGCONTEMP WORLD
credits: 3.0
Information about events in our world has never been more available more rapidly than it is in 2017. Yet often this information is communicated in such a fragmented way–on Twitter feeds or in headline reports–that the fundamental causes behind the headlines remain almost as mysterious as they were before. The aim of this course is to analyze contemporary events in depth, so as to increase awareness of the forces at work for both continuity and change in the modern world. Using each day’s New York Times and other media sources as our texts, will develop both the background information and the analytical tools necessary to better understand developments in today’s world. Particular emphasis will be given to the influences of historical background and geographical setting on contemporary events. Amaze your friends and impress even your parents by being able to explain the arguments for and against President Trump’s policies; the political and economic changes taking place in Europe; and why the Middle East is such a volatile region. Objectives: A) To describe the factual basis and background context of domestic and international current events; B) Identify some of the criteria that newspapers and other media use to determine the newsworthiness of a story; C) Demonstrate a basic knowledge of world geography; and D) Improve oral presentation skills. Method of Instruction: Assigned readings, map work, research projects, lectures, and films. Meets *GLP Distribution Requirement.
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