Elective+Course+-+WWII


 * Elective Course **


 * Course ** : World War II: Through the eyes of Germany in the early 20th Century


 * Description ** : Too many classes that deal with World War II only see the war through the perspective of the United States or the Allies. Students do not get a sense of what the war was like through the eyes of the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan). This elective course will primarily focus on the events of World War II through the perspective of Germany, how it was able to rise to an international power and how Fascism took over Europe after World War I.

There is more to World War II than just the battles that the United States was involved in. Social, political, and cultural issues engulfed Europe as Germany began to spread its ideals. History classes focus on the important political figures in major events. This course will have a “bottom-up” perspective, looking at the war through not just political figures, but every day citizens. The war affected everyone living in Europe and it is important to gain an understanding of how the war altered their lives and how the lived through World War II.


 * Units **

__ The Rise of Hitler’s Europe  __ : Before World War II, there was a beginning to the rise of Hitler and Nazism. This unit will focus on how Hitler was able to assert his dominance and power as leader of Germany. Political and economic factors impacted the rise of Nazism and this unit will focus on how those factors helped influence the people of Germany.

__ Everyday Europe  __ : World War II and Nazi occupied Europe was more than just battles between the Allies and the Axis. There were everyday citizens who endured the terror of Nazi Germany. This unit will focus on the social aspects of occupied Europe, how citizens dealt with the struggles, and what the response was of some citizens.

__ The Second Great War  __ : The two previous units help set the foundation for the final unit of the course. This unit will focus on how all the aspects we have learned set the stage for the Second World War. How did the Allies respond? How did the Axis respond? What led to the downfall of the Axis powers? This course will focus on the battles, economic situation and diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis powers.


 * Possible Texts **

__ World War II: A Short History  __ : This book illustrates the origins, course, and long-range effects of the war. It provides an account that analyzes both sides of the war. It would be the main textbook of the course.

__ The World At War Documentary  __ : A World War II documentary that illustrates the beginning, middle, and end of World War II. It describes the social, political, and economic factors of the war, Nazi Germany, and the United States. It provides a perspective on both sides of the war.

__ Making-history.com  __ : This is a game that allows students to play as a country prior and during the years of World War II. Students will gain a sense of what it is like to run a country during a conflict. They will have control of the economics, public, diplomatic relations, and war defenses during World War II. They can play as any country, so they are not subjected to one side of the war.


 * Assessment **

The course would be assessed by exams and projects. Various projects would be assigned that would help the students gain an understanding of what we are learning about. One project under consideration is a paper. Students will have the opportunity to choose a topic from a selected list, or create their own topic of focus. This paper would be the main grade of the course, with smaller exam/quizzes throughout the year to test their knowledge on the material.

__ Research Paper:  __ Students will write a 5-8 page paper on a topic that the teacher gives out. The students can create their own topic, but must be approved by the teacher. The students will be required to use at least 2 primary sources, as well as secondary sources.

__ Exams  __ : There will be two exams throughout the course: a midterm and a final. The exams will be essay format with one question where the students have to write 1-2 pages. They will use information from class as well as any outside sources or information they have learned from readings or from their research on the paper.