I have taught this course most semesters that I have been at Trinity Washington University. It is an interdisciplinary introduction to studying the world. Students learn to apply key concepts from various disciplines, including history, political science, anthropology, geography and economics to contemporary global issues. Throughout the semester, they write a blog in which they analyze articles from major newspapers and journals.

Students come away from the course with a deeper understanding of the different disciplines that constitute global affairs. They also are able to discuss numerous issues of contemporary global importance, and articulate how these issues affect their own lives.

This course examines the Cold War from a global perspective. It is a 300-level course, but appropriate for all students after the sophomore-year.

In all my upper-level courses, students write an 8-10 page research paper. I don’t assign essays just for the sake of writing – they are to prepare students to undertake larger works, particularly the senior thesis. Papers are evaluated based on the strength and clarity of the argument, engagement with relevant literature (2-3 relevant good secondary sources are enough at this level), and their use of evidence (at least some primary sources). The assignments are staged, requiring an initial submission of a research plan, a first draft, and then a revised second draft (optional).  I assist students extensively in developing these proposals and finding sources.