HIST 222: History of World War II

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: D1. History and Political Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An examination of the circumstances and events leading to US entry into World War II. The course will focus on American involvement in World War II, but will also examine the systemic fracturing of the world order through the rise of Japanese, German, and Italian imperialism, assess the impact of the worldwide economic depression in the 1930's, military strategies and conduct, and analyze the impact of the war on the homefront, as well as, the long-term effects on American policy and the world. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • analyze, compare and contrast reasons for US entry into World War II
  • understand the global circumstances leading to World War II
  • understand the impact of World War II on the United States
  • compare and contrast the two major theaters of battle: The Pacific and Europe
  • weigh evidence and evaluate the major events from World War II era including Japanese internment, women in the workforce, the holocaust and the atomic bombing of Japan
  • understand cause and effect in history based on the worldwide impact of World War II and be able to articulate their analyses and thought processes through clear and concise essays

Major Course Content

  1. The Seeds of Conflict
    1. World War I
    2. Depression
    3. League of Nations
  2. Fracturing of the World Order
    1. The Japanese Order
    2. The Third Reich
    3. Fascist Italy
  3. US Entry Into World War II
    1. Four Steps to War
    2. Pearl Harbor
  4. Conduct and Strategies During the War
    1. Pacific Theatre
    2. European Theatre and North Africa
    3. Homefront (migration, women, pacifists, rationing, racism, Japanese internment)
  5. The End of the War
    1. D-Day
    2. The Bunker
    3. The Democrat and the Dictator
    4. Atomic Bombing of Japan
  6. Results and Legacies
    1. Holocaust
    2. Atomic Bomb
    3. United Nations
    4. Seeds of the Cold War

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written film report, 2 to 3 pages.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Film reviews: Select a film that deals with the historical period/issues covered by this course. Some films can be obtained at the Citrus College library. Otherwise you are on your own to find them. You must follow this format to get credit. The film review is to be written in four parts. The reviews should be 2-3 pages in length and typewritten. I will not accept handwritten assignments. Your Name__________ Class and Section___________ Date____________ Title of the Film_____________ 1. INTRODUCTION: In the introductory section describe the plot of the film and the time that the film depicts. What specific historical events were depicted in the film? What specific historical characters were presented in the film? 2. CONTEXT: When was the film made? What influence, if any, did this have on the viewpoint of the film? What was the message of the director (in other words, what does the director want you to believe?). 3. USE OF HISTORY: How historically accurate was the film? Can one learn something significant about history from watching this film? Why or why not? Do you feel like you know more about the life in the United States having watched this film? 4. PERSONAL ASSESSMENT: Would you recommend this film to fellow students and any final comments you want to make concerning the film.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

4F. History