Time Schedule:
Guntis I. Smidchens
HSTEU 454
Seattle Campus
Overview of the history of the area occupied by the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Emphasizes their emergence as modern European nation-states. Era from World War I to present treated in depth, including the historical role and present situation of non-Baltic peoples, particularly Russians. Offered: jointly with SCAND 454.
Class description
This course surveys the history of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and the broader Baltic region, concentrating on the twentieth century. Students will explore uses of personal documents (memoirs, letters, and oral history interviews) in historical research.
Student learning goals
Know a timeline of 20th-century Baltic History, and be able to discuss connections between events
Learn how to do source critical analysis of primary and secondary sources
Analyze the role of individual persons in experiencing and shaping historical events
Research a problem related to 20th-century Baltic history, and write an essay presenting your findings.
General method of instruction
Lecture, discussion, student presentations
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites
Class assignments and grading
A general overview textbook will be studied alongside personal documents; classes will combine lecture format with discussion/source criticism. Grades are assigned 50% on independent research, 50% on knowledge of reading & lecture content.
Annotated bibliography and source analysis 20% Research paper, 12-15 pages 40% Quizzes, class participation 20% Final examination 20%
