What is the history behind today's major events? And what are some of the differing perspectives and interpretations around the world on how to address some of the most significant issues that face us all? This course will challenge students to think globally and historically about the present by introducing the methods and conceptual tools historians use to understand the past and how that may lead to a better appreciation of contemporary society. Students will be encouraged to become more critical readers of the media and thus better assess when and how history is used and abused in the public sphere. Throughout the semester, members of the History Department will visit the class and address how their field (e.g. East Asian, Latin American, African-American History) is represented in the media and political discourse. The theme for 2009-10 will be citizenship. Because of its commitment to explore how people in different societies respond to the pressing issues of the day and how people in various corners of the world are redefining and rethinking notions of citizenship, this course is part of the Exploring Diversity Initiative (EDI),