World War II: A Global History from Below

The largest and deadliest conflict in human history, World War II dramatically transformed the modern world. This course will look at the war from the bottom up, exploring the experiences of ordinary people from across the world. In particular, centering the opportunities and challenges the war presented to members of marginalized groups in uniform, in occupied territory, and returning home after the war. Students will analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources through class discussion and assignments, drawing conclusions about the agency of these individuals as well as the social, cultural, and political legacies of the war.