ABSTRACT
The course surveys the region’s political, social, economic, and cultural developments since most of the countries gained their independence. Students wrote a research paper, usually based entirely on secondary sources. Pulling anywhere between 20 and 50 students with 30 the norm, it fulfills general education requirement for a humanities course in a non-English-speaking culture. Students wrote a research paper, usually based entirely on secondary sources. For formal writing, students use a four-part essay rubric, developed with assistance from Arlene Malinowski that explicitly lays out the competencies necessary for good historical writing. Inquiry-guided learning brings a number of advantages to students. All students, except the tiny number who are truly antisocial, enjoy and thrive in an atmosphere of collaboration and communication. Inquiry-guided learning’s special strength lies in the increased engagement and participation of students. Intellectual exchanges actively involving students and the instructor enrich learning for all.
