This course begins with U.S. involvement in World War II. Emphasis is given to the Cold War and rising global involvement of the United States. Other topics include the Civil Rights movement, the social and political turmoil of the 1960s, the dual crises of Vietnam and Watergate, the Reagan revolution and issues of the contemporary world. A term paper, based on independent research, is required to pass the course. Prerequisite: History 420 or equivalent.