Course Synopsis:

The Modern World offers a broad survey of the major events, issues and themes of world history in the modern era in a way that is intended to introduce both program and non-program students to the discipline of history.  This introductory course aims to challenge students to think critically about global interrelatedness, identity and difference, the impact of technology, the democratization of society, and mass communications.  The course will emphasize themes of hegemony and resistance, and the tremendous social, political and economic changes that occurred in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, including great power imperialism and nationalist opposition, struggles against foreign domination in the post-colonial era, challenges to global economic and political structures, resistance to race and gender hierarchies, and technological, intellectual and environmental movements.  

HIST*1150 Learning Outcomes:

1. You will be able to identify and explain major people, themes, and events in the history of the modern world.
2. You will develop written communication skills through written work.
3. You will develop the skills to locate and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources through assignments.
4. You will learn the practices of the historian and an understanding of academic integrity as applied to the responsible use of historical sources and the ethical presentation of one’s work.
5. You will engage with current global events through an understanding of their historical context.

Method of Assessment:

25%  Midterm Exam                    
10%  Primary Document with abstract and outline
30%  Essay Assignment                
35%  Final Exam

Required Texts:

Carter Findley & John Rothney, Twentieth Century World (NY: Houghton Mifflin, 2006).
James Overfield, Sources of Twentieth Century Global History (NY: Houghton Mifflin, 2002).  

*Please note:  This is a preliminary web course description only.  The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description.  The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.