The Modern World (HIST*1150)

Code and section: HIST*1150*01

Term: Winter 2021

Details

Method of Delivery:

1.5 hours/week will be taught synchronously through mini lectures and group discussions. The other 1.5 hours/week asynchronous class time will be covered by either of lecture notes or commentary over power point slides.

Tuesdays will largely be devoted to lectures while Thursdays will be for discussions of the lecture topics and the assigned video, portions of the latter which we might watch in class.

Course Synopsis:

This course will explore selected themes that highlight the history of the modern world beginning from the 20th century. Discussion of these themes will include how they have played out outside of Europe and North America, and especially in Africa but also in Asia and Latin America. We will be using a book of primary source evidence and videos to bring the topics to life.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, student will have learned to:

identify and explain major themes, events, and people in the history of the modern world.
develop big picture views of these historical currents and events
identify and understand the historical contexts of these themes
develop written communication skills through written work.
develop a critical attitude to all historical information and appreciate the limitation of any source/historical knowledge of the past

Prerequisites:

None.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

Two short written Assignments - 40%
- Requiring that students analyze how select primary source documents from the course textbook help throw light on topics in the course to which they are related
Group discussion - 20%
- Students will be assigned to online groups (e.g. MsTeams channels) and will be required to prepare two thoughtful questions based on the assigned weekly reading/video for group discussion.
Final Exam - 40%

Texts Required:

James Overfield, Sources of Global History Since 1900, Second Edition (Boston: Wadsworth, 2012)
Other required reading and audio/visual materials to supplement the text will be freely on Course Reserve, on Course Link or via OMNI.

*Please note: This is a preliminary website 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.