HIST 152 - Early Modern World History

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course introduces global world history from the age of exploration (1500CE) to the early 20th century. Students will become familiar with the development and interactions between peoples, cultures, religions, empires, and nation-states. Topics include the age of exploration, the rise of industrialization, imperialism, the age of revolutions, the expanding global economy, and the causes of the world wars.

Text
McNeill, J.R. (2021). The Webs of Humankind: A World History. Volume 2. 21st ed. WW Norton: New York.

Objectives
 

The student will be able to: 

A. Describe the political, social, economic, cultural, and religious characteristics of  

the major societies, civilizations, states and cultures of the world from the age of exploration until the early 20th century. 

B. Explain how world geography has influenced global migrations and cultural  

interactions during the early modern period. 

C. Analyze the interrelationships among major world civilizations and religions and  

their continuing impact today. 

D. Describe the key scientific and technological developments of early modern world  

history and how they have influenced global development and the interaction of cultures. 

E. Analyze cultural trends in art, literature, music, as well as family life and gender  

relations of early modern societies. 

F. Examine ethical problems and historical data from a variety of social and  

professional perspectives and interpretations via the use of primary and secondary sources. 

G. Examine the complexity of global humanity diversity and the various forces that  

shape it. 

Content
A. Pre-Columbian societies in the Americas including the Aztecs, Mexica, and Incas 

B. The impact of the Bubonic plague on Afro-Eurasia 

C. European exploration and its impact on Asia, America, and Africa 

D. The transformation of Europe including the Reformation, the rise of the nation-state, the Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment 

E. Colonial societies in America and Australia 

F. The Atlantic slave trade and its impact on Africa and the Americas 

G. The quest for political stability in China and East Asia 

H. Islamic empires including: Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal 

I. The age of revolutions including the American, French, and Haitian as well as Napoleon 

J. The unification and development of modern European countries 

K. The building of global empires during the age of imperialism 

L. The causes of World War I  

Student Evaluation
Objectives A-G: quizzes, written assignments, and objective and essay examinations.