HIST 171 World History, 1500-Present [CRN 76875]

Overview of Course

This introductory world history course provides an overview of major phenomenon in world history between 1500-present. It will investigate major historical themes across time and in regions connected with our voyage. With an emphasis on understanding historical global interconnections, the course will examine the intellectual, economic, political, social, and cultural forces that have linked and shaped the major world societies since 1500. Our explorations of this history will include encounters, exchange and expansionism; global trade; population movements; disease, food, famine, environmental phenomenon; world religions and ideological frameworks; colonialism, imperialism, and decolonization; state formation and nationalism; and social, industrial and technological revolutions. Exploring a common set of essential questions, enduring themes, and transferable historical concepts as we anchor our studies in port countries, the course examines how historical encounters have unfolded and influenced the world today. Engaging historical concepts such as change, continuity, multiple-causation, perspective, and agency, we will draw upon variety of primary and secondary sources, to compare and interpret patterns in cultural interactions, clashes, and collaborations. The course aims to prepare learners to engage the ports and cultures of the voyage as educated individuals; to learn dispositions and discernment that will serve throughout their lives as they continue to explore this world and its histories; and to develop awareness of major historical trends and how they have influenced the contemporary world.