Courses

This course offers a broad survey of the history of the world from the end of the fifteenth century to the early twentieth century.   The course begins at the pivotal moment in world history when oceanic contact created new connections between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.  Term 1 will focus on the period from 1500 to 1750.  We will examine and compare the political, social, economic and religious systems of some major civilizations – particularly those of East Asia, South Asia, Europe and the Middle East – and consider how increased contact among these cultures resulted in new patterns of conquest, collaboration and exchange. Term 2 will cover the history of the world from about 1750 to the early twentieth century.  We will study the new forms of globalization that resulted from intensified European colonialism as well as the emergence of new ideologies in the nineteenth century and then see how these trends contributed to the political catastrophes that beset much of the world in the first half of the twentieth century.

In addition to attending two lectures each week, students will also attend a weekly discussion.  Every student who registers for the course must also register for a discussion tutorial.  Evaluation will be based on written work, examinations, and participation in the tutorials.