HIST 204 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY

COURSE NUMBER:

HIST 204

COURSE TITLE:

World History, 1500-Present

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Mark Sandle

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to the broad contours of world history since 1500. Encounters and exchanges, as well as imperialism and state formation, are central themes. Students will also be introduced to the methods historians use to study the past and will consider Christian perspectives on the practices and understanding of history. The course will begin with European encounters with the Americas and conclude with an examination of 21st-century global challenges.

Students with credit in HIST 203 cannot receive credit in HIST 204.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Clifford R. Backman, The Cultures of the West vol. 2 Since 1350 (OUP, 2016)

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Mid-term in-class exam	25%
Visual Source Study (max 1200 words)	20%
Reflective Journal (min 2000 words)	20%
Final Exam	35%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course students will:

have acquired an understanding of the main aspects of Western and global history;
be able to analyse and interpret a range of primary sources from this period;
have developed an awareness of the ways our culture has been shaped by the ideas and practices of earlier epochs and traditions
develop their skills of critical analysis, interpretation, evaluation, communication and debate
further refine their Christian perspective and outlook through an extended engagement with the past

COURSE OUTLINE:

January 4 – February 9 1500-1789:

Encounters and Discovery; State formation in Europe: absolute and limited governments; Islamic Empires; East Asia; Scientific Revolution; Revolutions and Enlightenment

February 12 – March 16 1789-1918:

French Revolution and Napoleon; Haiti; Nationalism, Industrialisation, democracy and modernity, , Imperialism, East Asia, the Great War

March 19 - April 16 1918-2001

The Russian Revolution, communism and fascism, the Depression, World War 2, de-colonisation, migration, Cold war and the demise of communism, European Integration, conflict in the Middle East

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.