Global History: The Modern World (250-2-20)
Instructors
Robin Duffin Bates
847/467-4839
Harris 242
Meeting Info
Lutkin Hall: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course examines the rise of global structural interconnection during the modern era, from approximately 1750 to the present. Topics will include the industrial revolution; capitalist globalization and its critics; the rise of colonial imperialism and anticolonial independence movements; the socioeconomic roots of climate change; and human responses to rapid, destabilizing structural transformations.
Learning Objectives
Historical Studies Learning Objectives: Students will: - Become conversant, via the study of primary and secondary sources, with the main events and themes of modern global history, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. - Develop the ability to read primary sources from the past within the context of their times, both evaluating them critically and reflecting on their ability to shed light on the present. - Analyze the connections between past events and current problems, especially poverty, unequal distribution of resources, and climate change. - Work with primary and secondary sources to create historical narratives and arguments that can explain large-scale changes over vast spaces. Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity Learning Objectives: Students will: - Engage with scholarship about the events, structures, and practices that have shaped interactions between different peoples in the modern era. - Explore political and cultural differences from multiple perspectives, including those of situated historical actors and those of recent scholars. - Become familiar with key issues driving disparities of power in the modern era—including empire, climate change, globalization, migration, and war—and explain how they can be mutually reinforcing.
Evaluation Method
Class participation (25%), research essay (30%), revision assignment (15%), take-home final project (30%)
Class Notes
Concentrations: Global, Americas, European, Asia/ Middle East, Africa/ Middle East
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Associated Classes
DIS - Harris Hall L04: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-331: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM