Social Science Education

HIST 102A

Studies in World Civilization Since 1500

Fall, 2002
Dr. Layton SH 222 237-2717 (0) 232-3682 (H)
mailto:hilayton@ruby.indstate.edu
Office Hours: 8-9 T Th 9-10 MWF or by Appointment

Introduction

This course on World civilization from 1500 to the present begins with the overseas exploration by the Europeans in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Prior to that time there was no world history as such, only the histories of isolated regions. These great voyages of exploration, however, enabled western European civilization to emerge from its narrow corner and to spread throughout the world. Eastern Europe gradually accepted much of the civilization of the West, though the process was never complete. Three new continents--North America, South America, and Australia--were occupied by Europeans and a fourth, Africa, was dominated by them. Asia, with its old civilization and its dense population, was not so easily overrun, but even it was profoundly influenced by the European impact. For the first time, all the peoples of the world were brought into contact with a single civilization. This course deals not only with the rapid development of western European civilization in its own homeland but also with relations between that civilization and the rest of the world.

Course Objectives

When you have successfully completed this course you should be able to:

Describe the major themes which have dominated world history since 1500.

Interpret, analyze, and elaborate upon these themes.

You will be given a worksheet for each chapter. This will contain, among other things, the specific objectives for that particular chapter.

This course fulfills the Historical Studies (HS) requirement of the Liberal studies Program. All Liberal Studies courses are designed:

{1) to develop students' capacities for independent thinking, critical analysis and reasoned inquiry;
(2) to improve students' writing, speaking, reading, and listening abilities;
(3) to enhance students' capacities for making informed judgments and responsible choices; and
(4) to help prepare students to meet the challenges of their post-collegiate lives.

Grading

There will be four exams, including the final. Each exam will be worth 100 points. An additional 100 points will be available for class discussion. Discussion will focus on the "Listening to the Past" selections in each chapter. The number of points awarded to each student will be determined by the quantity and quality of the discussion. Cheating will result in failing the course and notification of the student's academic misconduct to the proper university officials.

The following point totals are necessary to achieve the corresponding grade:
450+ points=A
430-449 points=B+
400-429 points=B
380-399 points=c+
350-379 points=c
330-349 points=D+
300-329 points=D
299- points=F

Attendance Policy

You are expected to attend class. To encourage you to do so, the following policy is utilized and strictly enforced:
0 absences=+10 points
1 absence=o points
2-3 absences= -5 points for each absence
4+ absences= -10 points for each absence
Documented, excused absences will not count against you, but they must be presented to the instructor at the class immediately after the absence.

Textbook

McKay, Hill, Buckler, History of the World Societies, II 5th Edition.

Course Content

August 21-23 Introduction
August 26-28 The Acceleration of Global Contact Chapter 16
August 30-Sept. 4 Absolutism and Constitutionalism in Europe--Chapter 17
Sept. 6-9 Toward a New World view in the West Chapter 18
Sept. 11 The Changing Life of the People in Europe Chapter 19
Sept. 13 first Examination
Sept. 16 Africa and the World, 1500-1800 Chapter 20
Sept. 18-20 The Islamic World, Chapter 21
Sept. 23 East Asia~-Chapter 22
Sept. 25-30 The Revolution in Western Politics Chapter 23
Oct. 2-7 The Industrial Revolution Chapter 24
Oct. 9-11 Ideologies and Upheavals Chapter 25
Oct. 14 European Life in the Age of Nationalism Chapter 26
Oct. 16 .2nd Examination
Oct. 21-23 Africa and Asia, 1800-1914 Chapter 27
Oct. 25 The Western Hemisphere--Chapter 28
Oct. 28-30 War and Revolution--Chapter 29
Nov. 1-4 Nationalism in Asia--Chapter 30
Nov. 6 The Age of Anxiety in the West Chapter 21
Nov. 8 lm Examination
Nov. 11-15 World War II--Chapter 32
Nov. 18-20 Recovery and Crisis--Chapter 33
Nov. 22-25 Asia and Africa--Chapter 34
Dec. 2 Developing countries--Chapter 35
Dec. 4 One Small Planet--Chapter 36
Dec. 6 Review
Final Examination--Dec. 13 (Friday)--8 a.m.