Big History: Time And Scale

Catalog description

This course explores Big History, a new form of world / global history. Like all forms of world history, Big History transcends the limitations of nation-centered perspectives. Drawing on the history of science and environmental history, Big History considers the many forces (physical, biological, environmental, social, and political) that drive change across time. Typically offered Fall Spring. Course Learning Outcomes 1. Comprehension of the major developments in the history of the universe, and how we think about and imagine the universe, from the Big Bang to the present. Assessment: quizzes and final exam. 2. An understanding of Big History themes addressed in the course through defining, explaining, and/or analyzing them. Assessment: field exercises, reader’s responses, and four logically and coherently organized essays. 3. The ability to locate and evaluate appropriate secondary sources, and extract and synthesize research; additionally, students must demonstrate appropriate summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting. View Class Schedule