World History

Catalog description

This course will examine the history and diverse cultures of the world since 1400--the era of the rise of European political, economic, and cultural worldwide dominance-- until the present day, when that European-American dominance is reversing. The course mainly explores general trends and themes by looking at specific historical interconnections. Among the themes to be discussed are the advances in science and technology, the formation of a global economy, industrial and political revolutions, colonialism, the causes and results of the First World War, Second World War, the emergence of socialist countries, and the rise and decline of hegemonic powers. Particular attention will be devoted to the concept of “webs.”