Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2015 - HIST 130 D900

Fundamentals of World History (3)

Class Number: 5943

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2015
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of the history of the world, with a focus on global historical phenomena of the last six centuries. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

From Genghis Khan’s Mongols of the 13th century to the current era of globalization, this course surveys six centuries of history from a global perspective. We will study the people and forces that shaped the planet we all share by exploring technological and scientific inventions, transformations of world religions, major population migrations, colonization, decolonization, the impact of global ideologies, and environmental changes. We will examine how and why conflict occurs, how and why humans cooperate, and we will consider whether lessons from the past can help in the management of the future.  

Objectives: The goals of this course are to give you an understanding of the major factors and events that shaped the past 700 years of history around the world. Importantly, we will examine and discuss how and why historical changes occur. This course will introduce you to a number of fields and time periods of history and what is involved in the job of being a historian. You be introduced to issues of historical interpretation through examinations of historical issues and we will consider a number of historical questions, one of which you will address in a research essay.

Grading

  • Spoken Participation 10%
  • Top Hat 10%
  • Research Essay (3 stages) 35%
  • History on Trial 15%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, The World: A History, Volume 2: Since 1300 (Second Ed.)

Additional readings (handouts and websites) may be added

Note: Top Hat subscription required

RECOMMENDED READING:

Strongly Recommended - A world map or globe. Put it in a place you frequent and stare at it. Trust me, this will help you.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS