HIST 102
World History Since 1500 (GE)
1. Catalog Entry
HIST 102
World History Since 1500 (GE)
Credit hours (3)
A general survey of world history; a study of the world’s major cultural areas, their
unique achievements and their interaction with and relation to other societies. Covers
the period encompassing the sixteenth through twentieth centuries.
Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
2. Detailed Description of Course
The major topics covered in this course are those considered to represent the foundations
of world history. These topics, with various degrees of emphasis, are common to all
recent textbooks written for an introductory course in world history.
1) The western world in the 16th century
a. European Reconnaissance and Global Contacts
b. The Reformation
c. Commercial Developments
2) The western world in the 17th and 18th centuries
a. Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
b. Absolutism and Constitutionalism
c. The Industrial Revolution
d. The American and French Revolutions
3) Africa from the 16th to the 18th century
4) The Middle East and India from the 16th to the 18th century
a. Ottoman Empire
b. Safavid Empire
c. Mughal Empire
5) East Asia from the 16th to the 18th century
a. China
b. Japan
6) The world in the 19th century
a. Nationalism
b. Economic and social doctrines
c. The New Imperialism
7) World War I
8) The World Depression and World War II
9) The world in the post-World War II era
a. Cold War
b. Independence for Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The class meets three hours a week. A textbook is required by all instructors; each
instructor has the option of selecting a different text. Additionally, some instructors
require other readings. Teaching methods involve a mix of lecture and discussion.
Generally large classes require a teaching methodology capable of reaching a wide
variety of students. Visual aids emphasize maps and graphs, but other aids such as
video recordings, power point presentations, and other media including the internet
may also be used.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goal: To gain an appreciation of the history of the world since 1500
Outcomes:
1. Students demonstrate understanding of key aspects of the history of the world since 1500
2. Students evaluate key events in the history of the world since 1500 based on such criteria as cause and effect
5. Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include any or all of the following: participation in class,
writing exercises, oral discussions of readings, and testing that includes objective
and/or essay questions on quizzes and examinations. All tests are structured to emphasize
an understanding of ideas, concepts, and inter-relationships. Assessment measures
are designed to evaluate student learning and progress towards the fulfillment of
the Core Curriculum program goals and the specific goals and objectives for both the
Global Perspectives and Humanities areas as stated above in D.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 1991
April 16, 1998
April 9, 1999
October 5, 2008
June 20, 2015
March 01, 2021