World History Since 1500 (H161)
Towson University – Spring 2008
Tues./Thurs. 2:00-3:15
Linthicum Hall 100
Dr. Omar H. Ali
Office Hours: By Appointment
(119-K Linthicum)
E-mail: oali@towson.edu
Overview:
This is a survey course in World History from the late fifteenth century through the mid-twentieth century. Over the course of the semester we will explore the development of the global political economy and transformation of specific cultures and societies resulting from military and economic expansion in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A quiz, midterm, and final will be based on class lectures, weekly textbook reading assignments, as well as in-class reading from a primary source book and discussion of reading materials and video documentaries.
Course Objective:
Students will use primary and secondary sources to gain a critical understanding of World History beginning in the late fifteenth century and continuing through the mid-twentieth century.
Grading:
Participation (10%) Midterm Exam (35%)
Quiz (15%) Final Paper and Exam (40%)
Required Readings:
Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, The World: A History, Vol. 2 (Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson, 2007)
Kevin Reilly’s World of History: A Comparative Reader, Volume Two: Since 1400, Third Edition (Boston, MA: Bedford St. Martin’s, 2007)
Video Documentaries:
Guns, Germs, and Steel Weber Western Tradition Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy
Zheng He New York: A Documentary Islam: Empire of Faith
Columbus Africans in America Africa: A Voyage of Discovery
Weekly Schedule:
January 29-31 – Introduction: Kuhn, Bernal, and the Olmec
Geography introduction
Video: Guns, Germs, and Steel (Episode 1 and 2)
February 5-7 – Chapter 15
In class reading: Reilly, 5-12 (Zheng He)
Video: Zheng He; Africa: A Voyage of Discovery
February 12-14 – Chapter 16
In class reading: Reilly, 42-45 (Atlantic World), 55-64 (Aztec, de las Casas)
Video: Columbus
February 19-21 – Chapter 17; Geography review; Quiz
February 26-28 – Chapter 18
In class reading: Reilly, 102-105 (Akbar)
Video: Islam
March 4-6 – Chapter 19
In class reading: Reilly, 71-85 (Nzinga and Equiano)
Video: Africans in America and New York
March 11 – Chapter 20
In class reading: Reilly, 160-166 (Scientific Revolution)
Video: Weber (science)
March 13 – Midterm Exam
March 16-23 – Spring Break
March 25-27 – Chapter 21
In class reading: Reilly, 75-77 (Slave Trader), 217-219 (Toussaint L’Ouverture)
Video: Palenque de San Basilio
April 1 – Chapter 22
In class reading: Reilly, 210-226 (Mary Wollstoncraft and Simon Bolivar)
Video: Weber (enlightenment and nationalism)
April 3 – No class
April 8-10 – Chapter 23
In class reading: Reilly, 245-251 (Karl Marx)
Video: Weber (industrialization)
April 15 – Chapter 24
In class reading: Reilly, 240-244 (Sadler Report)
Video: New York (nineteenth century)
April 17 – No class
April 22 – Chapter 25
In class reading: Reilly, 294-298 (Joseph Conrad)
Video: Guns, Germs, and Steel (Episode 3)
April 24 – No class
April 29 – Chapter 26
In class reading: Reilly, 298-303 (Chinua Achebe)
Video: Guns, Germs, and Steel (Episode 3, cont.)
May 1 – No class
May 6 – Chapter 28
In class reading: Reilly, 373-376 (V.I. Lenin)
Video: Weber (WW I & II)
May 8 – Review for Final Exam; HAND IN REVIEW SHEET (three pages, typed, and stapled)
May 13 – Final Paper Due
FINAL – TBA
Grading Policy:
Attendance is mandatory. For every recorded absence there will be a 2.5% deduction in the student’s overall grade. For every three times that a student is late for class (that is, by the time I take attendance), 2.5% will be deducted. A note from a physician (or university nurse) will be required for illnesses or injuries that result in students missing class. The note must be presented within a week after missing class. There are no make-up exams.
Students will only receive the full 10% for class participation if they are consistently active in class. Students will be expected to bring their copy of Kevin Reilly’s World of History: A Comparative Reader for in-class readings and discussion.
Bring in at least one Blue Book for the Final exam. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. See Student Academic Integrity Policy, Appendix F, University Catalogue, Part V. A standard plus-minus grading scheme will be used.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see me. A written statement from Disability Support Services (410-704-2638) authorizing your accommodation will be required.