Course Description: This course is about understanding and explaining change: what causes it; what forms it takes, why some things change and others don't; and what responses it elicits. Specifically, we will study the historical evolution of world civilizations from 1500 to the present. Our goal is to understand the economic, social, and political developments of peoples, civilizations, and nations, along with the major forces and events that shaped the world during this period. We will pay special attention to special topics such as religions of the world, the impact of technology, and the process by which the world has been transformed from a collection of regions and peoples to the phenomenon of globalization that impacts our current lives and future. Throughout the course you are required to pay attention to the news and be able to relate current events to the processes and transformations we are studying.

Computer Component: During the first weeks we will approach the material through traditional methods and utilization of the Study Guide to prepare yourself for class discussion as well as quizzes and exams. Having established this groundwork, we will increasingly integrate use of the computer to access a comprehensive suite of tools for reviewing the materials, testing, class preparation, discussion, and assessment of how you are doing in the course. To begin this, please read your History of the Internet and review the material available on the CD Rom included with the text. We will eventually progress to the point where much of the material you find in your study guide will be accessible on the web and you will be able to test yourselves and evaluate your understanding of the topics we cover.

Course Requirements: There will be a midterm and a final exam, each of which counts 25%. Participation in class discussion requires preparation before class and is a critical component of this course. Therefore, I expect each person come to class on Tuesday having read each chapter and commentary, paying special attention to the themes emphasized in the readings. In addition to knowing the Key Points & Vital Concepts from each chapter, you will be expected to have completed the following from your Study Guide:

1. Identification of Terms
2. Multiple Choice Questions
3. Study Questions
4. Document Questions
5. Map Exercises

YOU CAN EXPECT A QUIZ ON THIS MATERIAL AT ANY TIME. Also, if you don't contribute in class I will assume that you are not prepared. Once the class roster is set, we will divide into groups with each group taking responsibility for leading the discussion on a particular chapter, theme, or topic. Class participation counts 25% of your grade and your performance on quizzes, including the book quizzes, count 25%. In short, if you keep up with your readings and the assignments, and express your ideas in class, and it will pay dividends. You may bring your notes to class, as these will facilitate class discussion as well as preparation for the quizzes and exams. But, do not simply read from your notes. YOUR FINAL WILL NOT BE CUMULATIVE AND THE DATE OF YOUR MIDTERM WILL NOT PROVIDE TIME FOR IT TO BE INCLUDED ON YOUR MIDTERM GRADE REPORT. Therefore your midterm grade will be based on your quizzes and class participation. Finally, to facilitate class discussion there will be a seating chart; by next Thursday I want you to determine where you would like to sit. ((NO GROUPINGS PLEASE.))

1. Craig, Albert, et. al., The Heritage of World Civilizations
2. Rogers, Perry, Study Guide: The Heritage of World Civilizations
3. Stull, Andrew, History on the Internet
4. Power CD Rom
5. Achebe, Chinua, Things Fall Apart
6. Remarque, Erich Maria, All Quiet on the Western Front

Week 1: Introduction: The Making of the Modern World (Aug. 27–Sept. 2)

Reading: Read and review applicable sections of History on the Internet. ((NOTE, READING AND ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE COMPLETED BY TUESDAY OF THE WEEK THEY ARE LISTED.))

Week 2: The Age of Reformation and Religious Wars (Sept. 3–9)

Reading: Craig, Chapter 17.

Special Focus for Discussion: Technology and Civilizations

Religions of the World: Christianity

Study Guide, pp. 1-15, ((As with each chapter, you will be expected to be ready to discuss the "In World Perspective," section at the end of each chapter, as well as the "Commentary," "Key Points & Vital Concepts," "Identification Terms," "Multiple Choice Questions," "Study Questions," "Document Questions," and "Map Analysis," all from your STUDY GUIDE.))

Week 3: Africa (ca.1000-1800) and Conquest and Exploitation: The Development of the Transatlantic Economy; (Sept. 10–17)

Reading: Craig, Chapters 18 & 19; Study Guide, pp. 17-42.

Week 4: East Asia in the Late Traditional Period (Sept. 17–23)

Reading: Chapter 20; Study Guide, pp. 43-56. (( This week we will begin to access our Study Guide material as well as other sources via. the web. We will also begin on-line quizzes prior to class as well as group preparation for class discussion.))

Week 5: European State-Building and World Wide Conflict and European Society Under the Old Regime (Sept. 24–30)

Reading: Craig, Chapters 21 & 22; Study Guide, pp. 57-80.

Week 6: The Last Great Islamic Empires (1500-1800) (Oct. 1–7)

Reading: Craig, Chapter 23; Study Guide, pp. 81-92.

Week 7: The Age of European Enlightenment and Revolution in the Transatlantic World (Oct. 8–14)

Reading: Craig, Chapter 24 & 25; Study Guide, pp. 93-118.

Week 8: (Oct. 15–21) MIDTERM, Tuesday, 17 October.

FALL BREAK READING: Achebe, Things Fall Apart. for Week 11 book quiz.

Week 9: Europe, 1815-1850: Political Reforms, Economic Advance, and Social Unrest and Into The Modern World: Political Consolidation in Europe and North America (Sept. 22–28)

Special Focus for Discussion: Technology and Civilizations: Technology and Imperialism.

Reading: Craig, Chapters 26 & 27; Study Guide, pp. 119-144.

Week 10: The Building of European Supremacy: Society and Politics to World War I and The Birth of Contemporary Western Thought (Oct. 29–Nov. 4)

Special Focus for Discussion: Religions of the World: Islam

Reading: Craig, Chapters 28 & 29; Study Guide, pp. 145-168; Begin Achebe's Things Fall Apart.

Week 11: Latin America: From Independence to the 1940s and India, the Islamic Heartlands, and Africa: The Encounter with the Modern West (1800-1945) and Modern East Asia (Nov. 5–11)

( Short quiz followed by discussion.)

Reading: Craig, Chapters 30, 31 & 32; Study Guide, pp. 169-209; FINISH Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

Week 12: Imperialism and World War I and Depression, European Dictators, and the American New Deal. (Nov. 12–18)

Reading: Craig, Chapter 33 & 34; Study Guide, pp. 197-209. FINISH All Quiet On The Western Front.

IN CLASS QUIZ: Thursday, 16 November, Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front. (Short quiz followed by class discussion.)

Week 13: World War II (Nov. 29–25)

Reading: Craig, Chapter 35; Study Guide, pp. 235-246.

Thursday, November 23: Thanksgiving Holiday

Week 14: The West Since World War II and East Asia in the Late 20^th Century (Nov. 26–Dec. 2)

Special Focus for Discussion: Chap. 36; Technology and Civilizations: Energy and The Modern World; Technology and Civilizations: The Coming of the Computer.

Reading: Craig, Chapters 36 & 37; Study Guide, pp. 247-272.

Week 15: The Emerging Nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America Since 1945 (Dec. 3–9)

Reading: Craig, Chapter 38; Study Guide, pp. 273-286