Comparative Global History

3 credits · Undergraduate

Global history — the study of change over long spans of time and large areas — allows us to examine questions not easily recognized in history conducted on smaller scales. Many aspects of the contemporary world can be understood in revealing ways when approached though a global lens. This course examines a selection of global historical themes each year to understand the broad stories and patterns of change which have shaped our world. Some years this course will trace such global narratives as the histories of capitalism, slavery, or colonialism to explore ways in which the world has become connected. Some years it will examine important themes in global history which our typical focus on the current West-dominated capitalist system obscure, such as the Chinese and Mongol empires or the Islamic world system. EXCLUSIONS: HIST 1500.06; HIST 1503.03 FORMATS: Lecture