HIST 1112 WORLD CIVILIZATION SINCE 1500 Fall 2014
A History of Capitalism in Three Parts
Hugh D. Hudson, Jr.
Regents’ Professor of History
Office: 2046 34 Peachtree Street
Office Hours:12:00-1:00 MW and by appt.
Telephone: 404 413-6381
e-mail:
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This survey course examines the development of contemporary world civilization since the sixteenth century. Special attention is given to the processes of change that began around 1500 (the emergence of capitalism) and the impact of rapid political, economic, social and cultural change upon traditional societies (imperialism and the emergence of the world capitalism system). An attempt is made to demonstrate the influence, both negative and positive, of technologically advanced societies upon the evolution of cultural forms, social relations, and governmental structures in the various cultural zones of the world (anti-colonialism and the post-WWII world). The ultimate objective of the course is for the student to be able to argue effectively in written form a thesis regarding the forces of change and continuity in the world since 1500.
COURSE STRUCTURE
HIST 1112 is a readings/lecture course with discussions of specific readings and lectures (see READINGS below). There will be quizzes on the readings, worth 30% of the course grade. Mini-quizzes throughout the semester will constitute 45% of the course grade. A mid-term examination will count for 10% and a final examination for 15% of the total course grade.
READINGS
Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart.
Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front.
Wilfred Owen, The Collected Poems of Wilfred Owen.
Dave Eggers, What is the What?
TEXT
Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the World: From 1000 CE to the Present (Third Edition) (Vol. 2) [Loose Leaf] W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN-10: 0393149749 ISBN-13: 978-0393149746
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Although attendance at lecture is not taken, lectures will not duplicate material found in the text or in the readings. All lecture material will constitute part of the examination process, especially the mini-quizzes. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT DISCUSSIONS AND FAILURE TO ATTEND RESULTS IN A GRADE OF "0" FOR THAT COURSE REQUIREMENT.
COURSE OUTLINE
I. THE EUROPEAN WORLD AND THE RISE OF CAPITALISM
Text: chapters 10-14.
II. A WORLD UNITED? TRADITIONAL SOCIETY, IMPERIALISM, GREAT POWER RIVALRY, AND THE CHALLENGE TO TRADITION
Text: chapters 15-17.
Achebe (quiz and first discussion—September 24)
Mid-term (October 8)
III. A WORLD REDIVIDED? WORLD WARS, ANTICAPITALIST REVOLUTIONS, SUPERPOWER RIVALRY, AND THE SEARCH FOR A PAST/FUTURE
Text: chapters 18-21, Epilogue.
Remarque and Owen (quiz and second discussion—October 29)
Eggers (quiz and third discussion—December 3)
Take Home Final Examination due—December 10, 1:30 PM
DEPARTMENTAL POLICY REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON COURSE SYLLABI
A HANDOUT DESCRIBING DEPARTMENTAL POLICY ON PLAGIARISM WILL BE DISTRIBUTED. READ THIS CAREFULLY! ANY ACT OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL BE TREATED IN THE SAME MANNER AS PLAGIARISM.
ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON THE DATES DUE, UNLESS THE PROFESSOR, IN WRITING, GIVES PERMISSION FOR A REEXAMINATION OR LATE SUBMISSION. ANY QUIZ THAT IS MISSED CANNOT BE MADE UP.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING IMPAIRMENTS SHOULD DISCUSS THIS MATTER WITH THE PROFESSOR BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK.
THE LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW AND RECEIVE A "W" IS OCT. 14.
ALL CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS MUST BE TURNED OFF AND STORED.