World History II

Year two of this two-year World History continues the overview of political, social, and economic developments in all parts of the world, beginning with the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, then continuing with the colonization of Africa, the rise of the Ottoman Empire in Asia, the continuity of dynastic rule in China and the development of the shogunate order in Japan. Focus then shifts to the revolutions in America and Europe and the Industrial Revolution, the rapidly changing economics and power struggles of imperialism, and the struggle for national identity in the wake of World War I. Most of the later part of the course focusses on developments in the twentieth century, including the rise and fall of superpowers and the stuggle over globalization.

Lectures and readings provide students with a solid grounding in the key names, dates, civilizations, and movements of world history, while seminar-type live chat discussions help students develop the tools of historiography and explore unifying themes on the use of resources, the establishment of communities, and the expression of power across time periods and geographical boundaries.

Dr. Christe McMenomy and Mr. Karl Oles provide different interpretations of key movements and events, helping students develop their own interpretations of history.