Program Overview

The Modern World: Twentieth Century Global History (HIST*1150)

Course Details

The course will cover major people, events, ideas, patterns, and processes of the 20th century. It will identify modern ideologies and then go on to cover topics in a thematic and chronological way. Some topics include: World War I, major revolutions (China, Russia, Mexico), fascism around the globe, World War II, Gandhi, Rastafarianism, reggae and decolonization, 1968 student protests, genocides, human rights, apartheid in South Africa, and many others.

Class Format

• Lectures will be conducted in a remote/virtual synchronous format.
• Class will have one weekly meeting online via Zoom.
• Posted lectures & notes, independent reading, and one optional discussion hour per week.
• Some sections will offer weekly seminars in a virtual synchronous format, while other sections have weekly seminars planned as in-person sessions.
• Students may select the section with their preferred delivery during registration.

Course Synopsis and Outcomes

The course aims to:

1. Enable students to identify and explain major people, themes, and events in the history of the modern world.
2. Develop written communication skills.
3. Develop the skills to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources.
4. Teach the practices of the historian as applied to the responsible use of historical sources and the ethical presentation of one's work.
5. Engage with current global events through an understanding of their historical context.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights

• Reading responses: 40% (Best 8 out of 10 will count; 5 points each)
• Bibliography Assignment: 15%
• Document Analysis: 25%
• Open-book Final Exam: 20%

Texts and/or Resources Required

• Keylor, Bannister, Kinney: The Twentieth Century World: An International History
• Kinney: Conflict & Co-operation: Documents on Modern Global History

Department and College Information

The Department of History is part of the College of Arts, which also includes:

• School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing
• School of Fine Art and Music
• School of Languages and Literatures
• Department of Philosophy
• Interdisciplinary Programs

The College of Arts is located in the MacKinnon Building.