San Diego State University
Syllabus
World History
History 101, Sec. 02
Fall 2014
Dr. Mahdavi
Student Learning Goals for Content and Skill Acquisition: This is a course in the
history of the human community from approximately 1500 C.E. to the present. The
course differs from the traditional Western Civilization class in that the entire world
rather than Europe alone is the focus of study. The central questions the course will ask
are these: What is Modernity, that is, what do we mean when we ask of "the modern
world" in which we live? How have the political, social, cultural, and economic forces
that we associate with modernity changed our world and its people during the past 500
years? Why has the intercommunication, interaction, and interdependence of the peoples
of the world become so much more intense during the past 500 years than they were in
earlier ages? How and why did western civilization rise to global domination in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and how has the challenge of western power and
cultural prestige affected the course of history of all the World's people? Finally a
question that we should be asking throughout the semester: how have the patterns of
world history over the past 500 years determined or affected 1) the way we now live and
think, and 2) our prospects for peace, prosperity, and the "pursuit of happiness" in the
coming decades?
This course is NOT primarily a narrative survey of civilizations, dynasties, and nations.
The history of humankind is more than the sum of the histories of particular countries or
empires. The most important developments in history have not taken place merely within
the boundaries of nations. Rather, large-scale patterns of history have unfolded in
continental, hemispheric, or global settings, drawing peoples of different languages and
cultures into common historical experiences. This course, then, will develop a number of
themes stressing the interrelations of societies and cultures and comparing the experience
of peoples and civilizations with one another.
This course is also one of four Foundations courses that you will take in the area of
Humanities and Fine Arts. Upon completing of this area of Foundations, you will be able
to:
1) analyze written, visual, or performed texts in the humanities and fine arts with
sensitivity to their diverse cultural contexts and historical moments.
2) describe various aesthetic and other value systems and the ways they are
communicated across time and cultures.
3) identify issues in the humanities that have personal and global relevance.
4) demonstrate the ability to approach complex problems and ask complex
questions drawing upon knowledge of the humanities.
1
Examinations and Map quiz:
There will be one full-period examination during the mid-semester, plus a final exam
during the testing period in December. These exams will consist of essay questions only.
In addition, we will have a 15-minute Map Quiz on September 12th. A study guide for
the map quiz is provided and enclosed to your class syllabus (see page seven.)
Quizzes
We will have six random quizzes during the Fall semester. All six quizzes would be in
form of multiple choices. Questions will invariably relate to the assignment of that day,
please read the daily assignment before coming to class. There will be no make-ups of
random quizzes for any reason. (Please do not ask!) Rather in calculating final grades, a
student’s one lowest quiz grade (including “zero” grade for absence) will be dropped.
Term Paper
After choosing your topic, write one paragraph describing how you would approach
discussion of your topic and provide your sources as well. The period of your paper
should be within/from early 1500s to present time. Your topic should be very specific
and narrowed down. For example: political events, economic systems, or social issues are
very specifics. Avoid biography!!
The term paper topics will be due on Monday, October 2oth.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
It should be between 4-5 pages (typed and double spaced) in length.
Use at least three sources; they should be a combination of articles and
books or books alone, other than your textbooks. In addition to your three proper
sources, you may use Internet sources with the sites that are edu or org domain.
The following site has excellent academic articles that may be useful to you.
Scholarly Journal Archive (http://www.jstor.org)
Your paper should have an Introduction, Theme/Body, and a Conclusion.
Your paper should contain a Chicago style bibliography of your sources (see
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/RES5e_ch10_s1-0001.html )
Use Chicago style footnotes or endnotes when quoting or citing data (see
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/RES5e_ch10_s1-0001.html )
Do a spelling and grammar check on your final paper.
Turn your report in by the deadline if you do not wish to be penalized
for an overdue paper.
½ letter grade penalty will be applied for each past due day.
The term paper will be due on Monday, November 24th.
Participation:
Keep in mind that each class lecture of discussion is part of a continuing story. When you
skip class, you miss some of the plot and you will soon be lost. Therefore, I am
allocating 5% (extra credit) for class participation. It will be awarded to those students
who continuously participate throughout the semester.
2
Grade Determination:
Map Quiz (100 points)
Random Quizzes (100 points)
Term Paper (100 points)
Mid-term Examination
Final Examination
10%
10% (5 quizzes in all)
20%
30%
30%
You will receive both a numerical score and a letter grade for each exam. Criteria
for grading would as follow:
93-100%
A
80-82%
B-
67-69%
D+
90 – 92%
A-
77-79%
C+
63-66%
D
87-89%
B+
73-76%
C
60-62%
D-
83-86%
B
70-72%
C-
0-59%
F
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this
class; it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473.
To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student
Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not
retroactive, and that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have
received an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is
appreciated.
Plagiarism:
Academic integrity is an important aspect of learning. Students must realize that cheating
in quizzes and exams are serious offenses and will result in possible failing grade for the
course. For university policies on cheating and plagiarism, see SDSU General Catalogue
for more information.
Classroom Etiquette:
Please turn off all cell phones, smart phones, Blackberries, iPods, iPhones, Blue Tooth
headsets, and/or any other form of electronic communication while in class. Calling,
texting, or listening to music in class will not be tolerated, nor will using your computer
for any purpose other than taking notes.
Office:
Telephone:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Arts and Letters: 559
619/594-8459
M; 1:00-3:00pm.
WF; 1:00-2:00pm. and by appointment
mahdavi@mail.sdsu.edu
3
Required readings:
J. Bentley & H. Ziegler, Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past.
Volume II, Fifth Edition
Chinua Achebe. Things Fall Apart.
Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. Weep Not, Child
World Map (Robinson Projection) No 9DD96 from Herff Jones, Inc.: (purchase
two copies)
Week1
August 25
Introduction
August 27
The Geography of World History
August 29
The Shape of World History About 1500 C.E.
Week 2
September 1
Holiday: Labor Day
September 3
Sources of European Power
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 493-507
September 5
Sources of European Power (continued)
Week 3
September 8
The Great World Convergence (GWC)
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. chapter 22
September 10
Group discussion: Consequences of the GWC
Bentley & Ziegler, reread chapter 22
September 12
Map Quiz and Review Discussion
Week 4
September 15
Power in the Center: The Islamic Empires
Bentley & Ziegler, Chap. 27
September 17
Islamic Empires (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, reread Chap. 27
September 19
The Chinese Empire in a Changing World
Bentley & Ziegler, Chap. 26
4
Week 5
September 22
Atlantic Interrelations: Africa, Europe and the Americas
Bentley & Ziegler, Chap.24
September 24
Atlantic Interrelations (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. Chap.25
September 26
Capitalism and European Power
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 508-520
Week 6
September 29
Expanding Power in Russia
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 504-506 & 713-717
October 1
Modernity and the Islamic World
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 608-613 and 707-712
October 3
Review Discussion
Week 7
October 6
Mid-Term Examination
October 8
Revolutions in the Atlantic World
Bentley & Ziegler, chapter 28
October 10
Revolutions in the Atlantic World (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, reread chapter 28
Week 8
October 13
Capitalism and Industry in Europe
Bentley & Ziegler, Chap. 29
October 15
Capitalism and Industry in Europe (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, reread Chap. 29
October 17
The Growth of Neo-Europe in the 19th Century
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 743-746
5
Week 9
October 20
Group discussion of Achebe’s, Things Fall Apart
Achebe, read the entire book
Term Paper topics are due
October 22
Islamic States and the World Economy in the 19th Century
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 705-712
October 24
Latin America and the World Economy
Bentley & Ziegler, reread pp. 634-636 and chapter 30
Week 10
October 27
Film: Modernizing of Japan and discussion
(Media Center : TV3123V)
Bentley & Ziegler, pp. 724-728
October 29
Europe's New Imperialism
Bentley & Ziegler, chapter. 32
October 31
African and Asian Responses to the New Imperialism
Bentley & Ziegler, reread chapter 32
Week 11
November 3
World War I: The First Global War
Bentley & Ziegler, Chap. 33
November 5
World War I: The First Global War (continued)
November 7
World War I: Aftermath
Bentley & Ziegler, chapters 34 and 35
Week 12
November 10
World War I: Aftermath
Bentley & Ziegler, reread chapters 34 and 35
November 12
World War II
Bentley & Ziegler, chapter 36
November 14
World War II (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, reread chapter 36
6
Week 13
November 17
Nationalism and New Power in the Developing Countries
Bentley & Ziegler, chapter 37
November 19
Nationalism and New Power in the Developing Count. (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, reread chapter 37
November 21
Group discussion of Ngugi’s, Weep Not, Child
Ngugi, read the entire book
Week 14
November 24
Term papers are due
The Formation of a Bipolar World
Bentley & Ziegler, read pp. 853-861
November 26
The Formation of a Bipolar World
Bentley & Ziegler, reread pp. 853-861
November 28
No Class - Thanksgiving Recess
Week 15
December 1
The Price and Promise of Modernity
Bentley & Ziegler, Chap. 38
December 3
The Price and Promise of Modernity (continued)
Bentley & Ziegler, chapter 38
December 5
Group discussion: World since 1991.
Week 15
December 8
Conclusion
December 10
Review Discussion
Final Examination: Monday, December 15, 10:30am.-12:30pm.
7
World History
History 101
Dr. Mahdavi
Fall 2014
STUDY GUIDE FOR MAP QUIZ (to learn the terms on this page, use the following
link: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~drizadi/)
A fifteen-minute map quiz will be given on September 12th You will be asked to locate on a
world outline map 20 of the items listed below. The instructor will choose the items (5 points
for each). The blank map is available in the bookstore. Please buy two copies, one to bring to
class and the other one for practice. You are responsible for bringing your blank map to
class on the day of the test.
OCEANS AND SEAS
Aegean Sea
Arabian Sea
Bay of Bengal
Caspian Sea
East China Sea
South China Sea
Indian Ocean
Persian Gulf
Red Sea
Black Sea
Mediterranean Sea
ISLANDS
Ceylon
Crete
Cyprus
Japan
Philippines
Sicily
East Indies (Indonesia
MOUNTAINS
Alps
Altai
Andes
Atlas
Himalayas
Hindu Kush
Tien Shan
Urals
STRAITS & PASSES
Bosphorus
Dardanelles
Str. of Bab al-Mandeb
Str. of Gibraltar
Str. of Hormuz
Str. of Malacca
RIVERS
Amu Darya (Oxus)
Danube
Elbe
Euphrates
Nile
Ganges
Hwang Ho (Yellow
Indus
Niger
Syr Darya (Jaxartes)
Tigris
Volga
Yangtze
Rhine
MISCELLANEOUS
Anatolia (Asia Minor)
Cape of Good Hope
Cape Horn
Sahara Desert
Gobi Desert
Mongolia
Kalahari Desert
8
CITIES
Aden
Alexandria (Egypt)
Athens
Berlin
Brussels
Cairo
Cordoba (Spain)
Damascus
Delhi
Genoa
Hong Kong
Jerusalem
Lima
Lisbon
Mecca
Mombasa
Moscow
Paris
Peking
Rome
Santiago
Shanghai
Stockholm
Timbuktu
Tokyo
Venice
Zanzibar