Students will receive an introduction to the course aims, structure and methods of evaluation. World/Global History, a field of historical study that examines history from a global perspective will be discussed. Instructor will divide the class into groups for the Group Presentations and distribute topics for the Diverging Perspectives Assignment. Reading: Syllabus. Assignments/deadlines: none

Lecture: In this lecture, we will examine the groundbreaking voyages of 15th-century navigators such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Zheng He, each of whom left an indelible mark on global history. Alongside their contributions to maritime exploration and the opening of new trade routes, we will discuss the profound and often unintended consequences of their journeys, particularly the Columbian Exchange, which reshaped economies, societies, and ecosystems across continents. The session aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the economic, cultural, and political ramifications of these expeditions, including their role in initiating global trade, colonization, and cultural interchanges. Reading: Nathan Nunn and Nancy Qian. “The Columbian Exchange,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 24:2 (2010) 163–188. Assignments/deadlines: None

Lecture: Has there always been—and does there remain today—a "clash" between Islamic and Christian civilizations? This lecture will focus on the history of Islam after the "Islamic Golden Age", specifically on one of the major Islamic empires in history, the Ottoman Empire. It will explore the Ottomans' relationships with religious minorities as well as their geopolitical and economic rivalry with the Venetian Empire in the Mediterranean. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 4/ch. 2. “Islam and Arab empires”, pp. 333-356 and 4. “The New Middle East and the Making of Europe”, pp. 384–429. Assignments/deadlines: None

Self-directed learning: Students work individually on their Alternative History Assignment. Reading: None Assignments/deadlines: Electronically via email or NEO: Alternative History with AI Assignment (by 18.15 CET, 25 September 2024).

Lecture: Why didn't the Chinese discover America? This lecture explores the organizational and cultural influence of Confucian civilization. We will also touch upon developments in Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Additionally, the session will briefly examine the interactions between European missionaries and traders and the peoples and cultures of China and Japan. The lecture will conclude with a discussion based on a pre-assigned reading. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 5/ch. 1. “Qing China and Mughal India”, pp. 537–550 Assignments/deadlines: None

Lecture: In this lecture we will delve into the complex geopolitics and global impact of the Seven Years War, often regarded as the first global conflict. The war involved all of the major European powers and extended its reach into colonies across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Simultaneously, we will explore the far-reaching dominion of the Spanish Empire, whose territories spanned from Europe to the Americas, Asia, and even Oceania. By juxtaposing the Seven Years War and the Spanish Empire, this lecture aims to shed light on the global interconnectedness of the 18th century, setting the stage for the modern geopolitical landscape. We will also discuss how these historical phenomena shaped global trade, diplomacy, and power dynamics. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 5/ch. 5. “Europe´s Assault on the World”, pp. 633–660. Assignments/deadlines: None

Lecture: In this lecture, we will explore a transformative period marked by groundbreaking shifts in science, politics, and society. Beginning with the Scientific Revolution, we'll discuss how foundational discoveries in physics, astronomy, and medicine radically changed the way humanity understood the natural world. Then, we'll shift our focus to the wave of political revolutions that swept across America, France and Haiti, setting the stage for the modern world. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 6/ch. 2. “Political Change in an Age of Revolution”, pp. 723–747. Assignments/deadlines: None

Lecture: Every student in the class knows how a railroad works because by about 1900 every inhabited continent, and even some of the most remote parts of the world, had railroads. Railroads in Japan, California, South Africa, India, Egypt, the Congo, and elsewhere were all universal symbols of a new, industrial culture. The Industrial Revolution began in Europe, but it quickly created a new global culture that still unites us all, regardless of “race” or “nationality.” Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 6/ch. 1. “Long-term Change”, pp. 703–722. Assignments/deadlines: None

Seminar: Group A will present and lead a discussion on “History of Slavery”’, beginning with a 20-30-minute presentation. Reading: Group A material Assignments/deadlines: 1) Group A presentation. Other students are expected to read at least some of this material (preferably all) and be prepared to discuss the group’s ideas and interpretations from an informed position. 2) By the beginning of class in print and via NEO: Alternative History with AI Assignment (by 9.45 CET, 2 October 2024).

Seminar: Group B will present and lead a discussion on “Climate Change in History”, beginning with a 20-30-minute presentation. Reading: Group B Material Assignments/deadlines: Group B presentation. Other students are expected to read at least some of this material (preferably all) and be prepared to discuss the group’s ideas and interpretations from an informed position.

Lecture: This lecture explores the Great Divergence, the pivotal economic shift that began in the late 18th century when Western Europe and the United States surged ahead of other major world economies. We'll examine the causes and consequences of this divergence, focusing on the role of the Industrial Revolution and the varied impacts on global economic patterns. We will also explore what drove the expansive reach of European powers into far-flung territories, and how indigenous societies reacted. We will consider the ideological, economic, and technological factors that facilitated European domination. The session will also examine the concept of 'the White Man's Burden' and the moral justifications made for colonial expansion. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 6/ch. 6. “Imperialism and Imperial Rule”, pp. 791–814. Assignments/deadlines: None

Seminar: Group C will present and lead a discussion on “Mughal Empire”, beginning with a 20-30-minute presentation. Reading: Group C Material Assignments/deadlines: Group C presentation. Other students are expected to read at least some of this material (preferably all) and be prepared to discuss the group’s ideas and interpretations from an informed position.

Lecture: This lecture investigates the complex and multifaceted phenomena of imperialism and colonialism, with a specific focus on the 19th and early 20th centuries. We will also look at the social, cultural, and political undercurrents that heralded the end of the 19th century and paved the way for the outbreak of World War I. This lecture takes a close look at the "Fin de Siècle," a period marked by both optimism in human progress and deep anxieties about societal change. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 7/ch. 1. “Strains in the System”, pp. 863–881. Assignments/deadlines: None

Seminar: Group D will present and lead a discussion on “Scramble for Africa”, beginning with a 20-30-minute presentation. Reading: Group D Material Assignments/deadlines: Group D presentation. Other students are expected to read at least some of this material (preferably all) and be prepared to discuss the group’s ideas and interpretations from an informed position.

Lecture: The session will focus on the causes of WWI and also explore how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand served as a catalyst for unleashing the pent-up conflicts between major powers, culminating in the devastation of WWI. We will then look at how World War I reshaped the global landscape and paved the way for seismic shifts in politics and society. This lecture explores the Great War from a global perspective, examining not only the Western Front but also its far-reaching implications in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Students will learn about the collapse of empires—such as the Ottoman, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian—and how these voids led to the reshaping of national borders and fueled decolonization movements. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 7/ch. 2. “The Era of the First World War”, pp. 882–913. Assignments/deadlines: None

Lecture: This lecture will explore the profound repercussions of the Great War and the transformative decades that followed. We will explore the intricacies of the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations, providing students with a nuanced understanding of how World War I shaped the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century. Additionally, the lecture will examine the ascendancy of the United States and Japan, tracing the trajectory that led to their eventual confrontation. We will also discuss significant developments in China during this period, assessing their impact on global dynamics. Through this comprehensive analysis, students will gain valuable insights into the interwar years and their lasting influence on contemporary history. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 7/ch. 2. “The Era of the First World War”, pp. 882–913. Assignments/deadlines: Optional Early Essay Submission: in print and as a Turnitin assignment by the beginning of class.

Lecture: This lecture delves into the tumultuous years between the two World Wars, with a focus on the rise of fascism as a transnational phenomenon. We will explore how fascist movements emerged not just in Europe but also in other parts of the world, examining their similarities and differences. The session will also scrutinize how the socio-political climate of the interwar years facilitated the spread of fascist ideologies, and what implications this had for global politics. We will also discuss the role of various fascist regimes in shaping international relations during this period. Reading: None Assignments/deadlines: None.

Seminar: This seminar explores the Bolshevik Revolution, delving into its origins, key events, and profound consequences. We will examine the ideological, social, and political transformations that led to the rise of the Soviet Union and assess the global impact of the revolution. Through critical analysis and discussion, students will engage with scholarly debate to understand the complexities of this pivotal moment in history. Reading: James Ryan. “The Sacralization of Violence: Bolshevik Justifications for Violence and Terror during the Civil War,” in Slavic Review 74 :4 (2015), 808–831. Assignments/deadlines: Diverging Perspectives: Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (Bolshevik Russia vs. Central Powers) and/or Civil War in China (The Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) vs. the Chinese Communist Party (CCP))

Lecture: This lecture takes an in-depth look at World War II. We will explore how the entry of the United States and the Soviet Union into the war in 1941 fundamentally altered its trajectory. The ramifications of these events extended far beyond mere military alliances, reshaping global political landscapes and setting the stage for a new world order. Additionally, we will examine key battles and diplomatic shifts that occurred throughout the war. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 7/ch. 5. “The Second World War”, pp. 944–966. Assignments/deadlines: None

Seminar: Group E will present and lead a discussion on the “Racism”, beginning with a 20-30-minute presentation. Reading: Group E material Assignments/deadlines: Group E presentation. Other students are expected to read at least some of this material (preferably all) and be prepared to discuss the group’s ideas and interpretations from an informed position

Lecture: This lecture explores the intricacies of the post-World War II era, focusing on the dual phenomena of decolonization and the onset of the Cold War. We will examine how the struggle for independence in colonized nations often intersected with Cold War geopolitics, as both the United States and the Soviet Union sought to influence newly independent states. The session will explore case studies of key regions and events, such as the Suez Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Cuban Revolution, to illustrate the complexities of this period. In understanding these dynamics, the lecture aims to provide a nuanced view of how the global power structure evolved in the wake of World War II, affecting nations and peoples around the world. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 7/ch. 6. “Decolonization and Cold War”, pp. 967–990. Assignments/deadlines: None

Seminar: Group F will present and lead a discussion on the “American Century”, beginning with a 20-30-minute presentation. Reading: Group F material Assignments/deadlines: Group F presentation. Other students are expected to read at least some of this material (preferably all) and be prepared to discuss the group’s ideas and interpretations from an informed position.

Lecture: In this concluding lecture, we will explore the forces, movements, and events that have contributed to making the world more interconnected than ever before. We will discuss the rise of global institutions, the impact of technology, and the spread of cultural, economic, and political practices around the world. Reading: Roberts & Westad: Book 8/ch. 2 “The Cold War World”, pp. 1035–1087 and 3. “Crises and Détente”, pp. 1088–1121. Assignments/deadlines: None

Description: As we review the course, we will revisit key themes, reflecting on how historical events from 16th to 20th Century have laid the groundwork for today's globalized world. Reading: none Assignments/deadlines: Essay submission for all students who did not submit early. Students who submitted early and wish to submit a revised version must do so by this deadline, in print and as a Turnitin assignment by the beginning of class (by 9.45 CET, 13 Dec 2024).