This course focuses on the history of global interaction, with a particular emphasis on the relationships between states and societies. Though it begins with a brief exploration of antiquity, it emphasizes world developments since the 15th century. The purpose of the course is to gain a better understanding of the rise and decline of states, empires, and international trading systems. Taking a panoramic view of the last 500 years, it explores the ways in which disparate places came closer together, even while it seeks to explain how those places maintained their own trajectories in the face of outside intervention.

This course is an introductory survey to the history of the world over the past half millennium, with a particular emphasis on themes of political economy. It traces the collapse of dynastic empires and emergence of democracy and nation-states, the rise of global capitalism and its rivals, as well as the spread of and resistance to imperialism and colonialism. The purpose of the course is to gain a better understanding of the rise and decline of political systems, legitimating ideologies, and systems of production and exchange, as well as their interaction and integration across time and space. The class explores the deep roots of our tumultuous times, including the creation of the global monetary system, slavery and wage labor, fossil fuels and industrialization, and mass politics. In addition to expanding your knowledge of world history, it will introduce you to the practice of history, and to the subject of political economy.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for POLECON C45 after completing HISTORY 1, POLECON 45, or GLOBAL 45. A deficient grade in POLECON C45 may be removed by taking GLOBAL N45, HISTORY 1, POLECON 45, or GLOBAL 45.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills