The West In Global History

AY2017/2018 Semester 2

The West in Global History takes students on a thematic journey through the history of the world since the 1500s. Though many scholars differ in their selection of dates used to mark major transformation in world history, this course chooses to use 1500 as a date of convenience, since most scholars refer to 1492 as the turning point during which the Old and New Worlds became connected. It also represents the point when the 'West' took its first steps toward economic, political, and cultural domination of the world. Throughout the course of the semester, students will have to grapple with larger historical issues such as Eurocentrism and other forms of bias, tradition versus modernity, 'progress' versus 'decay', and continuity versus change. Students have to determine whether the cause and effect paradigm is an adequate and comprehensive method for studying historical issues. Subjects of discussion such as the ones mentioned above are important in the field of history and other disciplines. These scholarly considerations aside, the course will present students with opportunities to engage with the past by presenting multiple perspectives on the motivation for and impact of major transformations in human intellect, philosophy, social practices, innovation, technology, and other areas.