W26 - The Modern World (HIST*1150)

Code and section: HIST*1150*01

Term: Winter 2026

Details

Course Description: 

This course is a survey of the twentieth century, focusing on major events and themes such as: the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of fascism, social movements, revolutions, genocides, decolonization, nationalism, the Cold War, and the rise and decline of American power. The course draws its examples and case studies mainly from regions across the world, with the intention of broadening critical awareness and fostering global citizenship.

Topics: 

Topics include: defining the modern world; the central role of Europe in the first half of the twentieth century and the importance of the West in the twentieth century; the non-West including South Asia, East Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights:

• Assignments: 20%
• Mid-term Test: 25%
• Essay: 30%
• Final Exam: 25%

Learning Outcomes:

1. You will learn how to manage your time in university for success.
2. You will learn how to distinguish between important information and unnecessary details.
3. You will learn how to distinguish between a scholarly and a non-scholarly source.
4. You will develop effective written and oral communications skills and enhance listening comprehension.
5. You will learn to analyse and interpret a variety of primary and secondary sources and construct a historical argument.
6. You will learn how to act with academic integrity.
7. You will learn how to cite sources appropriately in history classes.
8. You will learn that historical interpretations change over time and in response to evidence.
9. You will learn that history is a diverse enterprise which helps us to understand different cultures, regions, and states.

Texts and/or Resources Required:

Textbooks available from the University of Guelph Bookstore.