World History II (1789 to 1991) – Level 1.1

Prerequisite: None

This course involves a history of the modern covering world history from the Industrial Revolution up to the present. Topics include: Industrial Revolution, Liberalism, Nationalism, and Imperialism, the

approach of World War I, the Depression; the rise of totalitarian dictatorship, World War II, and the contemporary world. Emphasis is placed on the relation between past events and present conditions. Major concepts drawn from the disciplines of history and the social sciences - economics, geography, law and government, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology will be applied. Four major themes - Democracy, Humanism, Myth and Religion, and Art are stressed throughout the course. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to investigate the political, economic, social, and cultural themes in the history of the West and their relation to the global community. Man’s struggle for political power and economic security, the role of religion and religious institutions in government and daily life, and the continuing changes in the ways men and women think of themselves and their world as expressed in philosophy, literature, and the arts are themes that will be explored. The characteristics and significance of historical eras will become evident as a result of studying the evocative details of history. Research papers are required in this course. Outside readings are used to supplement the course.

Learner Outcomes

Write using standard English for a variety of Purpose and Audiences.

Communicate ideas and information effectively in formal presentations.

Organize and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

Utilize historical evidence to formulate positions, viewpoints, and to understand current issues.

Explain how different cultures express, communicate and instill their most important ideas.

Apply appropriate geographic principles