History 111 - World History since 1500

"The development of the modern world, with particular attention to colonialism, imperialism, and the revolutionary movements for national liberation." (Gen.Ed. HS, DG)

Open to students in the Exploratory Engineering RAP in Dwight or the Engineering Majors RAPs in Dickinson and Leach. This World History class will center largely on the Global South or what used to be called the third world. It is designed to expand your knowledge base into areas of the world that you have not likely encountered before and this will allow for a more rounded UMass student, and more importantly, global citizen. You will analyze concepts such as colonialism and empire alongside important topics such as globalization, technological innovation, nationalism, resistance, and anticolonial struggle. The US War in Afghanistan is now in its 17th year and has now become America's longest war. Why? What historical events led to American involvement in the Middle East? How do we understand global conflict, trade, and technological innovation in the modern world? These are some of the many questions we will explore in this interactive World History course. We will construct a classroom environment where first year college students learn to build relationships and good academic and social habits that will carry you through your college years at UMass and beyond. In addition, fostering community and good practices will be the cornerstone of each course element. Traditional lectures will be blended with group projects and individual assignments. Discussion will be an integral part of the classroom lectures to allow you the opportunity to dig deeper into the material and build upon your skills.