Course Objectives 
At Stage I we introduce students to some of the basic aspects of the study of history. This course focuses on the period from the late 15th century, when a truly global dimension to history can first be identified. It examines key determinants that bind the fates of all peoples together including the emergence of world trade networks, the growth of world religions, the formation of world empires, and the migrations of peoples across the continents. Through the thematic and chronological study of global history it is anticipated that students will gain a deeper understanding of the issues that affect their daily lives.
Content
You will obtain an overview of key developments in global history since the fifteenth century. You will also learn that history is not merely concerned with finding out what happened but also with trying to explain how and why things happened. You will, therefore, be introduced to some of the varying interpretations of historians who have written on the subject which you are studying. Where appropriate, you will also be introduced to some primary materials to show the kinds of evidence on which historians base their interpretations and explanations.
Skills
An important element of Stage I courses is to impart skills that a historian needs and that can also be used in other fields which require the assimilation, assessment and presentation of information. These skills include:
- The effective use of the library and information technology and the opportunity to develop and use information literacy competencies in learning contexts and assessments
- The ability to take notes from lectures and secondary sources
- The ability to reference work in accurate footnotes/endnotes and bibliographies
- The ability to present a reasoned argument, written in standard English and based upon evidence
Objectives for this Course
- To present students with an historical overview of the sequence of commercial, ideational, environmental and political events that have brought the peoples of the world together since the 15th century;
- To examine the nature of the encounters between peoples of different cultures over time;
- To familiarise students with some of the principal concepts which determined the course of modern history such as imperialism, industrialisation, nationalism, democracy, communism, indigenous rights and globalisation;
- To develop students' ability to discuss their ideas in a range of both written and oral forms;
- To improve students ability to write an academically accredited piece of work.
Recommended Reading 
Books in the Short Loan Collection and electronic readings for this course are available by searching Readings & Exams.
Reference Books
Reference books are an excellent place to start your research. You should then go on to read more in-depth journal articles and books.
- Palmowski, Jan. A Dictionary of Contemporary World History, 3rd edn, Oxford, 2008.
- Cook, Chris, and John Stevenson, The Routledge Companion to World History Since 1914, New York, 2005. Library copies
- Lenman, Bruce P., ed., Chambers Dictionary of World History, Edinburgh, 2000. Library copies
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