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 World History: The Big Picture - HIST1016
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Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Equivalent: INST1000, INST1100
 
 
Excluded: ASIA1000, HIST1017, INST1000
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

Focuses on the basic features and forces which have shaped human history from the origins of civilisation to modern times. The first part of the course covers selected major civilisations (eg, Roman Empire, Han China) while the second covers transnational issues such as nomadism, trade between civilisations, disease and climate. The final part covers the origins and nature of modernity, to the 19th century.


Learning Outcomes

The course aims to give each student a comprehensive understanding of human societies through time. Our subject is humanity and its history. The challenge is to isolate the topics and themes that best illustrate our common past. Until recently it was the nation that determined questions of historical significance. Conventional national frameworks do not allow us to answer questions that pertain to all humanity. Even the nation as an historical construct cannot be understood adequately from the perspective of a particular national experience. If we wish to understand how our species emerged, how it has organised itself economically, politically and socially, and how our history has been influenced by climatic, ecological and geographical factors, we must read history from a trans-national perspective.

Assessment

  • First essay (1000 words) - 20%
  • Second essay (2000 words) - 40%
  • In-class test - 20%
  • Tutorial participation - 20%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.