Why Study World History? To try to understand why things are the way they are in the world today To try to relate better to other peoples/cultures – to be good citizens of the world To understand your/our place in the world

What Can We Learn About History from Current Events?

Learning Goal A Understand the origins and forces that shaped the modern world from 1400 and the emerging factors that contribute to a multipolar world order: – China maybe most powerful country in the world in 1500 – Much of class is about how Europe, the U.S., and Japan surpassed China economically and politically – Now? China a powerful economy, but politically ?

Should someone who sells tainted pet food to U.S. consumers be subject to the Death Penalty? – How do we understand crime and punishment in a cultural and political perspective?

Learning Goal B Understand the recurring themes in the development of diverse cultures and societies since 1500, including the socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental impact of colonialism, industrialism, nationalism, and globalization

How Do We Understand India? Colonialism – British dominate country for most of its modern history With industrialization, need to persuade people they want to buy goods and services – Advertising, media a part of this Capitalism – Those who run companies search for those who will work for the lowest wages? What does it tell us that the lowest wages might be in the U.S.? But do those willing to work for the lowest wages in the U.S. have the same skills as those working for low wages in India handling call centers?

Learning Goal C Recognize and understand the encounter, interaction, clash, and accommodation of various political, religious, ethnic, and gender groups and their contributions to past and present societies

Population and Economic Development Don’t think about population much, but it is critical: China has second largest world economy, but per capita GDP still among that of poorest countries: Should China have a one-child policy India prospering, but large size of population dragging down its economy and the well-being of ordinary people What is the difference between the ways in which countries, religions, dictatorships, democracy make decisions on population? – How do these decisions affect men, women, and children?

Migration, Immigration, and Its Discontents

Environment and Technology Much of Chinese History about controlling flood waters How does population growth and the demands of industrial society affect the environment? What is the relationship between environment and technology? Why/are we so inept in dealing with environmental crises?

Hurricane Katrina

BP Oil Spill

Sputnik

Sputnik Changes Way We Work 50 Years Later

Where Are We Going?

Bringing It All Together Learning Goal C: Critically engage with source material, including original records, eyewitness accounts, memoirs, newsppaers, surveys, statistics, film, and scientific treatises

The Legacies of Apartheid and Colonialism in South Africa Sports and Nationalism Sports and Hope Sports and Freedom How has apartheid and colonialism affected men, women, and children of various races in South Africa? World History is Children’s History: “When I get older….”

The Significance of Technological Change: The Jabulani Ball – is it better or of Cultural Significance?

When our products are global, our History needs to be global as well How would you interpret the ad for Coca Cola?