Overall Learning Outcomes

*These learning outcomes were determined to ensure that HIST 1101 fulfills the Transfer Pathway requirements.

  1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of World History from pre-History through the early modern era (thirteenth through seventeenth centuries CE).
  2. Make use of historical thinking.
  3. Analyze historical sources, distinguishing primary from secondary sources.
  4. Communicate effectively using historical evidence and methods.
  5. Analyze and understand the diversity of peoples within their distinctive historical contexts.

*These learning outcomes were added by me because they are invaluable skills and knowledge for success in historical thinking and in a wide variety of academic and professional fields.

  1. Develop digital and quantitative reasoning skills (including the ethics of finding, using, and presenting data) that are applicable in history and other fields by working with data and digital materials.
  2. Develop strategies for advancing your learning skills such as effective reading, writing, and file management.

What We'll Do in This Class

My goal is that throughout this course you develop your knowledge of world history by practicing the key skills of analysis, inquiry, and reflection on your learning. This course is organized into weekly Modules organized around a particular theme and historical period.

Consistency around expectations—both yours and mine—will be key for our success this semester. Each Module (after Unit 1) will generally follow the same pattern and each kind of assignment will be due regularly on that day. Here’s the sequence:

<aside> 🛎️ Please Ask for Help I understand that it can be daunting to reach out for clarification or to check-in on your progress. But, this is key to success in this class and in many situations beyond. I am happy to meet or chat with you about your own learning and your thoughts on the topics and materials we cover and to answer questions big and small about the assignments.

If life gets overwhelming during the course (as it easily can these days), it can be tempting to drift away from a survey course like this. I’m no stranger to procrastination (I default to cleaning or cooking when trying to avoid things), having classes go sideways on me, and scrambling to survive. I won’t judge you for this, or think less of you as a student and person. The more we communicate, the more options there are for us to work together toward your success in this class.

You are welcome to share what’s going on with me if you wish, but you never need to disclose personal information with me to try to convince me that your circumstances are worth considering.

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Assessment and Grading

This class invites you to take an active role in your learning. You will have the chance to take what you learn both about world history and digital literacy and research skills and practice putting them to use in a range of different activities. This class emphasizes building knowledge and skills through practice and giving/receiving feedback on places to improve. This is not a class where I ask you to only memorize and repeat back to me what I or the assignment materials said.

Types of Assignments: