Course Title: World History: 1500 to Present
Course Code: HIST 202
Term: Spring 2025
Credits: 3
Mode: In-person, Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 AM–12:15 PM
Location: Liberal Arts Building, Room 120
Instructor Information
• Professor: Dr. Olivia Bennett
• Email: [email protected]
• Office: Room 212, Liberal Arts Building
• Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:00–3:30 PM, or by appointment
• Teaching Assistant: Jamal Carter ([email protected])
• TA Office Hours: Thursdays 1:00–2:00 PM
Course Description
This course surveys major global developments from 1500 CE to the present, examining political,
economic, social, and cultural changes across continents. Emphasis is placed on cross-cultural
interactions, revolutions, imperialism, and the emergence of the modern world.
Prerequisites
None.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe key events and trends in world history since 1500.
2. Analyze the causes and consequences of major revolutions and global conflicts.
3. Compare and contrast historical developments across regions.
4. Evaluate primary and secondary sources.
5. Present historical arguments in written and oral form.
Course Schedule & Topics
Week Dates Topics Readings & Assignments
1 Jan 14, 16 Introduction; The World in 1500 Chapter 1, Syllabus Quiz
2 Jan 21, 23 The Age of Exploration Chapter 2, Map Activity
3 Jan 28, 30 Empires and Encounters Chapter 3, Primary Source Analysis 1
4 Feb 4, 6 The Atlantic Slave Trade Chapter 4, Quiz 1 (Feb 6)
5 Feb 11, 13 Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment Chapter 5, Discussion Post
... ... ... ...
12 Apr 8, 10 The Cold War Chapter 16, Research Paper Due
13 Apr 15, 17 Decolonization and Globalization Chapter 17, Quiz 3 (Apr 17)
14 Apr 22, 24 Contemporary Issues Chapter 18, Final Review
15 Apr 29 Final Exam Comprehensive
Assessment and Grading
Assessment Type Weight (%) Due Date / Notes
Quizzes (3) 15 Weeks 4, 8, 13
Primary Source Analyses (2) 20 Weeks 3, 9
Map Activity 5 Week 2
Discussion Posts (4) 10 Throughout term
Research Paper 25 April 10
Participation 5 Ongoing
Final Exam 20 April 29
Required Materials
• Textbook: Worlds Together, Worlds Apart (6th Edition)
• Course LMS for readings, assignments, and announcements
• Access to library databases for research
Policies
• Attendance: Required; more than 3 unexcused absences may affect grade.
• Late Work: Accepted up to 3 days late with 10% penalty per day.
• Academic Integrity: University policy enforced.
• Accommodations: Contact Student Accessibility Services.
Sample Instructor Notes and Lesson Plan
Course: HIST 202 – World History: 1500 to Present
Week 4: The Atlantic Slave Trade
Date: Thursday, Feb 6
Duration: 75 minutes
Learning Objectives
• Explain the origins and development of the Atlantic Slave Trade
• Analyze the impact of the slave trade on Africa, the Americas, and Europe
• Interpret primary sources related to the slave trade
Lesson Outline
Time Activity Details / Notes
10 Recap last class; ask students what they know about the slave
Warm-up & Review
min trade
20 Lecture: Origins and Discuss Portuguese/Spanish roles, triangular trade, Middle
min Expansion Passage
15 Students read and discuss a slave narrative excerpt in small
Primary Source Analysis
min groups
15 Share group findings; discuss economic, social, and moral
Class Discussion
min impacts
10
Quiz 1 Short quiz on key concepts and vocabulary
min
5 min Wrap-up & Preview Summarize key points; preview next topic
Teaching Tips
• Use maps and diagrams to illustrate trade routes.
• Encourage empathy and critical thinking during primary source analysis.
• Address sensitive topics with care; provide content warnings as needed.
• Connect historical events to ongoing social issues where appropriate.
Materials Needed
• Slides with maps and statistics
• Copies of a primary source (e.g., Olaudah Equiano’s narrative excerpt)
• Quiz handouts or LMS quiz setup
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
• The primary source activity builds analytical skills and humanizes the historical narrative.
• The quiz checks for understanding before moving on to more complex causes and
consequences.
• Consider inviting students to reflect on the legacy of the slave trade in modern society.