HIST 112 - The Modern World

3 Credits

This course also introduces learners to the skills and attitudes of the Historian. Historians produce expert, reasoned judgments about the past from a wide range of sometimes conflicting evidence. Historians are problem solvers, researchers, effective communicators, and have a sincere interest and empathy for other people. As outlined below, these abilities and attitudes are useful in a broad range of career and life pursuits.

Prerequisites: English 30-1/English 30
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

   1.         demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills of a beginning historian in Modern World History.

   2.         demonstrate basic field knowledge by

a.      telling in outline some of the story of the World in the period from 1815 to the present.

b.      recognizing and talking about some of the key individuals, events, issues and ideas extant in Modern times.

   3.         apply some research skills such as

a.      locating and using appropriate sources.

b.      collecting and organizing research data.

c.       deriving generalizations and conclusions from a broad range of sometimes contradictory data.

d.      constructing a thesis and defending it with a line of argument supported by evidence from adequately cited sources.

   4.         apply the appropriate writing skills by

a.      using language correctly, concisely and convincingly.

b.      employing the conventions of format and style such that the work could be accepted for publication in a scholarly journal.

   5.         practice as a beginning historian by writing history by

a.      writing a thoughtful, well styled book review.

b.      writing original essays on historical topics from the field which call for synthesis and evaluation.

c.       writing a thoughtful, well-structured research paper on a topic using a variety of sources.

   6.         apply the knowledge and skills acquired by

a.      relating some of the topics and ideas covered to situations and events in the present-day world.

b.      relating some of the topics and ideas covered to situations and events in his/her personal life.

Volume Two: From 1400.  4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2021.

Primary Sources: Primary sources are used as resources for assignments and other learning activities.

Power-Point Lectures: The majority of lectures will be supplemented with PowerPoint presentations and posted on D2L. Lectures, readings, videos, and other class materials complement each other.

Video Clips and Films: Instructional videos are used in this class. The purpose is to increase the understanding history, engage students in discussions, and employ critical analysis towards the screened material. It is expected that the audience will retain more information, acquire a broader spectrum of knowledge, accumulate additional details pertaining this course, and compare and make connections between videos, lectures, readings, assignments, and discussions.

Optional Resource Materials:
Recommended Resources

Mary Lynn Rampolla. A Pocket Guide to Writing in History. Editions from 2010 and on, Boston

& New York: Trinity Washington University.

Or Joanne Buckley. Fit to Print: The Canadian Student’s Guide to Essay Writing. Editions from

2009 and on, Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College.

Conduct of Course:
This is a 3 credit course with 3 hours of lecture per week. (3-0-0).

Students acquire general field knowledge by doing the assigned, suggested and other readings. Classroom instruction is largely in lecture form (3 hours per week), with an emphasis on students’ participation and discussion. Students should read ahead in the assigned and suggested readings as far as possible to commence assignments well in advance of due or required dates. A minimum of six hours per week of reading, studying and writing time is suggested in addition to class time.

Course Policy and Assignments

For more details about policies and rules, schedule for classes, readings, the due dates of the assignments, and other class components, please read the course Syllabus available on D2L.

A great deal of course material and explanations take place during class lectures and discussions. Therefore, regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the instructor’s satisfaction. Poor attendance may result in the termination of a student from a course(s). If you do not meet the established attendance requirements, your instructor will recommend that the Registrar withdraw you from the course. A failing grade of RW (Required to Withdraw) will appear on your transcript. In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate. Instructors have the authority to require attendance at classes. For reasons independent of their own will, students who are absent from multiple classes should contact the instructor to discuss alternate ways of ensuring the learning of class materials and the attainment of the course outcomes.

Academic Integrity

Students should read and follow the academic policies, rules, regulations, and requirements of Lakeland College. They need to consult the handbook regarding the definitions of plagiarism and cheating and their consequences when detected. Consult the School of University Transfer Student Handbook available on the College’s website. Review all documents to ensure that you understand the contents and implications of the academic policies at Lakeland College.

Content of Course:

1. Introduction to the Course
2. The Rise of the 19^th Century Nation-States (1750-1871)
3. Industrialization: Origins, Growth and Impact (1750-1914)
4. Modernity and Transformation: East Asia and Latin America (1750-1917)
5. Adaption and Resistance: The Ottoman and Russian Empires (1683-1908)
6. The New Imperialism, Colonialism, and Alliance System (1750-1914)
7. The Great War and the Russian Revolution (1914-1918)
8. The Interwar Europe and World (1919-1939)
9. The Second World War (1939-1945)
10. The Cold War Era: Geopolitics, Decolonization, Propaganda (1945-1991)
11. The Collapse of the USSR and the Fall of Communism (1985-1991)
12. The World Today: Globalization, Terrorism, and Separatist Movements (1991-Present)

No supplemental assignments or examination re-writes are permitted in this course.

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.  

Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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