Velocity and Modernity

This module explores the themes of Velocity and Modernity, examining how rapid changes in technology and society transformed the world. Key discussions will include:

• The impact of technological advancements on daily life.
• Urbanization and its effects on social structures.
• Modernity's influence on culture and identity.
• Responses to the challenges posed by rapid changes.

Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of modernity on historical developments.

Course Lectures

• Transformations in Europe, 1500-1750

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines the significant transformations in Europe between 1500 and 1750, focusing on social, political, and economic changes. Students will explore:

  • The impact of the Renaissance on European thought.
  • Religious conflicts and the Reformation's influence.
  • The rise of nation-states and their implications for Europe.
  • Economic shifts due to exploration and colonization.

  Through lectures and discussions, participants will analyze the interconnectedness of these transformations and their effects on the broader world.

• The Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa, 1530-1770

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module delves into the interactions between the Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa from 1530 to 1770. Key topics include:

  • The transatlantic slave trade and its consequences.
  • Colonial economies and their reliance on enslaved labor.
  • The cultural exchanges and conflicts that arose from these interactions.
  • Resistance and adaptation among indigenous and enslaved populations.

  Students will engage with primary sources to better understand these complex relationships and their lasting impacts.

• The Americas, The Atlantic, and Africa, 1530-1770 II

  Richard Bulliet

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  This second part of the module on the Americas, the Atlantic, and Africa continues to explore significant events and themes from 1530 to 1770. Discussions will focus on:

  • The effects of European colonization on indigenous societies.
  • The development of new social hierarchies based on race and class.
  • Economic motivations behind exploration and exploitation.
  • The role of religion in justifying colonial practices.

  Through a critical lens, students will analyze the consequences of these dynamics on global history.

• Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean, 1500-1750

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module investigates the historical developments in Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean from 1500 to 1750. Key areas of focus include:

  • The rise of powerful empires such as the Ottomans and Safavids.
  • Trade networks and their influence on cultural exchanges.
  • Interactions between different religious and ethnic groups.
  • Colonial encroachments and their impacts on regional dynamics.

  Students will engage with diverse sources to understand the complexities of this vibrant region during a transformative period.

• Early Modern Islamic Governance

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on Early Modern Islamic Governance, examining the political structures and governance strategies in Islamic empires from 1500 to 1750. Topics include:

  • The administrative systems of major empires.
  • Legal frameworks and their implications for society.
  • Interactions between Islamic and non-Islamic governance models.
  • The role of religion in governance and statecraft.

  Students will analyze texts and case studies to understand the complexities of governance in the Islamic world during this period.

• Korea, Japan, and China in the Sixteenth Century

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module explores Korea, Japan, and China in the sixteenth century, highlighting the unique historical dynamics of East Asia. Key themes include:

  • The impact of European contact on East Asian societies.
  • Cultural and economic exchanges within the region.
  • Political developments and the rise of centralized states.
  • Responses to external pressures and internal challenges.

  Students will engage with primary sources to critically assess the interactions and transformations in East Asia during this period.

• Northern Eurasia, 1500 -1800

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module covers Northern Eurasia from 1500 to 1800, focusing on significant historical events and trends. Key aspects include:

  • The expansion of empires across Northern Eurasia.
  • The impact of trade routes on cultural and economic exchanges.
  • Interactions between diverse ethnic groups and cultures.
  • Responses to imperial expansion and local governance.

  Through analysis of various sources, students will gain insights into the complexities of Northern Eurasian history during this period.

• Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World, 1750-1850 Part I

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines the Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World from 1750 to 1850, focusing on the various revolutions that reshaped societies. Key discussions will cover:

  • The American Revolution and its global implications.
  • The French Revolution and its impact on Europe and beyond.
  • The Haitian Revolution and its significance for slavery and colonialism.
  • Revolutions in Latin America and their quest for independence.

  Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to understand the interconnectedness of these revolutionary movements.

• The Early Industrial Revolution, 1760-1851

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on the Early Industrial Revolution from 1760 to 1851, examining the profound changes in society and economy. Key topics include:

  • The transition from agrarian economies to industrialization.
  • The social impacts of industrial work and urbanization.
  • Technological advancements and their effects on production.
  • Responses to industrial challenges, including labor movements.

  Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of the Industrial Revolution on global society.

• Egypt and the Ottoman Empire in the 19th Century

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module investigates Egypt and the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, focusing on the political, social, and economic transformations during this period. Key discussions will cover:

  • The decline of the Ottoman Empire and its implications for Egypt.
  • Modernization efforts in Egypt and their impact on society.
  • Colonial pressures and responses from both regions.
  • Cultural exchanges and their significance in shaping identities.

  Students will analyze primary sources to understand the complexities of these transformations and their historical significance.

• British India

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on British India, examining the socio-political dynamics during the colonial period. Key aspects include:

  • The establishment of British rule and its administrative structures.
  • Resistance movements and the quest for independence.
  • The impact of colonial policies on Indian society and economy.
  • Cultural exchanges between British and Indian societies.

  Through critical analysis of various sources, students will gain insights into the complexities of British colonial rule in India.

• Nineteenth Century China

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Nineteenth Century China, focusing on significant events and transformations during this period. Key discussions will cover:

  • The impact of Western imperialism and the Opium Wars.
  • Internal challenges, including rebellions and social unrest.
  • The Qing Dynasty's responses to modernization.
  • Cultural exchanges between China and the West.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities of China's interactions with the world during the nineteenth century.

• Africa in the Nineteenth Century

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module investigates Africa in the Nineteenth Century, focusing on significant historical events and trends. Key topics include:

  • The impact of European colonization on African societies.
  • Resistance movements against colonial rule.
  • The role of trade networks in shaping economies.
  • Cultural exchanges and their effects on identity.

  Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of colonialism on Africa during this period.

• Nineteenth Century Isms

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Nineteenth Century Isms, focusing on the various ideologies that emerged during this period. Key discussions will cover:

  • Liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and their implications for society.
  • The role of nationalism in shaping modern states.
  • The impact of these ideologies on social movements and political changes.
  • Global interactions and the spread of these ideas.

  Through analysis of primary sources, students will gain insights into how these ideologies influenced historical developments.

• Velocity and Modernity

  Richard Bulliet

  Playing

  This module explores the themes of Velocity and Modernity, examining how rapid changes in technology and society transformed the world. Key discussions will include:

  • The impact of technological advancements on daily life.
  • Urbanization and its effects on social structures.
  • Modernity's influence on culture and identity.
  • Responses to the challenges posed by rapid changes.

  Students will engage with various sources to critically assess the implications of modernity on historical developments.

• The Twentieth Century in History

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines the Twentieth Century in history, focusing on significant events and transformations that shaped the modern world. Key themes include:

  • The impact of World Wars on global politics and society.
  • The rise and fall of ideologies such as fascism and communism.
  • The decolonization movements and their implications.
  • Technological advancements and their influence on daily life.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities of the twentieth century and its legacy.

• Social Darwinism

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module focuses on Social Darwinism, examining its origins and impact on society during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Key discussions will include:

  • Theoretical foundations of Social Darwinism and its proponents.
  • Applications of Social Darwinism in politics and social policy.
  • The critiques and controversies surrounding the ideology.
  • Its legacy in contemporary society and thought.

  Students will engage with primary sources and scholarly critiques to assess the implications of Social Darwinism on historical developments.

• Money and Decolonization

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Money and Decolonization, focusing on the economic aspects of decolonization movements in the twentieth century. Key discussions will cover:

  • The role of economic factors in the push for independence.
  • Financial implications of colonial rule on post-colonial states.
  • Global economic systems and their influence on decolonization.
  • Strategies for economic development in newly independent nations.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities of economics in the context of decolonization.

• America and the Cold War

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module explores America and the Cold War, examining the geopolitical dynamics during the latter half of the twentieth century. Key themes include:

  • The ideological battle between capitalism and communism.
  • Key events such as the Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • The impact of the Cold War on domestic policies and society.
  • Decolonization and its relationship with Cold War politics.

  Students will engage with primary sources and historical analyses to understand the complexities of this pivotal period in American history.

• Human/Animal Relations

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module examines Human/Animal Relations, focusing on the evolving dynamics between humans and animals throughout history. Key discussions will include:

  • The role of animals in human societies and economies.
  • Ethical considerations surrounding animal treatment.
  • Cultural representations of animals in various societies.
  • Modern implications of human-animal relationships.

  Students will analyze various sources to understand the complexities and significance of these relationships in historical contexts.

• Concluding Reflections

  Richard Bulliet

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  This module offers Concluding Reflections on the course, encouraging students to synthesize their learning and reflect on key themes. Discussions will include:

  • Major takeaways from the study of world history since 1500 CE.
  • The interconnectedness of global events and their implications.
  • How historical narratives shape contemporary understanding.
  • Future directions for historical inquiry and research.

  Students will engage in reflective discussions and assessments to consolidate their learning and apply it to future studies.