Winter 2002    History 133    

 

Introduction to Non-Western History Since 1750

 

Thursday 6.00 – 9.30 pm                        Room: TBA

 

 

 

           

         Instructor:                           Rick Dodgson

Office:                                    Lindley 205, Athens campus

                Office Hours:                    After the class or by appointment

                Office Phone:                    740 597 1382

                Mailbox:                 TBA

                E-mail:                                    rick1@frognet.net

                Website:                http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~rd338088/

 

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

This course introduces students to select histories of the non-Western world after 1750.  It takes a comparative approach to the study of history, focusing on broad themes occurring throughout the globe such as the rise of civilization; the spread and impact of world religions; the development of trading systems; and contacts between the non-Western and Western worlds. To attempt to understand more fully the globalized world we live in, it is important to study how the historical past has shaped the diverse outlooks of Asians, Africans, and Latin Americans, as well as Europeans.

 

This course also introduces students to the study of history.  We will examine and compare different types of sources, including oral histories, primary documents and a textbook, and discuss the difficulties historians encounter when studying the past, such as a lack of evidence or conflicting interpretations.  By the end of the course not only will students hopefully have a much more informed global outlook, but will also have a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in the study of history.

 

The course consists primarily of lectures, however as time permits, we will discuss selections from assigned readings, a video previously seen in class, handouts or a broad theme most recently covered in lectures.

 

READING

 

The following books are required for this course and are available for purchase.  Other required readings may be assigned and will be available either as a handout or on my webpage. Students should consider all of the required reading as supplements to, rather than substitutes for, classroom lectures.

 

Jerry H. Bentley and Herbert F. Ziegler, Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past  (textbook)

 

Sattareh Farman-Farmaian, Daughter of Persia: A Woman’s Journey from Her Father’s Harem Through the Islamic Revolution


 

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

 

Note: Assigned readings for a given date should be completed before the date of the lecture.  This will make the lecture easier to follow and facilitate discussion.  Keep in mind that not everything in the assigned readings will be covered in class; nor will all the lecture material be covered in the textbook.  Dates for readings and lectures are subject to change.

 

 

Week One                    Collect  Syllabus and handout “The World in 1750”

                                  Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler: pp.727-737; 759-783; 593-613.

 

Week Two                 The Spanish and the Aztecs

                                  Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler:  pp. 429-433; 442-445; 621-623.

                                  Electronic Reserve:  Diaz, “Conquest of New Spain;” Leon-Portilla, “Broken Spears: Aztec

                                  Account of the Conquest of Mexico”

 

Week Three               The Kongo and the Atlantic Slave Trade

                                  Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler:  pp.  647-670.

 

Week Four                   Midterm I/ Qing China and the West

                                   Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler:  pp.  831-838; 934-938.

                                   Website: Selections from Jonathon Spence, The Search for Modern China;

                                   Macaulay, “Parliamentary Debate,” Lin, “Letter to Queen Victoria”

                               

Week Five                  Qing China and the West (continued)

                                   Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler:  pp.  348-350; 664-670.

                

Week Six                    Japan and the Challenge of Change

                                   Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler: pp. 838-844; 865-866.

 

Week Seven                Japan and the Challenge of Change (continued)

                                   Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler:  pp.  67-69; 187-196; 448-452; 854-858; 932-934;            

                                   991-994.

 

Week Eight                 Midterm II/Imperialism in British India

                                    Readings for next week:  Bentley/Ziegler:  pp.  303-325; 1024-1026.                                    

                                  

 

Week Nine                  Imperialism in British India (cont’d)

                                   Islam and Nationalism in Iran: Road to Revolution                                   

        Readings for next week:  Sattareh Farman-Farmaian, Daughter of Persia

 

Week Ten                      Islam and Nationalism in Iran: Road to Revolution (cont’d).

 

Finals Week                Final Exam

                                               


 

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING

 

Your grade for the course will be comprised of the following:

 

                                                                                Midterm I:                              25%

                                                                                Midterm II:                       25%

                                                                     Final:                                      40%

                                                                              Participation:                         10%

                                                                                                                                                  

The midterm exams will consist of 1) a choice of identifications (persons, terms, events which you must identify by answering who? what? when? and where? and also by briefly discussing their historical significance) worth a total of 40 points; 2) an objective portion (i.e. multiple choice, short answer, etc.) 3) An essay question requiring an informative response to a direct inquiry about a particular topic and/or period covered by the course.

 

The final exam will be identical in format to the midterm exams, with the exception of an additional essay question.  For those students whose final exam shows marked improvement over the midterm, the instructor may choose to weigh the final exam more heavily than would otherwise be the case.The grade assigned for participation will reflect attendance and active involvement in class discussions.

 

To avoid an F for the course, you must complete ALL assignments and pass the final exam.  If you have to miss an exam you should notify the instructor in advance with a satisfactory excuse (e.g., a documented sickness or family emergency) and make arrangements for a make-up. A student who does not arrange for a make-up within a week after an exam will automatically receive a failing grade for the exam.

 

Grading Scale

 

A                             100-93                                     A-                           92-90

B+                           87-89                                       B                             83-86

B-                            80-82                                       C+                           77-79

C                             73-76                                       C-                            70-72

D+                           67-69                                       D                             63-66

D-                            60-62                                       F                              59-0

 

 

Attendance

 

 

Attendance is required consistent with the policies outlined in the undergraduate catalog.  Failure to maintain regular attendance will result in a 10% penalty upon calculation of final grade.

 

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

 

 

The Ohio University Student Code of Conduct Policy defines and prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism.  Punishments range from a failing grade to possible dismissal from the University.  If you have any questions concerning these matters, please check your student handbook under "Student Code of Conduct.”  In this course, any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive the grade of “F” for the course, will not be given the option of withdrawing, and may be referred to the University Judiciaries office.