About this course: This is a survey of modern history from a global perspective. Part One begins with the political and economic revolutions of the late 1700s and tracks the transformation of the world during the 1800s. Part One concludes as these bewildering changes seem to be running beyond the capacity of older institutions to handle them. Throughout the course we try to grasp what is happening and ask: Why? And the answers often turn on very human choices.
Created by: University of Virginia
Taught by: Philip Zelikow, White Burkett Miller Professor of History
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 7 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Spanish, Romanian |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
From the Traditional to the Modern - Commercial and Military Revolutions (1760-1800)
9 videos
- Video: The Great Divide
- Video: The Traditional and the Modern
- Video: The Great Divide-Why?
- Video: The World of 1760
- Video: The Commercial Revolution
- Video: The Military Revolution
- Video: Introverts and Extroverts
- Video: The Fates of India and North America
Graded: Week One Quiz
WEEK 2
Democratic Revolutions of the Atlantic World (1760-1800)
7 videos
- Video: Democratic Revolutions
- Video: These United States
- Video: Liberty and Common Sense
- Video: The French Revolution
- Video: The French Republic
- Video: The World's Revolution
Graded: Week Two Quiz
WEEK 3
Revolutionary Wars (1800-1830)
6 videos
- Video: Napoleonic Wars
- Video: The End of Spanish America
- Video: New Republics and Empires in the Americas
- Video: The Tipping Point-India
- Video: The World of 1830
Graded: Week Three Quiz
WEEK 4
The World Transformed (1830-1870)
6 videos
- Video: Engines, Electricity, Evolution
- Video: Harnessing the New Forces
- Video: The New Situation
- Video: The Islamic World Adapts
- Video: Breaking Open China and Japan
Graded: Week Four Quiz
WEEK 5
The Rise of National Industrial States (1830-1871)
5 videos
- Video: The Global and the Local
- Video: The Zenith of Liberalism
- Video: A Liberal Rainbow
- Video: Enemies of Liberalism
Graded: Week Five Quiz
WEEK 6
The Rise of National Industrial Empires (1871-1900)
5 videos
- Video: Tipping Points
- Video: Varieties of Imperialism
- Video: China in the Balance
- Video: The Wave Breaks
Graded: Week Six Quiz
WEEK 7
The Great Acceleration (1890-1910)
8 videos
- Video: Modern Capitalism
- Video: The Dynamo and the Virgin
- Video: Modern Nation-States
- Video: Revolutionary Nation-States
- Video: Battle Lines
- Video: The Battles Begin
- Video: The Big Picture
Graded: Week Seven Quiz
FAQs
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Coursework
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Creators
University of Virginia
A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.
Pricing
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| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
This has been a really intriguing course. Professor Zelikow passionately narrates the significant historical developments during the early Modern age, and also goes on to answering some of the 'Why' questions that crop up.
I´ve loved every lesson! I have enjoyed Professor Zelikow´s explanations and it´s been easy to understand for me. I had only studied History when I was in High School and this course has encouraged me to keep learning. Very interesting!
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SO
Considero que la explicación del Profesor Philip Zelikow es genial y aporta elementos muy claros y claves sobre la historia moderna. Hay que corregir los quizes porque realizan preguntas que no corresponden a la semana (a veces se pregunta sobre temas que no se han visto) pero es genial, recomendadísimo para los amantes de la historia.