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.
Offered By
The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910
University of Virginia
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
44%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
38%
got a pay increase or promotion
Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
44%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
38%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Beginner Level
Approx. 25 hours to complete
Suggested: 7 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Romanian
Offered by
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
From the Traditional to the Modern - Commercial and Military Revolutions (1760-1800)
2 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 101 min)
9 videos
The Great Divide8m
The Traditional and the Modern7m
The Great Divide-Why?8m
The World of 176021m
The Commercial Revolution21m
The Military Revolution9m
Introverts and Extroverts7m
The Fates of India and North America10m
1 practice exercise
Week One Quiz40m
2 hours to complete
Democratic Revolutions of the Atlantic World (1760-1800)
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 87 min)
7 videos
Democratic Revolutions16m
These United States19m
Liberty and Common Sense5m
The French Revolution15m
The French Republic11m
The World's Revolution10m
1 practice exercise
Week Two Quiz40m
2 hours to complete
Revolutionary Wars (1800-1830)
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 87 min)
6 videos
Napoleonic Wars13m
The End of Spanish America17m
New Republics and Empires in the Americas8m
The Tipping Point-India13m
The World of 183012m
1 practice exercise
Week Three Quiz40m
2 hours to complete
The World Transformed (1830-1870)
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 87 min)
6 videos
Engines, Electricity, Evolution17m
Harnessing the New Forces7m
The New Situation18m
The Islamic World Adapts13m
Breaking Open China and Japan19m
1 practice exercise
Week Four Quiz40m
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM THE MODERN WORLD, PART ONE: GLOBAL HISTORY FROM 1760 TO 1910
by MCNov 5, 2018
Dear Professor,\n\nI am fascinated with week one, even though I work in the scientific side, also like history, nothing more rewarding than visiting and ancient place and know what happened... Thanks
by GWApr 15, 2017
Such an informative course, and it linked together different regions & events; that's something only top-level sources of education does. I will no doubt continue on with the course to Part 2.
by GMJan 7, 2017
This is a terrific course, amazing prevention,\n\nbut it does lack reading material that Virginia's full online course has,\n\nit would be nice to have a deeper engamente with the subjects.
by BSApr 9, 2018
The best Modern World History course. I wish professor had a book on the course written by himself, he explains every event from a number of perspectives, which is absolutely great.
by ZDSep 17, 2015
Perhaps the reason why I really like this course is that I am very excited about learning world history. But the course content and the way professor delivers lectures is amazing.
by MCApr 3, 2016
I liked the course so much, I have already enrolled in the second half. I enjoyed picking apart history by its cause and effect scenario. Clear, easy to understand and enjoyable.
by MMJan 21, 2017
Thank you.I have already finished two parts of the course. Your teaching style is suitable for me. If you open any other classes, please inform me, I will join them immediately.
by HKAug 16, 2016
Thoroughly engaging and Part 2 is even better. Not full of dates etc. just full of explanations for why things happened and why they could or couldn't have happened another way.
by CRJan 20, 2016
This course gives you a very broad view of world History on a Global scale. It is very well taught. Professor Zelikow teaches history in a very engaging and understandable way.
by VMSep 21, 2015
An essential study for those who want to know the why's of today's events. Bundles of happenings are presented at each course session.A mandatory course for your completion.
by NTSep 16, 2015
I think the course is interesting, but very general.\n\nThe lecturer is very good and all presentations are clear.\n\nThere is a lack of references and links to self-study.
by AXMar 3, 2017
Great calm organized instructor who helps put previous knowledge into logical perspective. Strongly advise this course for anyone who wants an overview of the time period.
by MHFeb 8, 2020
Wonderful professor, interesting, eloquent and able to keep our interest high with the right rhythm, mix of information and facts. Highly stimulating course. Thank you.
by RXAug 29, 2019
I haven't particularly finished all the lessons, but the overall course is quite good, especially when you're able to highlight your notes after or during the lesson.
by MROct 19, 2015
Great course. Professor Zelikow takes the entire world and gives us a clear and sometimes surprising story of the modern world. Amazing. So glad I took this course.
by RLNov 14, 2017
Very broad history, good for people who want to cover a lot of basic history. The professor is easy to listen to and gives great examples for better understanding!
by KHNov 19, 2015
The professor is very comfortable on screen, which makes it easy to listen to what he is explaining and take it all in. I'm learning a lot from this course!
by JTOct 25, 2016
A different approach to world history. It's not about dates and events, and not even about famous conquerors. More about social and technological trends.
by AYJan 19, 2020
This course went straight to the point, but did well including relevant stories, names, and even art. I greatly appreciated this course being available.
by BPJun 26, 2016
One of the single most interesting and useful courses I've ever taken. It definitely gave me a greater context for both history and for current events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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