About this course: This is a survey of modern history from a global perspective. Part Two begins early in the twentieth century, as older ways of doing things and habits of thought give way. What follows is an era of cataclysmic struggles over what ideas and institutions will take their place. The course concludes in the present day, as communities everywhere are transitioning into a new era of world history. Again we work hard to grasp what is happening and ask: Why? Again we are drawn to pivotal choices made at key moments by individuals and communities.
Created by: University of Virginia
Taught by: Philip Zelikow, White Burkett Miller Professor of History
| Commitment | 7 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Crackup (1905-1917)
6 videos
- Video: The Shock of 1914
- Video: Schizophrenic Germany
- Video: The Balkan Whirlpool
- Video: The Shock of 1914-Second Cut
- Video: All the Plans Fail
- Video: On to Victory?
Graded: Week Eight Quiz
WEEK 2
New Orders Emerge (1917-1930)
8 videos
- Video: Total States
- Video: Why Did the Allies Win?
- Video: The End of Empires?
- Video: Communism
- Video: Anti-Communism
- Video: The Age of Uncertainty
- Video: Modern Women
- Video: The World of 1930
Graded: Week Nine Quiz
WEEK 3
The Crisis of the World (1930-1940)
5 videos
- Video: Challenges to Capitalism and Collective Security
- Video: Escapes from Freedom
- Video: Total Politics
- Video: New Wars for New Empires
- Video: Triumph of the New Empires
Graded: Week Ten Quiz
WEEK 4
Total War and Aftermath (1940-1950)
8 videos
- Video: Choosing Global War
- Video: Gambling for Victory
- Video: Strategies for Total War
- Video: Zero Hour
- Video: Imagining New Countries
- Video: Postwar
- Video: Two Europes
- Video: Revolutionary Asia
Graded: Week Eleven Quiz
WEEK 5
The Return of Wartime (1950-1968)
9 videos
- Video: The Age of the Americans
- Video: Choosing War in Korea
- Video: Contemplating World War III
- Video: The Shadow of World War III
- Video: The Nuclear Revolution
- Video: New Empires and Confederations
- Video: The Third World
- Video: To the Brink
- Video: Wars of Containment
Graded: Week Twelve Quiz
WEEK 6
Decay and Renaissance (1968-1991)
7 videos
- Video: Breakdown and Reaction
- Video: The Weary Establishment
- Video: Bust
- Video: New Thinking in the West
- Video: Global Capitalism Transformed
- Video: New Thinking in the East
- Video: The End of the Cold War
Graded: Week Thirteen Quiz
WEEK 7
The Next Phase (1991-2013)
8 videos
- Video: The 'Washington Consensus'
- Video: Toward a New Era in World History
- Video: The Great Convergence
- Video: The Bottom Billion
- Video: The Muslim World
- Video: Drift and Shock
- Video: The Global and the Local
- Video: An Age of Transition
Graded: Week Fourteen Quiz
FAQs
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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
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Prof. Zelikow gave a thorough analysis of 20th century history up til 2013, sticking to analysis of causes, decisions, and consequences of people and states. This course gave me the context to understand, not just spectate, our current events today,
Very informative
Thank you professor Zelikow for this great experience.
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Excellent. One of the best courses on world history I've taken. Truly engaging and packed full of interesting facts.