Readings in World History
In this seminar we will discuss whether there can be a world history. Are there geographical and temporal limits to the study of history? Does a history of tea, the spread of a disease, the dissemination of an idea or technology, or the global reach of a company count as world history? What is gained and lost in writing a history that covers the globe, or follows the human race from pre-historic times? How do histories that span millennia explain change? Readings will be broad and include popular and academic histories and essays on the writing of world history. (formerly HIST 0415) 3 hrs. sem.