Course Information
Here is what you need to know about this course, and how to succeed in it. You can find more detailed information in the "Getting Started" module.
Course Organization
The course is organized into 12 weeks, in addition to the "Getting Started" week. Each week consists of lectures, case studies, and assignments.
Assignments
Individual assignments. This course has 3 types of individual assignments:
— The Bellini Assignment (in "Getting Started")
— The Team Formation Assignment (in "Getting Started")
— Peer Feedback on other teams' case study presentations (two per case study)
Team assignments. The team assignments are case study assignments. You and your team should submit 5 case study presentations out of 9 options. It is up to you to choose which case studies you submit.
You can keep track of your work in the course by using the weekly checklist and the progress page.
The Case Studies
The case studies are organized in four tracks. You choose a team based on which track you are most interested in. You and your team will work on the case studies and assignments for your track. The tracks are:
- Track A: Statelessness
- Track B: Science, Medicine, and Global Health
- Track C: War
- Track D: Trade and Integration
Team Work
This course is structured around teamwork. However, if you find that other commitments will make it difficult for you to work in a team, you can be a team of one. You will form or join a team in the first weeks of the course. You can find more information about teamwork under the Team Formation Assignment in the "Getting Started" module.
Statement of Accomplishment
In order to receive a Statement of Accomplishment, you have to complete the Bellini Assignment, and you and your team have to submit 5 case study assignments. You also have to comment on at least two other teams' presentations in the assignment lab for each of the case studies.
Optional Textbook
We recommend that learners refer to the book Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the World: From 1000 CE to the Present (Fourth Edition) (Vol. 2) or Worlds Together, Worlds Apart, Concise (First Edition) (Volume 2), which were written specifically for this course. This is not required, but the book will be an aid for you to follow the lectures.
If you do not wish to purchase a copy, but would like access to the book, we urge you to contact your public library to see if they have (or can get) a copy, electronic or print.
Information about how to obtain a copy of Worlds Together, Worlds Apart.
Time Commitment
You should set aside about 6-8 hours per week for this course.