History 104 INTRODUCTION TO THE MODERN WORLD SPRING 2026

Course Overview

This course, Introduction to the Modern World, traces the historical development of the West from the Renaissance to the 2000s. You will learn about patterns of human experience, artistic works and historical problems.

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Mary FV Barford
• Email: mbarford@purdue.edu
• Office Hours: by appointment – please contact me, I do want to chat!

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Recognize and describe humanistic, historical, or artistic works or problems and patterns of the human experience.
2. Analyze and evaluate texts, works, objects, events, or ideas in their cultural, intellectual, or historical contexts.
3. Analyze diverse narratives and evidence in order to explore the complexity of human experience across space and time.
4. Describe the history, literature, languages, arts, philosophy, religion, or traditions of other world cultures.
5. Identify the history and the basic principles and operation of government in the United States or other countries.
6. Apply disciplinary methodologies, epistemologies, and traditions of the humanities and the arts.

Required Texts and Materials

• John P. McKay, Clare Haru Crowston, Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks, Joe Perry, A History of Western Society, Value Edition, Vol. II, 14th edition (2023) Value Edition

Course Format and Requirements:

• This course will be exclusively online. There will be no in-person exams, meetings or lectures. This requires you the student to keep up with reading, assignments, and communication.
• Each week a new module will be posted on Sunday evenings for the week ahead.
• There will be weekly assignments worth 10-20 points each, due by the next Sunday at 11:59 pm through Brightspace.
• There will be a midterm assignment (not an exam) with options to choose from worth 100 points submitted through Brightspace.
• There will be a final assignment (choice of essay or exam) with options to choose from worth 120 points submitted through Brightspace.

Weekly assignments: 140 total points- subject to variation Midterm: 100 points

Final: 120 points

• This course is on BrightSpace (BS) at Purdue.brightspace.com

GRADING SCALE

• Announcements will be posted in Brightspace. Time-sensitive announcements will also be emailed.

Late Assignment Policy:

As an active learning class, your participation in course activities is essential for your success in this course. Because the course is divided into weekly units, assignments in this course have weekly deadlines. The purpose of deadlines is to maintain your consistent involvement in the course and to limit procrastination. Because of the importance of regular participation, late assignments will not be accepted, except by permission of the instructor. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A+ = 96.5 – 100%

A = 92.5 – 96.5%

A- = 89.5 – 92.5%

B+ = 86.5 – 89.5%

B = 82.5 - 86.5%

B- = 79.5 – 82.5%

C+ = 76.5 – 79.5%

C = 72.5 - 76.5%

C- = 69.5 – 72.5%

D+ = 66.5 – 69.5%

D = 62.5 - 66.5%

D- = 59.5 – 62.5%

F= 0 – 59.5%

Course Schedule

Advice for Success:

• Ask questions! If there is something you are unsure of, please email me, schedule an appointment with me or let me know through Brightspace that you are struggling or confused. Since we do not meet in person, you may feel reluctant to reach out, but I am truly here to help and to teach!
• Don’t leave your work until the last minute. Each weekly activity will be due at the end of the week by Sunday at 11:59 pm, I would suggest working on the reading throughout the week so that you’re not cramming to finish by the deadline. Even though I say this, I also struggle with procrastination so I am sympathetic.
• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. DO NOT USE AI for your weekly assignments. Where’s the learning in that? I will provide more specific guidance for Midterm and Final projects.

Important Dates

• Midterm Due: March 8th
• Final Due: May 5th

Mental Health

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. Such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (765) 494-6995 and on the website during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS office of the 2nd floor of PUSH during business hours.

Basic Needs Security

Primarily through the Dean of Students Office, Purdue has a range of ways to support students through times of struggle and insecurity. In addition to highlighting the availability

of the Dean of Students, you may also want to familiarize yourself with some of the following resources:

 The ACE Campus Food Pantry (open to the entire Purdue community)

The Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (open to the entire Purdue community)

“provides support and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.”

** Course Syllabus may be subject to change