My name is John Murnane. You can find out more about me and the classes I teach by visiting my… Read more Welcome
Course Introduction
A glance at the headlines reveals the staggering array of today’s problems. Humanity faces global crises of epic proportions—global warming,… Read more Course Introduction
Public Speaking
Our first unit will involve group presentations re: stereotypes about the Middle East and Islam (see post below). Here are… Read more Public Speaking
Islam: Stereotypes versus History
Essential Questions: How is the history of the Arab world depicted in American popular culture? How do these images compare… Read more Islam: Stereotypes versus History
Shifting Global Power, 500 CE to Present: Introduction
We can see the historic pattern of shifting global power by looking at one nation: China. From the powerful Han… Read more Shifting Global Power, 500 CE to Present: Introduction
Shifting Global Power: The Rise of Islam
A Challenge For You. I took a powerpoint and turned it into a film on the rise and fall of… Read more Shifting Global Power: The Rise of Islam
Shifting Global Power: The Mongols
Essential Question: What was the role of the Mongols in world history? Again, we will try to disentangle popular perceptions… Read more Shifting Global Power: The Mongols
Shifting Global Power: The Rise of the West
Historians Do Not Agree. Essential Question: What led to the rise of the West? As mentioned in the introduction to… Read more Shifting Global Power: The Rise of the West
The Impact of European Discovery of the New World
What was the impact of European discovery of the New World? Readings in the McKay text from chapter 16, “The… Read more The Impact of European Discovery of the New World
Encounters with Africa
What are popular myths and misconceptions about Africa? Does the legacy of conquest live on in the stereotypes about Africa? The… Read more Encounters with Africa