Crash Course: World History

In 30 episodes, John Green rethinks world history! In round two we take a different approach and try to think more thematically rather than chronologically. By the end of the course, you will be able to: *Think about history thematically and in terms of systems, not just important events *Analyze the context of historical events, developments, and processes and explain how they are situated within a broader historical context *Explain the importance of point of view, historical situation, and audience of a source *Question how what we think of as “history,” how it is written, and what biases are at play in a work

1. 

   E1. Rethinking Civilization - Crash Course World History 201

   Jul 11, 2014 · 13m

   John Green returns to teaching World History! This week, we'll be talking about the idea of civilization, some of the traditional hallmarks of so-called civilization, and why some people would choose to live outside the civilization model. It turns out that not everyone who lives outside of what we traditionally think of as a "civilized" social order is necessarily a barbarian! To defuse any tension you may be feeling, I'll just tell you now that the Mongols are back. You'll learn about Zomia, swidden agriculture, and even a little about anarchy!

2. 

   E2. Money & Debt: Crash Course World History 202

   Jul 17, 2014 · 14m

   John Green teaches about filthy, filthy lucre. Money. And Debt. So, what is money? And what is it for? And why do we use money? And why does it all disappear so quickly after payday? John will look into 75% of these questions, and if he doesn't come up with answers, we'll get into some interesting ideas along the way, at least. This week we'll investigate whether money displaces barter, then leads to war, slavery, and what we think of as civilized social orders. We'll also see what old Adam Smith thinks of big money, no whammies, this week on Crash Course.

3. 

   E3. Disease! Crash Course World History 203

   Jul 24, 2014 · 11m

   John Green teaches you about disease and the effects that disease has had in human history. Disease has been with man since the beginning, and it has shaped the way humans operate in a lot of ways. John will teach you about the Black Death, the Great Dying, and the modern medical revolution that has changed the world.

4. 

   E4. War & Human Nature: Crash Course World History 204

   Jul 31, 2014 · 10m

   John Green teaches you about war! Specifically, John talks about whether humanity is naturally warlike, hard-wired to kill, or if perhaps war is a cultural construct. John will talk about the Hobbes versus Rousseau debate, the effects that war has on human social orders, and the effects that war has on individuals. So is war human nature? Watch and find out what we have to say about it.

5. 

   E5. War and Civilization: Crash Course World History 205

   Aug 9, 2014 · 12m

   John Green investigates war, and what exactly it may or may not be good for. Was war a result of human beings organizing into larger and more complex agricultural social orders, or did war maybe create agriculture and "civilization?" It's hard to know for sure, but it's sure fun to think about.

6. 

   E6. Climate Change, Chaos, and The Little Ice Age: Crash Course World History 206

   Aug 21, 2014 · 10m

   John Green teaches you about the Little Ice Age. The Little Ice Age was a period of global cooling that occurred from the 13th to the 19th centuries. This cooling was likely caused by a number of factors, including unusual solar activity and volcanic eruptions. The Little Ice Age greatly impacted human social orders, especially during the 17th century. When the climate changed, and the weather became unpredictable, the world changed profoundly. Poor harvests led to hunger, which led to even less productivity, which even resulted in violent upheaval in a lot of places. All this from a little change in the temperature? Definitely.

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