An Introduction to Big History

• Topics

  • Introduction
  • Origins of the Universe and Stars
  • Origins of the Solar System and Earth
  • Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth
  • The Evolution of humans
  • The earliest human societies
  • Agriculture and its importance in human history
  • The origins of Power and States
  • Evolution of Agrarian Civilisations
  • Global Ecological Exchanges
  • Towards Modernity
  • The Industrial Revolution and Industrialisation
  • The Twentieth Century and Beyond

• Study resources

  • Instructional Methods

    • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
    • Embedded Multimedia
    • Online assignment submission
    • Standard Media
    • Web links

  • Online Materials

    • Resources and Links

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• MAQ-HSTX115

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject was previously known as HSTX115 An Introduction to Big History.

Please note: This subject is available in Macquarie Semester 3. This is an intensive semester which spans only 9 weeks (including recess). Students are advised to enrol in only one or two subjects in Semester 3.

This is the history of everything. While most history subjects look in detail at a particular country, theme or period, this subject surveys history on the biggest possible scale. It begins with the origins of the Universe and goes on to tell a series of linked stories about the origins of the stars and planets; the earth and its inhabitants; human beings; various types of human societies; and global interactions to the present day. Students in the subject explore the changing interactions between people, and between people and the environment. In so doing, they are encouraged to think about the kinds of evidence available to historians and the role that history can play in understanding the local and global communities that people belong to today. Finally, the subject invites students to think about what they regard as the central themes of world histories and big history. No prior knowledge of science or history is required.

• Assignment 1 - Synoptic Essay (40%)
• Assignment 2 - Short 4 x 500 words 10% each (40%)
• Assignment 3 - Participation (10%)
• Assignment 4 - Peer assessment (10%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.