Week 1 Journal Entry

During the first week of class, I explored the different time periods extending from the ancient era to the modern era. I came to know influential figures like: Jesus, Mohammed (PBUH), and Buddha. Lastly, what it means to be Modern and what differentiates Modern history from periods that preceded it. 

I learned of the catalyst that led to the Renaissance in Italy. The difference styles of art that were introduced during the Renaissance were interesting to look at. Philosophy and "human agency" were also things that developed during that time period. I was interested in knowing that the Renaissance led to the Age of Exploration, when explorers like Columbus set sail to find better trade routes with China and India. The Renaissance was a good development to humanity until 1492 when the negative occurrences outweighed the positive outcomes. I believe that some positive things did happen as a result of the genocide, slavery, ecosystem damage, and cultural destruction during that time. 

The Introduction to Part Four: The Early Modern World served as a great read to introduce chapters 13 and 14. It discusses the Early Modern Era, which encompassed the European exploration efforts, the Columbian exchange, and Christian missionaries around the world. It later on discusses the spread of Islam during the 18th century, and the soaring economic outputs of Europe, India, and China.