Big History examines history across long time frames using a multi-disciplinary approach. It focuses on how human experience has adapted and changed. The document discusses how our knowledge and understanding of the universe has changed over time as we gain more information. It describes Spencer Wells' theory that humans originated from a common male ancestor in Africa around 60,000 years ago. The document also discusses how natural events like climate change and volcanic eruptions can have major impacts on humanity and how Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel explained how environmental factors contributed to differences in technology and power between societies.

1. Big HistoryKristina UnderwoodHistory 140

2. What is Big History? “A field of historical study that examines history on a large scale across long times frames through a multi-disciplinary approach and gives a focus on the alteration and adaptations in the human experience.”Microscopic and wide perspectives

3. The Day the Universe Changed

4. The Day the Universe ChangedPeople react to the universe depending on what they knowWe think differently today than years ago because of more knowledgeWe change because our knowledge changesWe are curious which is the reason for our changesAsking questions is a common custom

5. The Journey of Man

6. The Journey of ManSpencer Wells, a geneticist, theorized where humans came fromHis finding lead to Africa, from a common male ancestor 60,000 years agoGenetic mutation may have improved brain quality- including making us smarter, the use of tools, and language

7. Catastrophe!

8. Catastrophe!Nature and disease can go hand in hand and have a major impact on the human raceMany natural events- strange weather, volcanic eruptions, dramatic change in temperaturePlague cause by fleas because of dropping temperatures

9. Guns, Germs, and Steel

10. Guns, Germs, and SteelWritten by Jared Diamond in 1997Explained how gaps in societies concerning technology and power is related to environmental distinctionsEuropeans and Asians had most power and control because of these distinctions- more favorable plants, animals, and land

11. The World & Trade

12. The World & TradeSome trades between hemispheres brought horrible diseasesWheat, rice, and com were the three main staplesAt first, Europe and China were the richest and most powerful

13. Sources"Big History." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 20 July 2011. http:// en.wikipedia.org/wikiBig_history.