HIST 110A History of the Western World 1
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- History
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course will survey the emergence and development of the Western world, from prehistory to 1715. Complementing the chronological and narrative overview of Western culture and civilization will be thematic surveys of developments in the arts and humanities, science, and socio-political structures.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 3484 | 50 / 120 | TTh 13:00–14:20 |
Reviewed on UW Flow
72% liked it85% easy61% useful
From 29 ratings and 5 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
I had Dr. David Neufeld for HIST 110. Lecture at times was a bit boring, but the content overall was pretty interesting. There are no major tests, just quizzes, assignments and group work (but he uses the group work to give attendance marks, so its not really high stakes). I do think it is a beneficial class to take, especially if you plan on taking history as a major - I learned a lot! Ended with a 91%!
Jan 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
This course was okay. I wish we focused more on actual events, rather than objects and specific things. Most readings were not too heavy, and writing assignments were not too long. Professor (D.N) was nice, but his teaching style was not for me. There was basically no writing on his slides, only images, which made it hard to follow. I really enjoy history, so I feel like I would've have liked this class if it had been taught in a different way.
Jan 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
This course was too difficult for me. There are lots of reading and this course isn't for someone without prior history knowledge. But Mr. Neufeld was very kind and personable.
Jan 2024 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Very interesting course. History of western world from the Greeks to the Reformations. Make sure to reread your notes every day so you have a good global understanding of the content. You might be able to write this down but honestly, the lectures are 3 hours so just type on a computer and make flashcards afterwards.
Apr 2016 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
There's a mix of interesting material and not-so interesting material. It's easy though, and it's a great bird course.
Dec 2012 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
33 posts and comments in 28 threads mention HIST 110, August 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
HIST 111 - History of the Western World 2 —Prerequisite ? 5 points, 1 comment
u/Independent-Ad-2925: “I had to be put into hist 111, although i’ve never taken history of the western world 1. ik this sounds like a stupid question but does it matter ? do they focus on different time periods or will it be reliant on hist 110. thanks 😌😓”
Spring 2024
HIST 101 and HIST 111, What's It Like? 1 point, 0 comments
“I'm taking HIST 101 along with HIST 111 as the 2 electives I have for Winter 2023 Term. From looking online, I haven't been able to find any old syllabi for either course or reviews for the Prof for …”
u/No-Calendar8365: “HEYYY - Since I can assume you have had David Neufeld as a prof could you tell me what they are like? I start my term in 2 weeks and I am taking the HIST 110 course!!!”
Fall 2022
LOST WALLET HELP 2 points, 4 comments
u/rEpic1496: “I lost my wallet this morning either in the tims inside SLC or in CGR 1111 during HIST 110 This morning around 10:00am. If anyone here has found it or has any idea what i should do next please lmk”
Winter 2022
Which History class to choose? 1 point, 2 comments
“Hey y'all, I'm currently enrolled in HIST 111 but it makes my schedule SUPER messy and I was wondering if anybody had any experience with HIST 109 since that's currently the other class that I'm …”
u/Deputy_Dan: “I took HIST110 back in the first year of my degree, I liked it. I think either one could be good and you'd be best off trying to make the decision on a prof-basis like the other user suggested. That's really what will make or break the course.”
Fall 2021
Interesting History Courses 5 points, 7 comments
“Are there any interesting history courses without any prerequisites offered in the Winter term? Thanks!”
u/Deputy_Dan: “HIST110: A History of the Western World I A good course, one that will contextualize most of the necessary context of the western world. It wasn't too hard when I took it, but did require some memorization like a high school course would. …”
Electives to take in 1B as a math student 2 points, 11 comments
“Any recommendations? Preferably non time consuming and a bit interesting.”
u/history-enthusiast: “Can’t tell you bcuz I don’t know what ur interested in but HIST111 was very interesting for me. The lectures are super interesting it was like watching mini documentaries once a week”
u/Phylamedeian: “Ooh, not OP but considering taking HIST. Have you done HIST110?”
Spring 2021
[deleted by user] 1 point, 12 comments
u/Deputy_Dan: “Which ones are you thinking? (Look at my flair 😉)”
u/Deputy_Dan: “… As for more general history courses in the 100-200 range; HIST 105: Rock 'n' Roll and US History HIST 110: A History of the Western World I (and HIST 111, part 2) HIST 113: Canadian Business History: Innovators and Entrepreneurs HIST 200: History and Film (great way to learn …”
Fall 2020
Elective recommendations? 3 points, 11 comments
“Looking to pick a type C (humanitities) CSE for my 2A eng term. any suggestions for courses you've taken and really enjoyed, or passionately despised?”
u/bickerwiththeliquor: “I enjoyed HIST110 (history of the western world)”
Fall 2019
Any suggestions on HIST courses? Or advice for HIST102 with Lynne Taylor? 3 points, 18 comments
“Considering taking hist 102 next term but have zero idea about it. How is the mark breakdown and workload? And how is Lynne Taylor? Is she a tough marker? Or any other hist courses recommended? …”
u/itmejayz: “… on whatever topic you want) and HIST 110/111 are pretty much just high school history but are still pretty good courses”
Winter 2019
What course did you spend the least amount of work on? 7 points, 29 comments
“Looking for bird courses to take next term that I can spend 1 hour a week on and still pass. Also with no exam.”
u/bbgardie: “HIST 110”
Spring 2018
What courses are you taking next term? 13 points, 54 comments
u/ken9912: “ECON 211 ECON 221 ECON 231 ECON 220 HIST 110 PD 1”
HIST 105 3 points, 6 comments
“How is HIST 105? Difficulty level? Would you consider it a bird course?”
u/swifttostart: “I don’t know about HIST 105, but I can tell you that HIST 110 with Christina Moss is a breeze. Got a 92 in that class with average effort - I can imagine putting far less effort in and still getting close to a 90.”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
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