BHIC-108 IGNOU Solved Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope and Syllabus Overview for BHIC-108: Rise of the Modern West-II

BHIC-108: Rise of the Modern West-II is a core component of IGNOU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) History curriculum, designed to explore the transformative socio-political, economic, and intellectual shifts shaping Europe and its global interactions during the 17th and 18th centuries. This course examines the interplay between colonial expansion, Enlightenment thought, scientific revolution, and democratic movements, offering students a rigorous analysis of how these developments underpinned the modern world. Through critical engagement with primary sources and theoretical frameworks, learners gain insights into the divergent paths of European and non-European societies, while adhering to the CBCS structure’s emphasis on interdisciplinary historical inquiry.

Key Syllabus Units and Topics

• Unit-17: Patterns of Trade, Colonialism, and Divergence in the Eighteenth Century: Analyzes the economic and political dynamics of mercantilism, colonial trade networks, and the emergence of global inequalities, emphasizing how European powers consolidated dominance through exploitative systems.
• Unit-16: The Patterns of Consumption and Production: Investigates the rise of consumer culture in Europe, the industrialization of agriculture, and the social consequences of early capitalism, linking material changes to broader ideological shifts.
• Unit-15: Enlightenment Ideals and Their Global Impact: Focuses on the philosophical movements of the 18th century, including Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire, and their critiques of absolutism, religion, and colonialism, while contextualizing their reception beyond Europe.
• Unit-14: Political and Economic Issues in the American Revolution: Explores the ideological foundations of the American Revolution, the role of Enlightenment thought in challenging British authority, and the contradictions between revolutionary ideals and racial hierarchies.
• Unit-13: European Politics in the Eighteenth Century: Examines the balance of power systems, the rise of Prussia and Russia, and the diplomatic intrigues of the Congress of Vienna, highlighting how statecraft shaped the contours of modern Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are TMA marks allocated in BHIC-108, and what is the minimum passing percentage for the assignment component?
A: TMA (Tutor-Marked Assignment) carries 30% weightage in the final grade for BHIC-108, with a minimum passing requirement of 40% in the assignment to qualify for the examination. Adherence to word limits (e.g., 500 words for Section A) is strictly enforced.

Q: Are there any specific resources recommended by IGNOU for preparing BHIC-108’s Enlightenment and colonialism units?
A: IGNOU’s official study material for BHIC-108 includes prescribed readings from The Cambridge History of Science (Enlightenment units) and The Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire (colonialism units). Cross-referencing these with the course’s block notes ensures comprehensive preparation.