A description is provided of the development of "The History of the Modern World," a one-semester course offered at Bronx Community College (BCC), which was designed to survey the major aspects of the significant events that are part of the political, economic, social and cultural heritage that have shaped the course of world history since 1850. The first sections of the paper look at the changes in the curriculum and student body of BCC which led to the abandonment of the traditional two-semester western civilization course in favor of the world history course. The objectives of and topics covered during the course are outlined next, followed by information on assignments, supplementary audio-visual materials and the role of the Learning Resources Center. Next, four course parameters are discussed: (1) the emphasis on the modern world; (2) the use of the mid-nineteenth century as the starting point; (3) the use of a chronological-topical approach; and (4) the avoidance of the esoteric and the emphasis on breadth. The next section discusses the problems encountered in the selection of the course's narrative text, source readings, and audio-visual materials. Finally, information is offered on examinations, tutorial assistance, review sessions, and student feedback. The course syllabus, samples of supplementary readings, and a handout presenting items (e.g., individuals, concepts, events, and publications) for students to identify are attached. (HB)