Course Description
This course traces the development of Western Civilization from the birth of the European state system in the mid-17th century to the present. It will focus on the development of constitutionalism and absolutism; the impacts of the Atlantic economy and the Enlightenment; the French Revolution and the Napoleonic period; new political ideologies such as liberalism, nationalism, and socialism; the Industrial Revolution; the global causes and effects of European imperialism, World Wars, and the Cold War; the rise of totalitarian dictatorships; and the post-Cold War world. AAS: Humanities elective. IAI: H2 902.
Prerequisite(s)
Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Define and explain important political, economic, social, and intellectual developments from the 17th century to the present.
- Distinguish between primary and secondary sources as the foundation of modern historical scholarship.
- Interpret primary sources critically by analyzing their historical contexts.
- Formulate historical interpretations, both orally and in writing, and defend them critically with reference to primary and secondary sources.
- Incorporate into historical interpretations, both orally and in writing, an understanding of historical causation reflecting a) knowledge of important figures and events and their chronological relationship to each other and b) an awareness of the contingent relationships among social, political, religious, intellectual, cultural and economic variables.
Topical Outline
1. The Atlantic economy
2. The Enlightenment
3. The French Revolution
4. The Industrial Revolution
5. Major political ideologies and their influence on movements and regimes
6. The First and Second World Wars
7. The Cold War and the end of the Cold War