History

U16 Hist 101 Western Civilization This course is an introduction to history as a discipline, and an analysis of Western civilization from its prehistoric origins to the 17th century. We will begin with an examination of the three historical cultures from which this civilization was to draw many of its traditions: the Near East, Greece, and Rome. The course will go on to discuss the adoption of these traditions by the Celtic and Germanic peoples; the formation of kingdoms which would prefigure contemporary European nations; and the development of the culture of Latin Christendom. We will examine external interaction between Latin Christendom and its Slavic, Byzantine and Islamic neighbors, the resurgence of interest in classical culture, the effects of famine and pandemic, and challenges to secular and religious authority. Students in these fields will become more aware of how human values, ideas of justice, and methods of interpretation influenced and have been influenced by time, culture and personal perspective. Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI