Western Civilization II - Course Outline

· The development of Western political institutions from absolute monarchy through the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire, the 19th Century nation-states, and the 20th Century totalitarian regimes to the varied structure of post-Cold War Europe;

· The evolution of western intellectual movements, including the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and Romanticism;

· The Industrial Revolution and growth of industrial societies;

· The West's critical role in the development of global history, including two World Wars the inter-war crises, and the Cold War;

· The changing roles that class, race, and ethnicity have played in Western civilization.

B. For the college:

· The ability to reason and think analytically in solving problems and making decisions;

· The ability to read and listen with understanding;

· The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing;

· An understanding of the historical development of society;

· The ability to apply knowledge of social, political and economic institutions in problems.

C. Finally, this instructor expects that you will:

· 1. Know fundamental information about the cultural tradition of Europe.

· 2. Be able to identify the concept of culture used in this course and the major elements of European culture.

· 3. Be able to identify the fundamental characteristics of the second phase of Europe as a culture, the
“Second Europe”.

. 4. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of the theme that Enlightenment ideals were affirmed, modified, contracted, and even rejected in the major events and movements which issued from the political, industrial, and scientific revolutions of the 19th century.

· 5. Be able to explain the 20th century as a period in which there has been on many sides an assault on the ideas, beliefs and values of the Enlightenment as the “Second Europe”.

· 6. Show that you have understood the arguments presented in this course by speculating about the future of Europe as a culture.

· 7. Be able to think and write better than you could when you began the course.

When I record for you a grade of "C" or better, that will mean that you gave evidence of having accomplished the objectives listed above.

You will get more out of this course if you have a computer with access to the Internet. I have put materials on my web site (www.gdn.edu/pt_faculty/j_richards/) to amplify and enrich the class presentations. The published lecture notes are not a substitute for class attendance and participation. You will get the most from this course if you read the notes, follow the links, and come prepared to listen, ask questions, and discuss. The issues and topics we will be considering are of fundamental importance. Hopefully, you have the kind of intellectual curiosity Aristotle (Metaphysics, 980.21 (Loeb)) attributed to all human beings: "All men naturally desire knowledge." If so, you will enjoy this course.

If you need to contact me, you may either call me at home or send me an e-mail message (jor@charter.net). I will try to make time before and after class for those who need help.

There will be three major exams (worth 100 points each), three special reading exams (worth 20 points each), and, perhaps, unannounced quizzes. The total points for these exams, plus any bonus points I may announce for certain events or projects, will be your final grade for the course. The distribution for the final grade is:

A = 360 - 324 points

B = 323 - 288 points

C = 287 - 252 points

D = 251 - 216 points

F = 215 - 0 points.

Special readings are in addition to the regular text. I will announce the special readings as we go; these will be works which can be related to the themes we will be talking about in lectures and discussions. You must do a reading for each examination. You must have my prior permission to read any work I have not announced.

All makeups for missed exams are given during the final examination period unless you have my permission to take them otherwise.

Regular attendance is required. If you fail to attend, you will receive a grade of "WF" which is computed as an "F".

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