This course provides an overview of Western civilization from antiquity to modern times. It will cover major periods and themes through lectures and discussions, focusing particularly on the Renaissance through modern eras. Students will be evaluated based on midterm and final exams, a short term paper, reading assignments, and possible reading quizzes. The required textbook is A History of Western Society by McKay et al. Lectures will follow the schedule outlined, addressing topics like ancient Near East, Greece, Rome, Christianity, Islamic world, European exploration, scientific revolution, industrialization, world wars and their impact.

1. IS-VNU
Introduction to Western Civilization Michael W. Beard
Fall 2011
Description:
This course is designed as an overview of the history and humanities of Western Culture. We will conduct an
introductory exploration of several significant periods in Western Civilization from antiquity to the
contemporary West. Since this is an introductory course, we will have to cover a tremendous amount of material
in brief. A course of this nature does not allow for an in-depth study of any particular period, figure or theme in
Western Civilization though we will spend a greater amount of time in some areas while only skimming through
other areas. In particular, this course will give a greater amount of attention to the periods from the Renaissance
to Modernity.
We will follow a lecture/discussion format for the class. All lectures and/or discussions in the class will occur in
English. Students are encouraged to take notes. Exams for this course will be based on material covered in the
lectures and assigned reading. Students will not be able to pass the course exams if he/she does not attend class
and complete the assigned readings.
Expectations:
All students are expected to attend each class. Please arrive before class begins in order to minimize distractions
at the beginning of class. If a student has a problem coming to class on time, the teacher may ask him/her to
withdraw from the course.
All assigned readings must be completed prior to class. The teacher may give a surprise reading quiz at the
beginning of class to check if students have done their reading which will be factored into their course grade.
Due to the short length of this course, no extensions to any writing, reading or exam dates will be given.
Required Textbook:
A History of Western Society, McKay, Hill, Buckler, 8th Edition
Examinations and Assignments:
Mid-Term Exam – Short-answer and multiple-choice exam covering half of the course lectures and
reading materials. Mid-term Exam Date: 27 October 2011
Final Exam – Short-answer and multiple-choice exam covering ALL of the course lectures and reading
materials. Final Exam Date: 17 November 2011
Term Paper – Three page paper. More information will be given out in class regarding the term paper.
Term Paper Due: 25 October 2011
Readings – Reading in this course will be monitored by quiz, reading reports, and other assignments.
Students should have all assigned reading completed prior to class (see reading schedule handout).
Grading:
Mid-term – 25%
Final – 35%
Term Paper – 20%
Reading – 20%
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2. Week 1:
Session 1 – Course Orientation
Foundations of Western Civilization (part 1)
• The Ancient Near East
• Ancient Israel
• The Greeks and Romans
Session 2 – Foundations of Western Civilization (part 2)
• The Birth of Christianity
• Rome and Western Christianity
• Key People of the Middle Ages
• Medieval Art
• Medieval Architecture
Week 2:
Session 3 – Foundations of Western Civilization (part 3)
• The Rise of Islam
• The Crusades
• The Islamic Renaissance
Session 4 – Renaissance (part 1)
• Renaissance Background
• Renaissance Themes
• Renaissance Art
Week 3:
Session 5 – Renaissance (part 2)
• Renaissance Literature
• The Reformation
• Renaissance Music
• The Scientific Revolution
Session 6 – Exploration and Enlightenment
• The Age of Exploration
• Feudalism
• The Enlightenment
• Baroque Art and Music
Week 4:
Session 7 – Revolutions
• The American Revolution
• The French Revolution
Session 8 – The Industrial Revolution
• Agricultural Revolution
• Textiles
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3. • Machines, Factories and Transportation Systems
• Social Effect
Week 5:
Session 9 – Romantic Era
• Romanticism
• Romantic Arts – Music, Visual, Literature
Session 10 – Evolution
• Charles Darwin & Evolution
• Social Darwinism
• Colonialism
Week 6:
Session 11: World Wars
• World War I
• Between World Wars
• World War II
Session 12: Impact of War
• Post-war Europe
• The Cold War
• Modern Literature and Art
Week 7:
Session 13: Course Review and Final Examination
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