HIST 211 Foundations of Western Civilization

3 Credit(s)

A survey of European history from the golden age of Greece in the 5th century BCE to 1715, laying particular stress on politics, culture and religion. Major topics examined will include the culture of ancient Greece; the rise of Rome and the ideology of the Roman Empire; the early development of Christianity and its impact on the ancient world; the evolution of new political forms in the Middle Ages; medieval Christianity; the impact of Renaissance efforts to revive Greek and Roman civilization; the Protestant Reformation and Catholic responses to it; and the scientific and intellectual culture of the seventeenth century. In addition to broad coverage the course will devote attention to critical examination of a selection of key historical texts.

Distribution Area: Humanities