In this course, Western Civilization, we will study major trends and events that shaped the course of European history from approximately 1510 through the Cold War. History is primarily the study and interpretation of written evidence from the past. And so you, as a student of history, will be required to not only read the assigned text, but to evaluate what you have read in a scholarly, critical fashion both in class discussions and in examinations. You are expected to have completed the assigned reading before class so that you are prepared to understand the lecture and to contribute to class discussion.
Discussion is an essential part of the history learning process.
We all gain from it. Your viewpoint is valuable and you should have no hesitation about expressing it as it relates to the topic at hand. In the space of eighteen weeks we will cover over four-hundred years of fascinating history. Every class meeting is essential. You must attend class regularly and arrive on time.