Among the readings currently required in the course are the Bible, the Qur an, and works by Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Smith, Kant, Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche, DuBois, and Freud. All information concerning registration in COCI C1101-C1102 is included in the registration materials sent to students before each semester begins. Students normally take Contemporary Civilization in their second year at Columbia. Courses of Instruction COCI C1101x-C1102y Introduction to contemporary civilization 4 pts. A study in their historical context of major contributions to the intellectual traditions that underpin contemporary civilization.
Emphasis is on the history of political, social, and philosophical thought.
Students are expected to write at least three papers to complete two examinations, and to participate actively in class discussions. COCI C1101y-C1102x Introduction to contemporary civilization 4 pts. The course description is the same as for COCI C1101x-C1102y above. These are reverse sections and are open only with permission of the director of the Core Curriculum.