The class will first look at the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe and the changes that these two revolutions in thought had on the European mind. Next, we will explore the commercial revolution of the 12th through 16th centuries and how that shaped the Renaissance, European commercial expansion and the economic and social history of the rest of the world. The third section will provide a contrast to Europe by examining the civilizations of Africa, America and Asia and their philosophic foundations. The course combines two approaches to history. I will present the material basically chronologically, but also topically.
Emphasis is on the ideas leading to the modern world.
We will read and talk about many, often unfamiliar, places. Therefore, students must develop a good understanding of maps and geography. It is also important for students to develop , for their own use, a time line in order to see the relationship between the events covered often in very different parts of the world. Students must read the books thoroughly and are responsible for that material. They are also responsible for lecture material.