[HIS 106] History of Western Civilization

Introduction

History 106 is Part II of the History of Western Civilization.

This course is an overview of what is known as Western Civilization from the end of the period of religious change known as the Reformation up to the modern age. Western Civilization is generally referred to as the civilization which began in the ancient near east and then developed primarily in Europe, northern Africa and the westernmost edges of Asia. The cultural and political legacy of this civilization is vast and has become predominant in much of the world. The objective is to understand how this civilization changed over the last 400 years and emerged as a dominant force in world history. Students will concentrate on several major topics: the dawn of modern scientific thought; the intellectual changes wrought by the Enlightenment; the rise of the major states in the 1700s; the French Revolution and its impact; the Industrial Revolution; the evolution of nationalism and socialism; the European overseas empires; the destruction of European predominance in the era of the two world wars; the Cold War and the US/USSR rivalry and its impact on the west; and finally, 'the Brave New World' students currently live in.

The period students will be discussing is vast and multifaceted and hence difficult to master. However, its breadth also makes it a fascinating period to study.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for HIS 106: History of Western Civilization - 3 credits. Survey of Western Civilization from the Renaissance to contemporary times, emphasizing the further development of Western culture, political institutions and economic institutions, including reference to the interaction among the peoples of the modern world. This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Humanities (HU).

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• interpret and synthesize information and ideas;
• analyze and evaluate arguments;
• construct an argument in support of a conclusion;
• communicate clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner.

Requirements

Software

• Microsoft Word.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, Excel and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

• Students will need to be able to play audio files.

About the Instructors

• Kyle Fingerson
  Lecturer, History
  BA, Montana State University
  MA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  
• Mark Karau
  Senior Lecturer, History
  BA, Marquette University
  MA, Marquette University
  PhD, Florida State University