HIS 101:
Civilization to
1715
Henry VIII, Prince Edward, and Jane Seymour,
c1545
This course is intended to
provide a brief overview of the important political,
economic, cultural, religious, and intellectual
themes of Western Civilization from the earliest societies through 1715. The goal of this course is to understand how
these trends have shaped the modern West. During the course, we will explore broad themes touching on the entire scope
of Western history:
themes of Western Civilization from the earliest societies through 1715. The goal of this course is to understand how
these trends have shaped the modern West. During the course, we will explore broad themes touching on the entire scope
of Western history:
Similarity and difference.
How do the societies and civilizations that we are
studying differ from each other, and in
what ways are they similar? How do these past civilizations differ from our own society, and what seems familiar?
Rebellion and conformity. Are the individuals and institutions that we are reading about reflecting the popular
consensus of their age, or are they reacting to what is accepted practice in their society?
The uses and implications of literacy. The period referred to as human “history” (as opposed to “prehistory”)
corresponds to the time starting with the appearance of written records. What uses did people have for writing in
different periods of the past? How were texts used to support political arguments and cultural or religious movements?
How might our reliance on written records enhance or obscure our ability to really know about the past?
Historical Methodology. The technique historians use to research and interpret History is called historical methodology. It is the evaluation and critical examination of primary sources as evidence, which allows an interpretation of a topic within the discourse of History.
what ways are they similar? How do these past civilizations differ from our own society, and what seems familiar?
Rebellion and conformity. Are the individuals and institutions that we are reading about reflecting the popular
consensus of their age, or are they reacting to what is accepted practice in their society?
The uses and implications of literacy. The period referred to as human “history” (as opposed to “prehistory”)
corresponds to the time starting with the appearance of written records. What uses did people have for writing in
different periods of the past? How were texts used to support political arguments and cultural or religious movements?
How might our reliance on written records enhance or obscure our ability to really know about the past?
Historical Methodology. The technique historians use to research and interpret History is called historical methodology. It is the evaluation and critical examination of primary sources as evidence, which allows an interpretation of a topic within the discourse of History.
By the end of this course, it is expected that you will be able to:
1. Identify important events, themes, and individuals in the development of Western civilization, as well as their influence on our current perceptions and values.
2. Research, interpret, and analyze historical data from a broad interdisciplinary perspective.
3. Implement historical methodologies and understand problems of research unique to history in general, and specific to particular time periods.
