During the first semester In Western Civilization, we begin with a discussion of the roots of civilization in Southwest Asia and move on to study Greece, Rome and Byzantium. Students are asked to consider how and why did civilizations develop, what are the roots of our modern religious traditions, and how did ideas about the physical world change over time. Students make presentations, participate in role-play simulations, and read both primary and secondary historical sources. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing students’ skills in reading, writing and analyzing. Students are evaluated on the quality of homework, daily participation and preparation, and on tests and quizzes.

During the second semester, we begin with the Middle Ages and explore how the competition between medieval feudal states eventually led to strong national monarchies and subsequently to the birth of modern nation states. We discuss the Renaissance in Italy and students write an essay illustrating how the art of the times reveals new interpretations of man’s role in the world. We continue our exploration of the changing role of the individual and discover its influence in the development of modern political ideologies. We trace these ideas through the Protestant Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the Russian Revolution. At the end of the term we explore the social, political, and economic challenges of Russia in the world today.