HIS 102 - Western Civilization Since 1500

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course surveys the political, economic and social developments of European civilization. It focuses on the period from the Renaissance to the end of the twentieth century. Students explore key historical changes that shaped modern Europe.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Identify the trends and forces that led to the development of a modern world view.
Compare and contrast the political and constitutional development of Britain and continental Europe.
Explain the intellectual concepts of the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.
Describe the causes and results of the French Revolution.
Explain the rise of industrialism and nationalism and the challenges of and responses to the market economy.
Describe the causes and results of World War I and the Russian Revolution.
Explain the causes of World War II, Cold War and post-Cold War era.
Assess the validity, bias and relevance of primary and secondary sources to construct well-supported historical arguments.

Listed Topics

The Renaissance and Reformation
The Age of Exploration
Absolutism and Constitutionalism
The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
The French Revolution
The Industrial Revolution
Nineteenth and early twentieth-century political ideologies
Imperialism and colonialism
Unification movements in Italy and Germany
World War I and World War II
The Cold War
Decolonization
The collapse of the Soviet Union
Globalization

Reference Materials
Current textbook, scholarly readings, films, maps and electronic resources as assigned

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 04/15/2025
Last Reviewed: 04/15/2025

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