Western Civilization II ( Course Number: 62:510:202, Section 40)

A broad and general survey of the history of western civilization from ca. 1715 to the present, this course combines lectures and discussions with readings from a textbook, a primary-source reader, and several monographs. The course introduces issues, personalities, movements and developments in European history, encompassing political, social, economic, cultural and governmental topics. Lectures and discussions will stand as the basis for introducing the bulk of the material covered, as well as serving as the organizing medium for it. Much of what you will study will come from the lectures and discussions. Since I frequently approach topics differently than the textbook, your attendance at and understanding of lectures is imperative. The textbook should be used primarily to supplement lecture and discussion material. Other readings are of a more specific nature and complement the lectures.

Students are expected to maintain the standards of academic integrity. Using other people's ideas without attribution (plagiarism), unauthorized assistance in written assignments and re-submitting parts of a paper that was prepared for another course (unless specifically permitted by the instructor) will not be tolerated.

Papers: The two papers are to be ten (10) pages in length focusing on any lecture topic or issue analyzed in the course. It should try to explore, contrast and comprehensively analyze the selected issue as a proposition (for example: Was Napoleon furthering the goals of the French Revolution or did he reject revolutionary principles and goals on behalf of an autocratic program?) Students should provide footnotes and a full bibliography. Students will be graded on the originality of argumentation, thoroughness in research and presentation. Students should focus on primary sources whenever possible.