HIST 126

Description:

The course explores the major developments, ideas and personalities that, for the past 500 years, have shaped Western civilization. Organized around a readings and discussion format, the course allows students to engage some of the world's most provocative and influential literature. Western Civilization II begins with the three revolutions that define modernity the Scientific, French, and Industrial. The course also highlights the new ideologies of the 19th century and more recent themes of modernization and the cultural crisis of the 20th century. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. It is not necessary to take HIST 125 before HIST 126. This course may be offered as a Learning Communities (LCOM) section, see current credit schedule for LCOM details. Note: An honors contract is available. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

Prerequisites:

None

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Describe the origins, major developments and outcomes of the Scientific Revolution.
  2. Describe the contributions of the Enlightenment to the modern outlook.
  3. Describe the contributions of Romanticism to the modern outlook.
  4. Identify and evaluate the commentators on and critics of Western culture in the nineteenth century.
  5. Identify and analyze the crises and challenges confronting Western society in the twentieth century.
  6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills – analysis, synthesis, application and evaluation with informed opinion – in oral and written form. 

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
   A. Describe the transformation of Western science in the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries.
   B. Analyze the contribution of the Scientific Revolution to the modern
outlook.
   C. Describe and evaluate the Enlightenment as a political, social and
economic commentary on Western society in the eighteenth century.
   D. Discuss and evaluate the relationship between Enlightenment thought
and the political and economic transformations in the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries.

II. Romanticism
   A. Identify the major characteristics of Romanticism.
   B. Compare and contrast Romanticism and Enlightenment thought.
   C. Describe the contributions of the Romantic movement to Western
culture.
   D. Describe and evaluate the legacy of Romanticism for the modern
world.

III. Nineteenth Century Western Culture and Its Critics
   A. Describe the new scientific theories and innovations in the
nineteenth century and their influence on Western society.
   B. Describe the political theories and developments that define the
nineteenth century as an “age of progress” for Western Civilization.
   C. Identify the cultural dissenters and analyze and evaluate their
critique of nineteenth century political, social and economic progress.

IV. From Western to World Civilization
   A. Identify and analyze the events and developments that define the
cultural crisis of the twentieth century.
   B. Describe and evaluate the legacy of Western Civilization for the
modern world.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

At least 30% of the grade will be based on discussion. At least two
written examinations will be factored into the final grade. Instructors
may select other assignments as appropriate.

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.