Description:

The course explores the major developments, ideas and personalities that have shaped Western civilization. Organized around a readings and discussion format, students engage some of the world's most provocative and influential literature. Western Civilization I begins with the ancient cultures of the Middle East, Greece and Rome and follows the development of Western thought from the medieval period to the Renaissance and Reformation. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. It is not necessary to take HIST 125 before HIST 126.

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

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

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

1. Identify and describe the major historical periods of Greco-Roman civilization.
2. Identify, describe and evaluate some of the major contributions of Greece and Rome to Western philosophy, literature, science and religion.
3. Trace the theological and institutional development of Christianity in its first five centuries.
4. Describe the political, economic and social structure of Western Civilization in the Middle Ages and explain the values reflected in the medieval outlook.
5. Evaluate the Renaissance and Reformation era as a point of transition between medieval and modern society.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills – analysis, synthesis, application and evaluation with informed opinion – in oral and written form.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Greek Civilization
   A. Compare and contrast Greek culture in the Archaic, Classical and
Hellinistic periods.
   B. Identify and evaluate the contributions of the Greeks to Western
art.
   C. Identify and evaluate the contributions of the Greeks to Western
philosophy.
   D. Describe Greek society and politics in the polis, and analyze the
relationship between democratic political life and the development of
Greek philosophy.

II. Roman Civilization
   A. Describe and analyze the transformation of Rome from a republic to
an empire.
   B. Identify and evaluate the contributions of the Romans to Western
art.
   C. Identify and evaluate the contributions of the Romans to Western
philosophy.
   D. Describe and analyze the decline of Roman imperial power in the
fourth and fifth centuries.

III. Judaism – Christianity
   A. Describe the general transformation of traditional religions and
religious practices in the first centuries C.E.
   B. Describe the political, social and theological context in Palestine
from which Christianity emerged.
   C. Identify and discuss the sources for the theology, characteristics
and practices of early Christianity.
   D. Describe and analyze the relationship between Christianity and the
state in the late Roman Empire.

IV. Medieval Europe
   A. Describe the general political, social and economic characteristics
of Europe during the middle Ages.
   B. Identify and analyze the legacy of Greco-Roman civilization in
medieval Europe.
   C. Compare and contrast medieval and modern outlook.

V. Renaissance and Reformation
   A. Identify and evaluate the contributions of the Renaissance to
Western art.
   B. Identify and evaluate the contributions of the Renaissance and
Reformation to Western philosophy.
   C. Discuss the role of the Renaissance and Reformation in the
transformation of Western culture from medieval to modern.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

At least 30% of the final 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

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.