Syllabus H112-01

Prof. Michael Markowski

Westminster  College

History Program

Spring Term, 2009

     We will explore the history of Western Civilization from the Rise of Western Civ in the Classical World of the Greeks and Romans, through the Flood of invaders that engulfed and destroyed that world,  to the new (?) world of the Medieval and Renaissance periods After the Flood. We will use lecture and essay-writing approaches in tandem with regular discussions about the readings to track and understand these changes that lead to who we are today.

     Our study of history deals with significant people, movements and events, and we will evaluate ideas generally held about them. We will also consider a few of the lesser-known questions of history -- which might prove to be the most fascinating and valuable.

      To become familiar with developments in society and art, in the politics, religions, philosophies, economies, literature as well as the significant ideas connected to Western Civilization;

      To understand the methods historians employ, and to use them in our class (and beyond);

     To inquire into some of the greatest pieces of western literature with a critical frame of mind;

     To gain a sense that we all participate in the family of humanity, and that learning about the history of this family can teach us much about ourselves, and so deepen our individual 'Life of the Mind'.

 Christine de Pisan, Treasure of the City of Ladies (Penguin, ISBN: 014044453X).

 Sherman, D. Western Civilization, Vol 1 (McGraw Hill, ISBN: 0-07-256567-5).

                          Plutarch. Makers of Rome (Penguin, ISBN: 014-044-1581).

                          Plutarch. Rise and Fall of Athens (Penguin, ISBN: 014-044-1026).

Grades are drawn from a Mid-term exam (20%), Final exam (30%), a Term Paper (30%), and Discussions (20%). Click for more on the paper.

          Regular attendance is important, and for the discussion grade, necessary. HIST 112 is a Westminster College Liberal Education course carrying 3 credits.

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MTWTh 8:45-10

Office Hours are in my office at Foster 419.

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History 112-01 meets in
CONV 104, on MW,
From 10-11:15 AM.