Syllabus H113-02

Prof. Michael Markowski

Westminster  College

History Program

Fall Term, 2007

          We will explore the history of Western Civilization from the Reformation to the present.  This time in history saw more changes, saw them accelarate more quickly, and saw a variety in life that is unparalleled in all previous history. As this collage suggests, modern life has become filled with many things, ideas, images, perceptions, events etc -- so much so that some see a chaotic jumble in modernity that defies rational order or understanding. Others see the proliferation(s) as only variations on a few themes -- nothing new or chaotic, just a bit more of the same.

     Our study of history will try to sort out the monumental events (like World War II) and movements (like the rise of individualism and tyranny, capitalism and communism, liberalism and conservatism -- ambiguities side-by-side in our Western World.

      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'.

 Robinson Crusoe by Defoe. Norton Critical Edition, ISBN: 0393964523.

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein. Norton Critical Edition, ISBN: 0393964585.

                  Alan Bullock, Hitler: A Study in Tyranny. 0060920203.

                  Voltaire, Candide. Norton Critical Edition. ISBN: 0393960587.

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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    M-T-W-Th 9-10; F 1-2

       Office Hours are in my office at Foster 419.

Markowski Home

History 113-02 meets in
CONV 212, on T-Th,
From 10 to 11:15.

Aug 23: Introduction to History, to Western, to Civilization, to H113;

Readings: Background to the Reformation -- consider and do

Read The Radicals linked here to critique the arguments and positions presented -- skim or skip the links provided in that intro. Focus on: 1.) this "History Guide" to the relationship between Martin Luther and the Radicals; and, 2.) What or Who are these Radicals?

      13: Enlightenment Figures & Ideas; Background to Candide (Go for it!)

      18: Science & Enlightenment (No Ambiguities Here....)

Read Candide

       20: Discussion of Candide: Your Chapter-Titles & why;

Start Robinson Crusoe

Readings: Crusoe

Oct. 2: Economics of Colonies, Slavery, Empire, Exploration, Wealth, Pirates, Locals

Readings: Crusoe

        4: Discuss Crusoe: Questions, Issues, and the Point of the Story

        9: Review Lines of Inquiry

       11: Mid-Term  

(Start Frankenstein over the break: Madness of various sorts here -- don't let it go to your head...)

       16: The French Revolution: Failed & Over-rated?

Readings: First Frankenstein?

       23: A Century of "isms" -- Intro to Frankenstein

Readings: Frankenstein

      6: Discuss Early Life of Adolf Hitler: Loved children, flowers, dogs; hated much also: inconsistency? ambiguity? irrationality? evil?

Readings: Bullock to p. 63

          8: Nazi Exercise of Power: for better and worse

Readings: Bullock to p. 136

       20: Holocaust and the Establishment of Israel: Double meaning?

Readings: Bullock discuss it in its entirety