Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

The course begins in Mesopotamia and focuses on Western Civilization’s developments until the death of Louis XIV. It covers the Ancient Middle East, Greece and Rome, the Medieval Period, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Exploration, and the growth of absolutism and constitutional monarchies. College level reading and writing recommended

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Mesopotamia and Egypt Civilizations
2. The origins of Western Civilization
3. Greek and Roman Culture
4. Hellenistic Culture
5. Roman Republic and Empire
6. Development of Christianity and Islam
7. The Establishment of the Church
8. Islam and the Byzantine Empire
9. The Medieval Period
10. Feudalism and Nation States
11. The Calamitous 14th Century
12. The Renaissance and Reformation
13. The Italian and Northern Renaissance
14. The Causes and Results of the Reformation
15. The Wars of Religion
16. The Age of Exploration
17. Absolutism and Constitutional Monarchy
18. Absolutist France under Louis XIV and Russia under Peter the Great
19. The English Civil War, Restoration, and Glorious Revolution

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Assess the significance of political, intellectual, and social developments within this timeframe of Western Civilization.
2. Identify key personalities, institutions, and concepts within this timeframe Western Civilization.
3. Analyze the causes and results of major events within this timeframe of Western Civilization.
4. Recognize the diversity of ideas, religions, and cultures among those who live and have lived within the categorization of Western Civilization.
5. Analyze historical sources, distinguishing primary from secondary sources.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

1. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

Goal 8/Global Perspectives

The student will be able to:

1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
3. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Objective tests
• Essay tests and formal and informal written assignments
• Classroom discussion

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking

Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None