Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course traces the history of Europe from the Scientific Revolution to the present. It will include an analysis of the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, Napoleonic Era and Age of Ideology. In addition, it will deal with causes and results of World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and the disintegration of the Eastern Bloc. College level reading and writing recommended

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
2. The French Revolution and Napoleonic Era
   1. Causes and Results
   2. Napoleon’s Impact
3. The Industrial Revolution
   1. Causes and Results
4. Social and Political Movements: Liberalism, Socialism, Nationalism,
   1. Revolutions 1815-1848
   2. Darwin, Marx
5. The World Wars
   1. Causes and Results
   2. Totalitarianism
6. The Cold War, Post-War Europe, and the Disintegration of the Eastern Bloc
   1. Partition of Germany
   2. European Union
   3. Divisions in Europe: Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia

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. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. 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
• 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