HIST102N: Western Civilization From 1600 to the Present

This course will focus on the complex interactions of the social, intellectual, economic, ecological, and political factors that contributed to the development of Western thought from the early modern era to the present. Topics to be explored include decline of absolute monarchies, colonialism, the rise of revolutionary ideologies and scientific thought, the Enlightenment, political revolutions and rise of nationalism, imperialism and industrialization, 20th century wars and Cold War, and recent trends in Western society, as will critical scrutiny of Western tradition. Special emphasis will be placed on identifying the ideas, people, and events that have helped to shape the modern world.