HIST 148 - History of Europe from the 17th Century to the Present

(HUMD, GEIR, GEEL)

One of two related courses (with HIST 147), which may be taken in either order. These courses trace the accumulated experience of Western civilization and its worldwide relationships and provide a contextual framework for integrating all areas of Western human activity and thought. HIST 148 spotlights the changes in thought, social, economic, and political structures from the Copernican revolution and the Enlightenment through the American and French revolutions, the traumas of economic depressions, world wars, and the upheavals of the contemporary world. Topics will be examined such as the tensions between individual liberty and traditional powers of state and society, the rise of ideologies, pressures of industrialism and national identity, the problems of the Darwinian hypothesis, the role of women in society, the rise of masses, the disenchantment with traditional liberalism and totalitarian alternatives, as well as the reflections of these human endeavors and anxieties in the arts and letters of these centuries. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , READ 120 . Three hours lecture/discussion each week. Formerly HS 161.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Analyze the structure of early modern European society and the state system.
Evaluate the impact of the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment on European thought and society.
Identify and illustrate the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution.
Explain the new imperialism of the nineteenth century and describe its impact on Europe and the world.
Analyze the causes and consequences of the two World Wars.
Evaluate Europe’s role in the modern world.

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