Text: Jackson Spielvogel Western Civilization

Students are required to read all specified chapters, essays from the packet of readings, and specified Web sites.

        Week One
On the first day of the course, students should establish contact with the instructor. Emphasis is on familiarizing yourself with the Web site and exploring the schedule, outlines, and assignments. Students should read the requirements of the course and make absolutely certain that they respond with the first assignment to the instructor during the first week. This week will be spent studying prehistory, the Agricultural Revolution, and the development of villages during the paleolithic and neolithic ages. Focus on the transition from hunter gatherer cultures into civilizations.
Read pp. 1 - 6

        Week Two
The ancient civilizations of Sumer and the Mesopotamian kingdoms will be the subject of this week's study. Emphasis will be on the establishment of the earliest civilization and the characteristics and contributions of each.
Read pp. 6 - 16

        Week Three
Ancient Egypt will be the center of this week's studies. The study of specific periods and personalities and their respective contributions will be stressed.
Read pp. 16 - 29

        Week Four
Hebrew history and religious beliefs will be the subject of week five. Students will also cover Phoenicia, Assyria, and the Chaldeans. (Note: skip pp. 47 - 53 - that material will be covered with Ch. 3)
Read pp. 32 - 46

        Week Five
This week's studies will begin with Minoan and Mycenaean culture. Students will then move to the political, social, and economic institutions of Athens and Sparta about 500 B.C.
Read pp. 55 - 70

        Week Six
Students will cover the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, the Delian League, the Golden Age of Athens, and the characteristics of Hellenic and Hellentistic Greek culture.
Read pp. 47 - 53, 70 - 88 & 91 - 111

       Week Seven
The Etruscans and the foundation of the Roman Republic
Read pp. 114 - 134

        Week Eight
The transition from republic to empire. Emphasis will be on the events and personalities involved in undermining the republic.
Read pp. 135 - 145

        Week Nine
Focus of the transition to an imperial form of government, the problem of succession, political and social corruption, and the crises which undermined Roman power. Then analyze events which led to the decline of the Roman Empire and the effects of the rise of Christianity.
Read pp. 147 - 176

        Week Ten
The eleventh week will be spent studying the role of Christianity in Medieval Europe, the coming of the Germanic tribes and the eastern Roman Empire in the Middle Ages, and the spread of Islam. This week will concentrate on the period from about AD 400-1000. It concerns the collapse of the Roman Empire and the beginnings of the European kingdoms.
Read pp. 178 - 207

        Week Eleven
Chapter 8 deals with the emerging Medieval cultures: the Carolingians, the Viking invasions, the growth of feudalism, and the manorial system.
Read pp. 209 - 235

        Week Twelve
Chapter 9 looks at the people who lived in the Medieval period. It also explores the continuing growth of the Catholic church and the crusades.
Read pp. 237 - 263

        Week Thirteen
The week will cover the growth of towns,  the development of trade, the rise of universities  the development of monarchies, the Crusades, and the building of Gothic cathedrals during the period from AD 1000-1450.
Read pp. 266 - 294

        Week Fourteen
The Black Death, the Hundred Years War,
Read pp. 296 - 324

        Week Fifteen
This week's study will be the Renaissance and the effect of Classical Greece and Rome on the culture of the late Middle Ages. Examine how religion influenced the content of art and literature that developed as the Renaissance spread north. Pay particular attention to how scientific rationalism, humanism, education, and individualism shaped western thought.
Read pp. 326 - 360
 
 
 

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The Reformation begun by Martin Luther resulted in the establishment of Protestant churches. This week's study will center on the attempt to reform the church and the resulting controversy and schism brought about by Martin Luther.  Consider the effect of the Reformation on the social, economic, cultural, and political climate of Europe. Examine how the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter Reformation influenced the beginning of modern nation states.
Read pp.

The Age of Discovery and the European Invasion and Conquest of the Americas.
Read pp.