April 8, 2000
FALL 2000 E.C.H.T.
HISTORY 101: WESTERN CIVILIZATION TO 1648
PROFESSOR KNUTSON

I. Content:

A topical survey of Western Civilization from its Greco-Roman origins to the 17th century. Cultural development and institutional growth are emphasized. Greco-Roman contributions, the Judeo- Christian heritage, Byzantine and Islamic cultures, European expansion and militarism, the Renaissance and the Reformation are among the major topics considered.

II. Required Books: (Paperback edition)

J. B. Harrison, R. Sullivan, D. Sherman. A Short History of Western Civilization: To 1776.. Vol. I. New York: McGraw Hill, 1994. ISBN: 0-07-026899-1

Thucydides, trans. Rex Warner. History of the Peloponnesian War. Viking Press,1986. ISBN: 0140440399 (also required for the Core Program)

The following selections are from the Core Program Coursepack:

Fukuyama and Huntington Articles
Lorelei Poem
Children's Campaign
Russian Alphabet
Dante/Boccaccio Selections
Juvenal Selections
Pliny on Pompeii
Roman Architecture Article
The Bacchae
The Rise of Islam and "The Prophet of Mecca and Islam"

III. Class Report:

Each student must make a 10-20 minute oral report to the class on some topic or book related to the course content chosen in consultation with the instructor. The topic must be chosen by the second day in Vienna. Prior to the oral presentation the student must submit a two page outline and an anotated list of sources to the instructor. The report will be scheduled by the instructor. It will be graded on content, research materials, and oral presentation. There will be heavy penalties for failure to meet deadlines. There are of course many other possible sources. The presentation will count the same as three quizzes.

V. Participation and Attendance:

Because our program is interdisciplinary and participatory in nature, attendance is required at lectures, museums, art galleries, historical sites, concerts, etc. Part of your grade will depend on this participation and attendance.

V. Museum and Site Essays:

At some of the major museums and sites you will be required to write short 1-2 page essays in which you will be asked to relate the works of art and artifacts to the content of this course.

VI. Grading:

ECHT CORE PROGRAM Participation and Quizzes    10%
Quizzes on Readings and Sites and Participation    30%
Two Examinations (30% each)    60%