HUM 205 - Western Civilization II

3 Credit Hours

This is an interdisciplinary course of study that critically examines the ideas and values of Western culture from the beginnings of the Early Modern period to the twentieth century. It emphasizes the reading and discussion of some of the most influential writings that have shaped the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Western world during the Modern era. The presentation of the material is both historical and thematic. It is a study of the past organized to help us better understand the present and to direct attention to the enduring questions about how to lead a satisfying and worthwhile life. Themes are selected to focus thought and discussion upon such issues as: 1) the good life; 2) work and economic life; 3) the citizen and the state; 4) knowledge and education; 5) intimacy and social life; 6) nature and the supernatural; and, 7) morality and self-realization.