Western Civilization II Online College Course

The History 102 online course provides a comprehensive survey of Western Civilization from the Reformation to the present, with emphasis on movements and institutions common to Western Europe.

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Why take Western Civilization II online?

This class is a survey of European History (Western Civilization) from the Protestant Reformation to the Cold War. The class will examine specific themes, answer questions, explore paradoxes and seek to present a cohesive understanding of the development of Western Civilization in its transition from a traditional to modern society. Because of the large amount of History in this period, the course focuses upon specific issues and events that shaped modern Western Civilization. The themes that this course will focus upon are: 1. Political Development, 2. Cultural Development, 3. Continuity, 4. Change, and 5. Economic Development. The course begins with the concurrent Renaissance and Religious Schism initiated by Martin Luther followed by the political, economic and social developments that transformed Western Civilization from a traditional to modern society. The course then moves to the Isms of the late 18th and 19th centuries and how increasing economic competition influenced relations within and without Europe. The course will end with the two World Wars and how the post-war period marked a new phase of European history.

This course is designed to:

• Increase your understanding of Western Civilization and the development of many of the structures–
• political, economic, social–that shape the modern world
• Increase your understanding of the relationship between long- and short-term change
• Improve your critical thinking, writing and communication skills
• Introduce you to the ideas and methods of history
• Teach you to ask why and to question information

The class is divided into four units that correspond to different historical developments:

• Part I: Foundations (Lesson 1-6) – this section explores the transition from Medieval to Early Modern Europe through some of the major events of the period including the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and the beginnings of European expansion.
• Part II: From Traditional to Modern (Lesson 7-11) – this section examines the breakdown of traditional European society and its replacement with modern institutions such as the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment.
• Part III: The Bourgeois and Change (Lesson 12-16) – here, we explore the late 18th century and the 19th century as a growing middle class seeks to reshape Europe in its image within the struggle between the forces of Classical Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism.
• Part IV: New Alternatives and War (Lesson 17-20) – the class then moves to the increasing tensions of the late 19th century and the resulting World Wars. Here, within the discontent of the destruction caused by WWI, and other factors, people start to look to new alternatives allowing for the rise of totalitarian states.

What is required to take this online course?

HIST 102: Western Civilization II follows two volumes of a free OER (Open Educational Resource) Textbook and an OER Reader in PDF format.

• Christopher Brooks, Western Civilization: A Concise History Volume II
• Christopher Brooks, Western Civilization: A Concise History Volume III

You will have 3 to 9 months from your enrollment date to complete:

• 16 content Lessons spread across 4 units. Each lesson includes reading assignments, lectures, a short quiz, and a short writing assignment. There are four unit exams.