This course is designed to introduce students to the cultural, economic, political and social
developments in European history that have played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Within this scope they will trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of this program are to develop three important skills: first, an understanding of some of the principle themes which run through the history of Western Civilization, second, an ability to analyze historical evidence, and finally an ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing.