HUM 110: Western Civilization I

HUM 110: Western Civilization I is a course that covers the history of Western civilization from the prehistoric era to the Renaissance. It is a foundational course that is designed to provide students with an overview of the significant events, figures, and cultural developments that have shaped Western civilization. The course explores the contributions of ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, the rise of Christianity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. It is a course that is offered in many colleges and universities across the United States, and it is an essential part of any liberal arts education.

The Purpose of HUM 110: Western Civilization I

The primary purpose of HUM 110: Western Civilization I is to provide students with an overview of the history of Western civilization. The course covers the significant events and cultural developments that have shaped Western society, including the contributions of ancient Greece and Rome, the rise of Christianity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. By studying these events, students will gain an understanding of the foundations of Western civilization, the ideas that have influenced it, and the impact it has had on the world.

Another purpose of HUM 110: Western Civilization I is to introduce students to critical thinking and analysis. The course encourages students to read and analyze primary sources, such as ancient texts, and to develop their own interpretations of historical events. Through this process, students learn to think critically and to communicate their ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Finally, HUM 110: Western Civilization I is designed to help students develop an appreciation for the humanities. The course covers topics such as art, literature, philosophy, and religion, which are essential components of the humanities. By studying these topics, students will gain an appreciation for the richness and diversity of human culture and will develop a broader perspective on the world.

Course Structure and Curriculum

HUM 110: Western Civilization I is typically a three-credit course that is offered over a single semester. The course is usually taught in a lecture format, with additional discussion sections or seminars. The curriculum of the course covers the following topics:

1. Prehistoric and Ancient Greece The course begins with a study of prehistoric civilizations and the contributions of ancient Greece. Students will learn about the origins of Western philosophy, including the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. They will also study Greek art and architecture, including the Parthenon and other famous structures.
2. The Roman Empire The course then moves on to the study of the Roman Empire. Students will learn about the political and cultural contributions of the Romans, including their system of government, military conquests, and legal system.
3. The Rise of Christianity The next section of the course covers the rise of Christianity and its impact on Western civilization. Students will learn about the life of Jesus Christ, the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, and the formation of the Catholic Church.
4. The Middle Ages The course then covers the Middle Ages, including the contributions of Islamic culture and the development of feudalism in Europe. Students will learn about the Crusades, the Black Death, and the emergence of universities.
5. The Renaissance The final section of the course covers the Renaissance and the contributions of figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare. Students will study the cultural, political, and scientific developments of the Renaissance and their impact on Western civilization.

Assessment and Evaluation

The assessment and evaluation of HUM 110: Western Civilization I typically involve a combination of exams, essays, and other assignments. Students are usually required to attend lectures and discussion sections or seminars, and to read primary and secondary sources. They are also expected to participate in class discussions and to engage in critical thinking and analysis.

Exams: Students are typically required to take exams covering the material

covered in the course. These exams may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay questions.

Essays: In addition to exams, students are usually required to write essays analyzing primary sources, such as ancient texts or artworks. These essays may be focused on a particular topic or theme covered in the course, and they are designed to help students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Other Assignments: Other assignments may include group projects, presentations, or creative projects. These assignments may be focused on a particular topic or theme covered in the course, and they are designed to help students engage with the material in different ways.

Grading: The grading for HUM 110: Western Civilization I typically involves a combination of exams, essays, and other assignments. The exact weighting of each assignment may vary depending on the instructor and the course structure. However, exams usually make up a significant portion of the final grade, followed by essays and other assignments.

Importance of HUM 110: Western Civilization I

HUM 110: Western Civilization I is an essential course for any student pursuing a liberal arts education. The course provides students with an understanding of the foundations of Western civilization, including its cultural, political, and social developments. By studying Western civilization, students gain an appreciation for the richness and diversity of human culture and develop a broader perspective on the world.

In addition, HUM 110: Western Civilization I is an essential course for students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as law, politics, or education. The course helps students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are valuable in any field that requires problem-solving and decision-making.

Moreover, HUM 110: Western Civilization I is an important course for developing cultural competence. In today’s globalized world, it is essential for students to have an understanding of different cultures and to be able to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. By studying Western civilization, students gain an understanding of the historical and cultural context of Western societies and develop the skills necessary to engage with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Conclusion

HUM 110: Western Civilization I is a foundational course that provides students with an overview of the history of Western civilization. The course covers significant events and cultural developments that have shaped Western society, including the contributions of ancient Greece and Rome, the rise of Christianity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. By studying Western civilization, students gain an appreciation for the richness and diversity of human culture and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The course is essential for any student pursuing a liberal arts education and is valuable for students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as law, politics, or education. Moreover, HUM 110: Western Civilization I is an important course for developing cultural competence, which is essential in today’s globalized world.