Fall 2005 Mon., Wed. 1:00-2:15

Classroom CA 221

WEstern civilization II (H114)

Instructor: Matt Stanard

Office: CA 509D

Office Hours: Wednesdays 11:00-12:30, and by appointment

Phone: 8-2242

Email: mstanard@indiana.edu

Course objectives:

The primary goal of this course is to increase your understanding of the history of Western civilization since around 1650. We will examine and seek explanations for key political developments over this period, from the age of revolutions from 1776 to 1848, to World Wars I and II, to the conclusion of the Cold War at the end of 20th century. We will examine industrialization in Europe and the United States and its social and political ramifications. The course also will consider the development of secularism, the rise of nationalism and the modern nation-state. In terms of cultural and intellectual developments, broadly speaking we will consider changes that led to the formation of a “modern” or even “post-modern” way of thinking and understanding the world. The understanding of Western society and culture toward which this course works is in accordance with IUPUI’s Principles of Undergraduate Learning. A second goal of the course is intimately tied to the first and also supports the Principles of Undergraduate Learning: this course will emphasize the tools needed for the study of history. This course is designed to develop your ability to read, write, and analyze complex issues. Small group discussions in class will seek to develop your ability to analyze and interpret texts and communicate your ideas effectively.

Course requirements and grading breakdown:

Midterm examination 15%

Final examination (cumulative) 30%

5 reading quizzes (5, drop one) 20%

Two short papers (15% each) 30%

Attendance and Participation 5%

Total: 100%

Readings for each week should be completed by class on the Wednesday of the week for which they are assigned. To provide additional incentive, there will be five unannounced reading quizzes, each worth 5% of the final grade (your lowest quiz grade will be dropped). Each student will write two short essays to be handed in at class based on common readings. The final exam is cumulative.

Course policies:

Late assignments will not be accepted. Exams are to be taken on the dates indicated on the syllabus. If you believe you must miss an exam you must see the instructor in advance regarding a makeup exam. Makeup exams will only be allowed under extreme circumstances and with evidence of the reason the exam was missed (for example, a health center receipt). It is now a general policy at IUPUI that attendance is required for all classes. Only reading the textbook and other reading assignments will not be enough to achieve the goals for this course. Failure to attend and participate will detract from your grade. All students are reminded of his or her responsibilities according to the IUPUI Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. The full text of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct is available for viewing or download at http://life.iupui.edu/help/code.asp. The instructor reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the syllabus as necessary.

Required reading:

Candide, Voltaire

The Communist Manifesto, Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx

All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque

This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen, Tadeusz Borowski

Western Civilization: The Continuing Experiment, Vol. II, Noble, Strauss, et al.

Course Calendar:

August 24 Introduction to the course

August 29 The early modern world of the Peace of Westphalia

August 31 The era of Absolutism

Readings: Noble, Strauss, et al. 469-501

September 5 Labor Day Holiday - No class

September 7 The scientific “revolution”

Readings: Begin Candide, Noble, Strauss, et al. 508-527, 529-560

September 12 The Ancien Régime

September 14 The Enlightenment

Readings: Finish Candide, Noble, Strauss, et al. 562-599

September 19 The American Revolution

September 21 The “Great Revolution” in France

Readings: Noble, Strauss, et al. 606-638

First paper due in class September 21

September 26 Napoleon Bonaparte’s Empire

September 28 Restoration and reaction

Readings: Begin Communist Manifesto, Noble, Strauss, et al. 639-665

October 3 Industrialization

October 5 Political ideologies in the 19th century

Readings: Finish Communist Manifesto, Noble, Strauss, et al. 666-698

October 10 Midterm examination

October 12 1848-1870: Making and remaking nations

Readings: Noble, Strauss, et al. 699-731

October 17 Second Industrial Revolution, demographic growth, and urbanization

October 19 Nationalism, faith in progress and science, and a new wave of imperialism

Readings: Remarque chapters 1-3, Noble, Strauss, et al. 732-760

October 24 Rising tensions

October 26 World War I

Readings: Remarque chapters 4-7, Noble, Strauss, et al. 761-793

October 31 The experience of war 1914-1918

November 2 Revolution in Russia, Treaty at Versailles

Readings: Remarque chapters 8-12, Noble, Strauss, et al. 794-827

November 7 Interwar society and politics

November 9 The Great Depression

Readings: Noble, Strauss, et al. 828-858

Second paper due in class November 9

November 14 Fascism and the coming of World War II

November 16 The experience of total war

Readings: Noble, Strauss, et al. 859-890

November 21 The Holocaust

November 23 Thanksgiving holiday - No class

Readings: Borowski “This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen,” “Death of Schillinger,” and “The Supper,” Noble, Strauss, et al. 891-927

November 28 The Cold War

November 30 Decolonization

Readings: Borowski “A Day at Harmenz,” “Silence,” and “The January Offensive”

December 5 The end of European hegemony and a brief history of European integration

December 7 1989 and the West since 1989

Readings: Noble, Strauss, et al. 933-963

December 12 Review

No reading

final examination: Monday, december 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.