This course is an introduction to the periods, thinkers, and main ideas of Western Civilization. The major themes in the development of the West of rationality, freedom, and progress will be explored. Units will focus on close reading of major texts within their cultural context. The emphasis in the course will be on developing an understanding of the modern Western world through knowledge of its history, philosophy, and literature.
This course will inform learners of the culture and core ideas of the Western Tradition by teaching primary texts (e.g., Gilgamesh, Plato’s Republic, Descartes’ Meditations) in the context of culture and history. Philosophy as a discipline broadens the mind by seeing ourselves and the world from a higher perspective.
