The Purpose of the Course

The purpose of this course is to survey the development of various Western civilizations and the ways in which culture translates, transforms, and transcends the world around it. But while we will survey history across many millennia and several continents, this is not strictly a "survey class." We are not obliged to cover "Plato to NATO" and, as such, this course will serve neither time nor topic but spread its colors where curiosity draws the eye.

• Our primary focus will rest with those civilizations dubbed "Ancient Western," housed for the most part in Europe prior to 1500 CE.

• Our efforts will, however, extend beyond the traditional boundaries of "Western Civilization" into ancient non-European cultures (e.g. Egypt, Hebrews, Islam).

• Our principal loyalties will be to the personal and intellectual growth that comes of studying and understanding the past.

• Our main goal is to advance your skills in articulating issues centering around historical events and figures, matters which relate to all times and peoples.

• Our central aim is to give dimension to your appreciation of the common cultural heritage shared by the many heirs of Western Civilization.