History

This course surveys the major civilized traditions during the past five centuries. Principle themes include the evolution of Western dominance, the development of the scientific and cosmopolitan world views, political revolutions East and West, the rise and fall of colonial empires, the impact of the industrial and democratic revolutions, global conflicts, and nation-building in the post imperial world. (This course can be used for social science, humanities or elective credit.)

This course surveys the history of the Champlain Valley from Samuel de Champlain’s 1609 expedition to the Civil War. Tracing the origin and growth of political, economic, social and cultural institutions, special emphasis will be placed on key questions about the relevance and significance of the Champlain Valley to European settlement in North America, the French and Indian War, American Colonial life, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Underground Railroad.

This course employs a global historical approach to the comprehension of the social, political, economic and cultural events which helped shape and define the twentieth century. Specific topics covered will include the advent of mass society, the end colonialism, nationalism, the rise of totalitarianism, two world wars, the cold war, various social and intellectual movements, scientific and technological advances and the reemergence of Asia as an increasingly relevant actor in global affairs.