Western Civilization II

Official Description

Western Civilization II: 1500 to the Present (26-103)
An introduction to the development of Western Culture from 1500 to the present.

Overview

Western Civilization from the Renaissance to yesterday. Also, quick background that covers the major events from Western Civ I.

What Actually Happens

See Western Civ I's description, and replace all of the civilizations with "European". If this were your only exposure to European history, you would leave thinking that the only important events were the French Revolution, and the World Wars.

Of course, as there are different teachers for this class, your mileage may vary. Topics generally focused upon are:

• The Renaissance
• The Reformation (Protestant, Catholic Counter-, and English)
• England: Elizabeth I, Spanish Armada, Oliver Cromwell
• Scientific and Intellectual Revolutions
• The Enlightenment
• Industrial Revolution
• French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte
• Unifications of Italy and Germany
• Imperialism
• World War I, Totalitarianism, World War II
• Cold War, European Union

Reviews

Western Civilization is the study of Western Europe (mainly) and its interactions with the rest of the world. The class title says that it covers a time period from the 1500s to the present, but Dr. Frucht begins at the conception of civilization. A very good class, but it can be draining, considering it's two and a half straight hours of lecture.
Editor's note: Bear in mind that this review comes from a student that took this class in May, with a professor that had never taught this class before.