This course provides students the opportunity to engage in critical discussions about the foundations of modern western society according to key cultural, religious, and political changes associated with the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the emergence of the modern state. It also examines developments in the sciences, western philosophy, and revolutionary politics in theory and practice, through the nineteenth century, drawing connections between the past and the present day.

This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the development of world civilizations from 1000 CE to the present. The focus of study will move beyond basic geography and historic timelines to ask questions about cultural interactions, conflict, and the varying forces that impacted world history, as well as to evaluate interpretations of the past. Using both primary and secondary sources, students will critically examine connections and patterns of history with a particular focus on globalism, multiculturalism, nationalism, and religious conflict throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

This capstone course is a field-based internship designed to develop and hone the practical application skills of a History major. The course requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained from other courses in the program and to demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to new subject matter and practical situations. Students apply for an internship at a self-selected site and negotiate the terms of the internship experience with a site supervisor under the auspices of their faculty mentor. The internship requires documented evidence of eighty hours of supervised experience and practice in a field setting where history-related knowledge and skills are applied. Students will complete a substantial, evidence- based research paper or project related to their internship work. NOTE: Registration for this course, an internship, is by permission of Academic Affairs. Early registration deadlines may apply. Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.