THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

Eric Voegelin called history “the unfolding of a pattern of meaning in time.” In this course, students not only will examine major events and trends in world history from the year 1500 to the present but will attempt to see patterns of meaning revealed in them. The instructor will focus on the history of Europe and the Americas, including the conquest of Mexico, the Reformation, the Wars of Religion, the English Civil War, the Enlightenment, the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution, as well as the wars, politics, and cultures of the modern era, including communism, fascism, and the ongoing push for freedom during the civil rights era and beyond. Eastern and Indigenous cultures will also be included.

Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: September 8 – December 15, 2026
Spring Semester: January 12 – May 11, 2027*
*Please note that there will be no class meetings on March 30, 2027.

Student Expectations: There will be weekly reading and writing assignments. Students should plan on about one to three hours of homework per week.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email, as well as by phone call or text.

Feedback/Assessment: The instructor will provide detailed feedback on all submitted assignments, both in writing and during each class session.

Materials: The instructor will provide all required texts and resources as PDFs or Google docs.