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Western Civilization I
CIV101 | 3 Credits
Western Civilization I will give you a comprehensive overview of the development of early civilizations up to 1715. We’ll cover the religious influence of Judaism and the Bible, the rise and fall of ancient Greece, the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire, and more.
Professor:
About Western Civilization I
What You’ll Learn
Our Western Civilization I online course provides a comprehensive overview of the development of early civilizations from Neolithic times to 1715.
- Identify key moments in the development of Western society.
- Describe the social, economic, and political impact that the discovery of the New World had on Europe.
- Analyze original historical materials.
- Interpret primary sources within their appropriate historical context.
- Organize historical events into chronological order.
- Justify your thinking with well-organized and well-supported thoughts.
- Compare and contrast early Western societies.
- Examine the secularization of religious authority to develop a deeper understanding of the political underpinnings of the Medieval world.
- Explain the rise and fall of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations.
- Identify and explain the social and political impact of the Scientific Revolution.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Beginning with the emergence of human communities, this course walks students through ancient civilizations and into the rise of Western society. Students will explore the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Rome, and Greece before learning about the Islamic world, Byzantium, the Renaissance, and the Scientific Revolution. Western Civilization I is a broad overview of key events and people that shaped the course of Western society. Students will explore these topics through readings, videos, and direct engagement with primary sources.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0040
Flexible Schedule
23-day Average Course Completion
Transferred Over 2,700 Times
$3,100,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Western Civilization I.
Course Text
The required eTextbooks for this course are included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Sherman, Dennis and Salisbury, Joyce. The West in the World, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2014, ISBN: 9780073407036
- Wilson, Julianna. Western Civilization I, Achieving the Dream, 2020
- Wilson, Julianna. Western Civilization II, Achieving the Dream, 2020
Course Checkpoints
The Roots of Western Civilization
- Ancient Civilizations
- The Laws of Hammurabi
- The Old Testament
The Contest for Excellence
- The Rise and Fall of Ancient Greece
- Athenian Democracy
- Greek Art and Culture
- Classical Greek Culture
The Hellenistic World, 336–150 B.C.E.
- The Rise of Macedonia
- The Hellenistic Age (323–30 BC)
The Rise of Rome, 753–265 B.C.E.
- Early Roman History
- The Expansion Period
- From Republic to Empire
The Roman Empire, 31 B.C.E. – 410 C.E.
- The Last Days of the Empire
- Christianity in Rome
- The Decline of Rome
Western Kingdoms, Byzantium, and the Islamic World, ca. 376–1000
- The Western World Divided
- The Medieval World
The Early Middle Ages, c. 750–1000
- The Birth of Islam
- Muslim Empires
- The Decline of Medieval Islam
The High Middle Ages, 1000–1300
- Feudalism
- The Rise of Centralized Monarchies
The Late Middle Ages, c. 1300–1500
- Capturing the Holy Land
- The Later Crusades
The Renaissance, c. 1300–1640
- Proclamation of Papal Supremacy
- The Conciliar Movement
- The Black Death
Religious Reform and Warfare, 1500–1648
- The Italian Renaissance
- Politics in Italy
- The Northern Renaissance
European Expansion, 1450–1700
- Martin Luther and the early Protestant Reformation
- Piety, Protest, and Politics
- The Catholic Counter-Reformation
Europe's Social and Political Order, 1600–1715
- The Search for the New World
- The New World Discovered
- Conquest of the New World
The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, 1600–1800
- The Wars of Religion
- Absolutism in France
- The Power of the English Parliament
- The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 3 Reflective Responses
- 2 Assignments
- 3 Mastery Checks
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
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Students who enrolled also took:
Introduction to Religious Studies
1st attempt pass rate: 99%
Avg Days to Complete: 24
3 credits
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A Career in Culture
Western Civilization takes you through the key ideas, events, and people that shaped the modern Western world. You'll explore everything from ancient Greece to revolutions and beyond for a better understanding of how history, philosophy, politics, and culture all connect. Think of it as the foundation that will sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills — valuable tools in any career.
Why it matters:
- Students save an average of 90% per course on general education courses with StraighterLine.
- Historians earned a median wage of $74,050 in 2024 — that’s higher than average for other professions.
How this course sets you up for success:
UX Researcher, Cultural Resource Manager, Public Health Analyst, Forensic Anthropologist, International Development Specialist, Corporate Anthropologist, Human Rights Advocate, Museum Curator, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Environmental Impact Analyst
How this course sets you up for success:
Western Civilization gives you the historical context to think critically and engage with the global challenges we’re facing right now. Start your journey with Western Civilization today.
3 Credits
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