What countries or world regions are the most important? The Americas? China? The Middle East? In this course we will consider the case for Europe.

Its historical importance is hard to miss: it is the source of many of the ideas that have shaped the United States and our world; the nation-state, capitalism, industrialization, democracy, not to mention the printing press, the railroad, and the fundamental laws of physics.

In our contemporary era when China or anti-Western terrorism dominate the headlines, though, it may surprise you to realize how central Europe remains to many processes that touch your life. In this class we will dig into this rich history and Europe’s modern day importance.

Weekly Highlights

Week 1 – How does geography affect Europe?
Week 2 – What amazing things have come from Europe’s history?
Week 3 – Famous Europeans of the past and present.
Week 4 – Is Europe a world power?
Week 5 – What makes Europe so unique?
Week 6 – Capstone Project