This course surveys the development of major world religions and their impact on world history. Topics will include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, and discussion of "secular religions." Students will learn about both the theological development of major religions as well as examine "lived religion" in the past. This course includes experiential components.

This course explores the American story from the aftermath of the Civil War to the present—a period of extraordinary change, conflict, progress, and contradiction. We’ll examine how Americans rebuilt a nation after slavery and civil war; struggled over race, gender, citizenship, and equality; transformed the country through industrialization, immigration, and technological change; endured economic depression and two world wars; fought over civil rights and America’s role in the world; and navigated the political and cultural upheavals that continue to shape our lives today. 

Along the way, we’ll look beyond presidents, wars, and elections to the experiences of ordinary people like you and I  and explore one of America’s most fundamental ideas: “freedom”—how its meaning and boundaries have changed over time, and who has and has not been included in its promise.

 
 
 
 

Survey of World History from 1500 to the present. Major topics covered include the development of the world's great religious and philosophical traditions, nascent globalization of the post-Columbian era, the rise and fall of colonial empires, modern ideologies and world wars, the post-war era and Great Acceleration.

This course surveys the development of major world religions and their impact on world history. Topics will include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, and discussion of "secular religions." Students will learn about both the theological development of major religions as well as examine "lived religion" in the past. This course includes experiential components.