How did Western Civilization become such a dominant force in world history?  This is the question that will guide us as we look at Western Civilization from the 1500s through the present.  While our focus will be on the intellectual, religious, and political expansion of (mostly) Western European peoples and ideas during this period around the world, we will also consider the tribulations and blessings that this expansion created. In addition to reading a textbook and the professor’s lectures, students will also consider primary source documents. A key feature of the course is frequent exchanges between the professor and students as well as student-to-student discussion. Students will take several exams and will write one major paper.