SCHEDULE AND NOTES

Topic 1: The Dream of the Infinite

Topic 2: Goals of Christianity

Topic 3: Imagination and Transcendence

Topic 4: Heaven

Topic 5: Culture and Accomplishment

Topic 6: Enlightenment Ends

Topic 7: The Dream of the Nation-State

Topic 8: The Goals of Science

Topic 9: Life on the Astral Plane

MOVIES

"Civilisation"

WEB

ASSIGNMENTS

6,000 word 'Amundsen Rule' Paper, Topical Reader Responses (5) 

DESCRIPTION

This course discovers the old dream, the dream of the infinite, and discusses what these dreams meant and their ends. It shows how civilizations are built on certain 'bases,' and seeks out those bases that the West was built on. It agrues that a lot of what is found even in pop culture speaks to this desire, this hope, for something the modern world has just simply lost sight of, and has replaced with new icons and new gods. This course includes a 6,000 word writing requirement. A grade of 2 or higher must be attained. 18 class hours.

READING LIST

John Paul II, "Memory and Identity".

Van Creveld, "The State".

Bloom, Howard, "Reinventing Capitalism".

OBJECTIVES

• Learn as much as possible about the history of our civilization and your place within it
• Spread your understanding to other people who would otherwise never encounter it
• Begin to see the world around you as a place you can make a difference in

GRADING

Reader Responses (5): 25%, Midterm: 25%, Research Paper: 25%, Final: 25%.