[rickmontes]

. I recently enrolled in Liberty classroom and have been enjoying it immensely. I graduated recently from Western Connecticut State University where I had the pleasure of studying with Kevin Gutzman. I was just offered a part time teaching position at a local community college Western civilization to 1648. I will be given a text book to use but can supplement with anything I choose My familiarity is mainly with early American constitution. I have noted some of the sources used here in Liberty classroom. Could you suggest more sources that I can utilize? I value your expertise and want to make sure my students get good information.

[lrcammarosano]

Rick
Congratulations on the appointment.
Where does the text book start its western civilization overview?

[rickmontes]

Thank you. I will get the text book tomorrow. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[rickmontes]

The Text books are: Western Civilization, the continuing Experiment Noble, Strauss, Osheim, Neuschel, Cohen & Roberts Vol. 1 2005
Spartacus by Howard Fast
Spartacus and the Slave Revolt by Brent Shaw

[Jason Jewell]

Congratulations, Rick!

The textbook’s title is revealing . . . the reference to a civilization as an “experiment” is a sign that it is probably written from a left/progressive viewpoint. Two books on Spartacus (assigned to you for a survey?) seem like overkill as well.

In my experience many survey texts shortchange the Hebrews, so you may need to supplement a bit there.

If you could give the main text a quick skimming upon arrival and let me know your impressions, it would help me figure out what supplemental material to recommend.

[rickmontes]

Dr. J,

The book does not seem to bad at first glance. Here is the required syllabus:
week 1-2: Introduction Theories of History, Rome and its Relation to the World
week 3: Early Middle Ages
week 4: Feudalism
week 5-6: Towns, trade ,Universities
week 7: The turbulent 14th Century
week 8:-9: The Renaissance
week 10-11: The Reformation
week 12: Proto industrialization as a step to a global world.
week 13: Absolutism and the nation state in contrast to other systems of governance
week 14-15: Limited monarchy and the origins of liberal democracy.

It seems like it glosses over many important aspects ie.The Greek’s, Hebrews Crusades etc.. Any suggestions on supplemental readings, movies, articles?

I appreciate the suggestions. I want to give a first rate course.

[Jason Jewell]

I’m very surprised this text doesn’t devote any significant space to the Greeks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Western Civ text that ignores them. You can do without a lot of attention to the Crusades if your time is limited.

Give me another day or two and I’ll throw some ideas at you. Extremely hectic schedule at the moment.

[rickmontes]

Thank you, I appreciate it. The book does cover the Greeks but the syllabus I was given skips them and much more. I did purchase the Sumer First’s book and intend on using it as well as the Phillip of Macedon
book.

[rickmontes]

Is there any good material that would explain the difference between Western and Eastern Civilizations?

[Jason Jewell]

Rick, I haven’t forgotten about you (see my “Back in the Saddle” post from earlier today). I will do my best to give you a substantive reply this weekend. Thanks so much for your patience.

[rickmontes]

No problem. I just got the bad news that the class I was going to teach got canceled for lack of enrollment. I am very disappointed. Oh well, I am sure God has another plan for me. Anyway, I will study Western Civilization so I can be ready when the next opportunity comes along. I look forward to your reply.

[Jason Jewell]

I’m sorry to hear that, Rick. I had two online classes canceled this summer after spending my entire Memorial Day weekend working on my course shells. It’s very frustrating, I know. I hope you get another opportunity very soon, and if so, we’ll be here to help.

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