Western Civilization Course and Its Place in the College Curriculum

Kyle Mardon

Humanities 220

Western Civilization Course and Its Place in the College Curriculum

            Western Civilization began as a course to fill the gap between advanced courses at the junior and senior level and high school. Using Western Civilization as an introductory course, universities could introduce students to history and recruit students to those majors. Throughout its history Western Civilization has altered from a noncompulsory introductory course to a general education course and back again.

I believe that all students should have a basic understanding of the history of Western Civilization. The importance of a Western Civilization course was realized during the First World War. By putting soldier through the “War Issues Course” they were being educated in the conflict in Europe because it was necessary for a democracy to know exactly what they were fighting for. After the war professors at Columbia appealed for a “Peace Issues” course. They realized the importance of keeping their students educated in the Western Civilization. At Columbia College President Butler wanted all students to have a common starting point. He also wanted all students to have an understanding and appreciation of nature and man.

I believe that no matter what major an individual is studying it is important that, before entering whatever field they chose, they have an understanding of past events and how they may impact the future. Here at Geneseo, the General Education courses like Western Civilization ensure that when I graduate I leave with the knowledge to be a productive member of society, not just in my field but in society in general.

Overtime Western Civilization courses have started to disappear, as General Education classes have changed students can choose to take some courses or avoid others. In 1968 Stanford no longer required students to take a course in Western Civilization, effectively removing history as a requirement of all students.  This act also led to the destabilization of the entire General Studies program.

I believe it is important for all students to have basic education or at least understanding of all fields such as science, math, English, and history. Because one never knows if or when this information will be needed, therefore I believe it is better to be required to learn the knowledge while still in college. Otherwise one takes the risk of ending up in a situation where then need basic information about a subject that they do not have, this would leave them stuck in whatever situation they happened to be in.

I strongly believe that Western Civilization courses are an important and valuable tool in the education of undergraduate students. I believe that the information one obtains in Western Civ courses helps students become informed and knowledgeable, providing insight on past events and giving an understanding on how those events have shaped our future.