Some of the Highlights of World Civilizations II
Summer Session 2 was again a rewarding experience as I got to spend time with thoughtful students. Daily we spent time after class furthering our discussions and voluntarily gathered in the evenings for three film and discussion nights. The films included Contact (Scientific Revolution – Copernicus, Galileo, Newton), Swing Kids (Germany on the Eve of WWII – Mann, Bonhoeffer), and Conspiracy (Holocaust, Eugenics – Nietzsche, Dejaurnette, Nazism, ).
Here is a sampling of the students’ favorite questions and discussions in their own words. In the parentheses following each quote, I placed the question, the time period, and/or the primary source that inspired the discussion
I liked the discussion on running/hiking on the trail. It made me realize that I depend too much on technology. It made me want to spend at least a day in nature away from some of the technology that controls my life. That discussion along with the question, “does man control machines, or do machines control man?” made me reevaluate my dependence on technology. I want to take the challenge posed in class of spending a week or a month without television, music, computer, or a cell phone. These discussions made me realize that I am missing out on the wonders of nature because I am always in front of the television or talking to people on my computer. These discussions made me want to go outside and talk to people in real life or just appreciate the beauty God created. (The Documentary called The Runner, Romantic Poetry by Wordsworth, Shelly, Byron, Keats; Industrial Revolution)
The discussion regarding DNA and genetic engineering made me think about the ethical boundaries I have in place and why. (Frankenstein by Shelley)
The processing question that interested me that most was the introduction of cultures. First of all it challenges one to analyze ones’ own culture at a much deeper level than one is accustomed to doing. One must analyze the intricacies of why someone does things and his motivation behind what they do. An individual must analyze how his culture has formed some of his biases. (Christopher Columbus: Viewpoints - Hero or Villain; Collision at Cajamarca by Jared Diamond from Guns, Germs, and Steel)
I was intrigued by the question on Bill Gates and limiting the amount of money that we are allowed to make. It was hard for me because I know that my logic and reason conflict with my heart and emotions. (Atlas Shrugged by Rand; Wealth of Nations by Smith; Das Kapital by Marx; Utopian Socialism by Owen)
Single-handedly, I enjoyed the connectivity history presents. No event in history happens without a cause and effect. These historic figures should not be forgotten. Though they may have died hundreds of years ago, they somehow have an impact upon us even in the 21st century. (The philosophy of the interdisciplinary approach to studying the past and present)
The car changed the way roads were made. Asphalt or milled stone was utilized and perfected to meet the demands of the automobile. This led to the demand for and development of the interstates. People can now avoid an experience of small-town culture and customs. Towns and cities are now shaped by the layouts of roads. Cars have revolutionized courting and have spread families out across states and nations. It has impacted the arcitectural designs of homes. It has caused a demand in steel, rubber, and oil … Thus the car, which is widely used in our daily functions, has transformed the American culture and our perception ... The history of the car should not be overlooked as it has strongly influenced our way of life in these numerous ways. (Industrial Revolution; Factory System; 19th Century Economics; Geography to Nowhere by Kunstler)
