Course

Modern Civilization from 1750 - Present

University of California, Los Angeles

This course, taught by Professor Lynn Hunt, offers a comprehensive historical overview of significant elements in Western heritage from the ancient Greeks to the 20th century. It aims to:

  • Enhance beginning students' general education.
  • Introduce crucial ideas, attitudes, and institutions fundamental to Western civilization.
  • Engage students with critical discussions and readings of contemporary documents and writings of lasting importance.

Please note that some audio and visual content may have been altered to respect copyright regulations, particularly in lectures 4 and 8.

Course Lectures
  • This module delves into the French Revolution, a pivotal event that transformed French society and politics. Students will explore:

    • The causes and consequences of the revolution
    • Key figures and their roles
    • The influence of Enlightenment ideas
    • The revolution's impact on Europe and beyond

    Please be aware that there is a technical issue affecting the sound quality during the first 6 and a half minutes of the lecture.

  • This module focuses on the Enlightenment, an intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority. Key topics include:

    • The major philosophers and their ideas
    • The role of the Enlightenment in shaping modern thought
    • Connections to revolutions and societal change

    Please note that the sound for the first 6 and a half minutes is affected by a technical problem.

  • This module continues the exploration of the French Revolution, diving deeper into its phases and repercussions. Students will analyze:

    • The radical changes in governance
    • The rise of Napoleon and his influence
    • The revolution's legacy in shaping future political ideologies

    Please note that there is a technical issue with the sound for the first 6 and a half minutes.

  • This module examines 19th century Europe, a period marked by significant political, social, and economic transformations. Key topics include:

    • The rise of industrialization and its effects
    • Nationalism and its impact on nation-states
    • Social movements and revolutions across Europe

    Please be informed that there is a technical problem affecting sound quality during the first 6 and a half minutes.

  • This module explores various revolutionary movements that emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Students will learn about:

    • Key revolutionary ideologies and figures
    • The social and political contexts of these movements
    • Comparative analysis of different revolutions

    Please note that there is a technical issue affecting sound quality during the first 6 and a half minutes of the lecture.

  • This module investigates the rise of nationalism and the formation of nation-states in the 19th century. Key discussions will cover:

    • The origins and definitions of nationalism
    • Major nationalist movements across Europe
    • Impact of nationalism on global politics

    Please be aware that there is a technical issue with the sound for the first 6 and a half minutes.

  • This module focuses on imperialism and mass politics, exploring the relationship between colonial expansion and domestic political movements. Students will study:

    • The motivations behind imperial expansion
    • The effects of imperialism on colonized regions
    • How mass politics emerged in response to these changes

    Please note that there is a technical issue with sound quality for the first 6 and a half minutes.

  • This module revisits the Enlightenment, focusing on its enduring influence and legacy in contemporary thought. Key areas of exploration include:

    • The continuation of Enlightenment ideas in modern philosophy
    • Critiques and adaptations of Enlightenment thought
    • The relevance of Enlightenment principles today

    Please be informed that there is a technical problem with the sound for the first 6 and a half minutes of the lecture.

  • World War I
    Ivan J. Houston

    This module covers World War I, a catastrophic conflict that reshaped the global landscape. Students will analyze:

    • The causes and major events of the war
    • Key figures and their influence
    • The war's long-term consequences on Europe and the world

    Please note that there is a technical issue with sound quality affecting the first 6 and a half minutes of the lecture.

  • Duel Power
    Lynn Hunt

    This module discusses the concept of dual power, particularly during revolutionary periods, examining how competing authorities can coexist. Topics include:

    • Historical examples of dual power
    • Implications for political authority and governance
    • Analysis of specific case studies

    Please note there is a technical problem with the sound for the first 6 and a half minutes.