The goals and objectives of WHGC are many, and you should be clear about the expectations we have about what students may gain from this course.  During the two semesters of WHGC we hope that you will achieve the following objectives:

Content Objectives:

• To introduce students to many of the influential ideas and thinkers of the Western tradition in conversation with those of non-Western traditions.

• To introduce students to important works in the Western tradition as well as those from non-Western origins.

• To develop student understanding and appreciation of some of the major historical, intellectual and artistic transitions (paradigm shifts) that characterize human civilization in the West and globally.

• To explore the evolving understanding of social relationships in Western and non-Western contexts.

• To explore the evolving understanding of sacred and transcendent beliefs in human civilization.

• To explore the evolving understanding of Nature, Truth, and the human individual in the Western tradition in the light of understanding from non-Western traditions.

Skill Objectives:

• Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize complex ideas.

• Improve student ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Improve oral communication skills.

• To improve student ability to find, analyze, and properly use information resources.

Affective Objectives:

• Increase student motivation to learn more about the Western tradition.

• Increase student motivation to learn more about the Western tradition in a global context that recognizes the value and influence of many other traditions and cultures.