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HF 231/232 : Western Civilization I & II: Home

This is a course guide for Western Civilization I & II.

About this Guide

Western Civilization I and II explore the events and themes which make up the story of the western world. HF 231 extends from the period of the earliest known ancient near eastern civilizations through to the end of the medieval period (mid 15th century) in Europe, while HF 232 covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the late 20th century. This guide provides direction, links, and resources to help equip students to navigate the research elements of this course. This home page includes some introductory information to get you started. Use the blue tabs above to navigate to more detailed information on research strategies, primary sources, and secondary sources.

Information on HF 231 and 232 taken from course syllabi created by Dr. James Enns.

History Classification

In the Dewey Decimal System (which is the classification system our library uses) the 900s are History, Geography, and Auxiliary Disciplines. The 900s are primarily organized by geographical location, and as you move through each section you move through the time periods within that location from earliest to most recent. When you are browsing the history section, this is how it looks on the shelf.

  • 910 -- Geography and Travel
  • 920 -- Biography, genealogy, insignia
  • 930 -- History of ancient world to ca. 499
  • 940 -- History of Europe
  • 950 -- History of Asia
  • 960 -- History of Africa
  • 970 -- History of North America
  • 980 -- History of South America
  • 990 -- History of Australasia, Pacific Ocean Islands, Atlantic ocean Islands, Arctic Islands, Antarctica, extraterrestrial worlds.

Primary Sources & Secondary Sources

In HF 231 and 232 your research paper requires the use of primary and secondary sources, so what is the difference? Streefkerk (2018) on Scribbr describes it this way:

  • Primary sources provide raw information and first-hand evidence. Examples include interview transcripts, statistical data, and works of art. [Other examples include letters, diaries, newspaper articles, photographs, and official records]. A primary source gives you direct access to the subject of your research.
  • Secondary sources provide second-hand information and commentary from other researchers. Examples include journal articles, reviews, and academic books. A secondary source describes, interprets, or synthesizes primary sources. (Streefkerk, 2018, para. 1-2) 

Primary sources may provide more trustworthy evidence than secondary sources, but good historical research includes both.

Streefkerk, R. (2018). Primary vs secondary sources. https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/primary-and-secondary-sources/

Open Access Resources on the Web

These three open access links recommended by Dr. Enns.

The Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment, World History, Kahn Academy

Here is an example of a video tutorial offered by the Kahn Academy on the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment.

Reference Librarian

Library Resources

Our library collection has several resources that provide an overview of the history of Western Civilization. Here are some that may be useful as you choose or refine your topic. Each item links to the corresponding record in the library catalogue.