Western Civilization: The French Revolution to the Cold War

Beginning with the French Revolution, students will trace the events, ideas, and individuals that have profoundly shaped the modern Western world. Because ideas have consequences, this course will follow the development of the political, philosophical, social, and cultural movements that have defined the past two centuries. By examining the thinkers, leaders, and revolutions that transformed the West, students will gain a deeper understanding of our civilization and the ideas that continue to influence the way we view ourselves and the world today.

From Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Napoleon Bonaparte to Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud, Winston Churchill, and the Cold War, students will engage with the people and ideas that have left an enduring mark on history. Through the study of primary sources, thoughtful discussion, and analytical writing, students will learn not only what happened, but why it mattered.

Nickolas Trosclair

Nickolas Trosclair has been teaching in Catholic and Classical schools for the past 20 years and holds a Masters of Theology. He is a founding Tutor of Saint John of the Cross Academy, where he has been teaching Latin, History, Math, Science, and Greek for the past ten years. Nick is a student of languages and has taught himself Latin, French and Greek. He lives in Sunset with his wife Jessica and their six children.