The Modern Scholar

Epochs of European Civilization: Antiquity to Renaissance

By: Professor Geoffrey Hosking

Narrated by: Geoffrey Hosking

The four main themes of this course are answers to the question, "What makes Europe distinctive compared with other parts of the world?"

1. The Nation State. The idea of the State or sovereign authority takes on a new significance when it is attached to a nation or a people who have an idea of a common origin and identity. This idea was developed first and most powerfully in Europe.

2. Citizenship. When a nation is made up of citizens, they feel a greater commitment to the community.

3. The Scientific Method. This enables one to ask questions about the universe and the nature of human beings, and to obtain answers that work well in practice.

4. Developed Broadly Based Public Finance. The idea that government can mobilize the wealth of a whole people.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2005 Geoffrey Hosking (P)2005 Recorded Books

Erudite but boring

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The professor is very knowledgeable and articulate. The lectures bored me. Perhaps that was the Middle Ages. Perhaps that was the course.