Which would you rather take in college, Western civilization or United States History? and why?

Question

any details appriciated

Answer 1

Western Civ. There is usually more of a focus for American history in high school than for the histories of any other country. We are all familiar with the basics of it. Unless you are going to teach American history, then its a more rounded learning experience to take W. Civ. There is a good reason to know the history of Europe,etc. The motivations for colonizing America, and the continuing political climate which caused the revolt. Taking Western Civ will give you a better base, also, for the American history you already know...to learn the wheres and hows of the growth of civilization before America was colonized.

Answer 2

Western Civilization for sure. If you take this course, it will broaden your mind more than the history of United States, I can vouch for that. You will learn so many things about literature, philosophy, religion and of course, political history if you take Western Civilization.

Answer 3

If you are an American you should take both.  It's not a good yes and no choice.  You will be glad you did take them both I guarantee.  Usually if you study one period of history in depth you will hooked so it doesn't matter which you take first.  I would go with the one that sounds most interesting to you

Answer 4

Start with Western Civ. Alternatively, if you have a chance to take classical history and a post-classical history course individually that's the best option in my opinion.

Answer 5

western civilization. encompasses much more.

Answer 6

Western Civ.  It's a much bigger subject matter and I think it's a more interesting subject.  It's also a good idea for American students to take broader history courses like that, since it helps widen our view of the world.  As a people, we're far too insular.

Answer 7

I have taken both, and I enjoyed Western Civ much more, because it gave me a strong foundation for learning American (and Canadian) history later on. There are a lot of parallels between the past empires of Europe and the present American empire that many people do not realize.

Answer 8

I took them both; they are required for all history majors.

Answer 9

western civilization.

i think i could learn much more