The material covered in the CLEP exam in Western Civilization I (which is reflected in the lecture notes and study guide which follow) is generally considered equivalent to a one semester lower division college course.

Exam type:
CLEP: 120 multiple choice questions in 90 minutes
Typical credit: 3 units

The topics in bold face are those The College Board indicates will be found on the exams.

The arrangement of the topics presented may be slightly different from that indicated by The College Board so the percentages given after the main topic headings are only approximate. Always contact The College Board for latest information.

This is one course where a good encyclopedia can be your best friend. (See the online version of the Columbia Encyclopedia). To help orient yourself to the subject start by reading quickly through the topics in the study guide below. Then read the history section of Europe in the encyclopedia though events of 1648. Note cross references as you will want to read these just before you read the lectures at each study session.

In addition to cross references, you will also find a history section under each country (England, France, Germany, Italy, etc.) And you will want to incorporate these as part of your study sessions. You will also want to read the biographies of the major historical figures as they appear.

Using the Savannah Free College Study Guide

We are fortunate to have an excellent series of lectures from Prof. Gerhard Rempel (Rempel) of Western New England College which form the core of this study guide. For purposes of the examination the subject matter is divided into six major sections of unequal length. Prof. Jack Owens (Owens) of Idaho State University has also posted a set of lectures that covers many topics. Prof. E. L. Skip Knox (Knox) of Boise State University has a series of lecture notes in outline form which can be used for review and to establish a list of keywords to look up in an encyclopedia

Professors at Washington State University, notably Paul Brians (Brians) and Richard Hooker (Hooker) have an extensive number of lectures and annotated readings as part of courses in World Civilizations and World Culture. While many of these readings might be considered more in the area of humanities, and cover broader geographic areas, they provide excellent enrichment for this Western Civilization course.

Plan of Action

The Study Guide is divided into six major topic areas.

Ancient Near East -- 8-10%

Ancient Greece and Hellenistic Civilization -- 15-17%

Ancient Rome -- 15-17%

Medieval History -- 23-27%

Renaissance and Reformation -- 13-17%

Early Modern Europe, 1560-1648 -- 10-15%
Relevant lectures, grouped by professor, follow each topic Depending upon your own method of study you can either read one group of lectures in sequence, or alternate among the groups, reading lectures by subtopic.

For each lecture:
A) Read the lecture. In order to stay focused, only follow those links within the lectures that seem to be directly related to the subject matter at hand. Take your own notes. If you print out the material, highlight key definitions and concepts for review. Add your own marginal notes.

B) Read corresponding material in a textbook of your choice. Look up key words in an encyclopedia.

C) Follow additional links covering the same time period.

D) Take any on-line quizzes and/or write a draft response to suggested essay questions

Periodically take time to review; do suggested exercises, and review areas of weakness.

Remember to keep your joural up to date.

Each Unit has its own Web page:

You might want to start with this introductory lecture: