In the 15th and 16th centuries, European explorers, conquistadors and colonists came into contact (and conflict) with the peoples of the Americas. This encounter had dramatic and far-reaching influences on European thought and life. In this course, we will read contemporary, first-person accounts of these encounters, written by both Europeans and native Americans, essays by Europeans reflecting on the ways of life of New World peoples in contrast to European civilization, and modern discussions of the effects of the discovery of the New World on European science, religion, politics, economics, social thought and literature.
- Credits: 3
- Offered: Spring