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.