Students will learn about the influence World History has had on Star Wars. 

Week 1-  What is the Force? We will discover the Force in Star Wars and look at its influence from Earth- Buddhism. We will look at the elements of Buddhism and its influence on Star Wars. Please note- this is not an endorsement of the religion. It is an  overview from a historical perspective.

Week 2- What are Jedi? We will discover the Jedi in Star Wars and its influence from Earth-  the Samurai. We will look at the history of the samurai and their code.

Week 3- What influenced the Empire and First Order? We will discover The Empire and First Order and look at its influence from Earth- Nazi Germany.  We will look at a history of Germany in World War II along with Stormtroopers and the Empire's Key Figure- Darth Vader. How do the Colors of the Empire reflect this period of Earth's history? What other historical elements do we see in the Saga that relate to Nazi Germany?

Week 4- Cold War Influences. The original trilogy was meant as a commentary on Cold War relations. So who was who? We will look at the USSR's and US' hypothetical place in the Saga.

Students will be given optional weekly reflections and will have an optional final analysis of a topic discussed in the course.