Topics and Scope

Note that this is a tentative schedule and can be changed or adjusted by the instructor as necessary.

Week 1

I. In the Beginning: Prehistoric Cultures Around the World

A. History and the human condition

B. Roots of humanity

C. Origins of human society

Week 2

II. River Valley Civilizations, 5,000-500 B.C.E.

A. Mesopotamia

Week 3

B. India

C. Central Asia

Week 4

III. Ancient Africa and the Mediterranean

A. Egypt

B. Sub-Saharan Africa

Week 5

C. Israel/Palestine and Phoenicia

D. Crete and Mycenae

E. Greece

Week 6

IV. Empires and Common Cultures

A. India

B. China

Week 7

C. Near East

D. The Americas

Week 8

V. Connections and New Traditions

A. Interaction and exchange

B. New paths in thought, economy, society

C. Conquest and convergence

Week 9

VI. Regional Networks in Africa and the Americas

VII. Forging Connections between Europe and China

A. Republican and Imperial Rome

B. Han Dynasty in China

Week 10

VIII. Universal Philosophies and Religions

A. Great schools of thought

B. Diffusion through trade and conflict

Week 11

IX. Reshaping the World

A. Islam

B. Tang China

C. Christian Europe

Week 12

X. Contacts and Conflicts

A. Africa

B. The Americas

C. Pacific Rim

Week 13

XI. Expanding Horizons

A. The Mongol world

B. Revival of commerce

C. Nature and civilization

Week 14

XII. Connecting the Globe

A. Exploration and conquest

B. Religion and economics

C. Triumphs and challenges