Read: Class Topics and Scope

Topics and Scope

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

 

I.  In the Beginning: Prehistoric Cultures Around the World
    A. History and the human condition
    B. Roots of humanity
    C. Origins of human society
II.  River Valley Civilizations, 5,000-500 B.C.E.
    A. Mesopotamia
    B. India
    C. Central Asia
III.  Ancient Africa and the Mediterranean
    A. Egypt
    B. Sub-Saharan Africa
    C. Israel/Palestine and Phoenicia
    D. Crete and Mycenae
    E. Greece
IV.  Empires and Common Cultures
    A. India
    B. China
    C. Near East
    D. The Americas
V.  Connections and New Traditions
    A. Interaction and exchange
    B. New paths in thought, economy, society
    C. Conquest and convergence
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
VIII. Universal Philosophies and Religions
    A. Great schools of thought
    B. Diffusion through trade and conflict
IX.  Reshaping the World
    A. Islam
    B. Tang China
    C. Christian Europe
X.  Contacts and Conflicts
    A. Africa
    B. The Americas
    C. Pacific Rim
XI.  Expanding Horizons
    A. The Mongol world
    B. Revival of commerce
    C. Nature and civilization
XII. Connecting the Globe
    A. Exploration and conquest
    B. Religion and economics
    C. Triumphs and challenges