Syllabus: Course Description
Course Description
This course is the chronological first of two World History courses. We shall begin with a focus on the development of the first civilizations during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Our main concern will be the rise and spread of cultural traits all over the world. We shall look closely at the relationship between people and their natural environment and the way this interaction shaped their various civilizations. We shall also attempt to understand the cultural views of these ancient peoples; their social, political, and religious structures will allow us insight into what it was like to live “then” and “there”.
Regardless of your grade, this course will be a success if you are ultimately able to grapple with historical texts and encounter them with a critical eye. We shall look at various kinds of specific evidence relating to the cultures we study and consider how to use that evidence to develop the meaningful assessments of the cultures in question. You should be able to appreciate the way other cultures have seen the world and articulated their particular vision. I hope this class will give you an opportunity to improve your ability to express ideas both verbally and on paper, and that you will become more confident in thinking about history and engaging in historical discourse.