HIST 151 - Ancient and Medieval World History

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course introduces global world history from the origins of the human record to the year 1500 CE. Students will become familiar with the development of, and interactions between, peoples, civilizations, and empires. Topics include the rise of cities, the evolution of technology and migration, the importance of agriculture, the rise and fall of cultures, the changing nature of warfare, and the emergence of religions.

Text
Smith, Bonnie G., Marc Van De Mieroop, Richard von Glann, and Kris Lane. (2022). World in the Making: A Global History Volume 1. 2nd ed. Oxford UP; Cary, NC.

McNeill, J. R. The Webs of Humankind: A World History. Volume 1. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2022.

Objectives
The student will be able to: 

A. Describe the political, social, economic, cultural, and religious characteristics of the major societies, civilizations, states and cultures of the world from prehistory to 1500 CE. 

B. Explain how the physical and natural environment has influenced patterns of human settlement, the emergence of different cultures, and the success and collapse of civilizations. 

C. Analyze the interrelationships among major world civilizations and emerging religions and their continuing impact today. 

D. Describe the key scientific and technological developments of ancient and medieval world history, and how they changed and influenced cultures and civilizations. 

E. Analyze cultural practices trends in art, literature, music, as well as family life and gender relations of ancient and medieval societies. 

F. Examine ethical problems and historical data from a variety of social and professional perspectives and interpretations via the use of primary and secondary sources. 

G. Examine the complexity of global humanity diversity and the various forces that shape it. 

 

Content
A. Peopling the world: migrations of early humans 

B. The rise of agriculture and development of complex societies 

C. The origins of world religions including Judaism, Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Shintoism, and Islam 

D. Early African civilizations including Egypt, Nubia, and Bantu 

E. Early Indus Valley civilization to the development of empire in India 

F. Early societies in the Americas and Oceania including the Olmecs, Maya, Andean, and Pacific Islands 

G. Ancient empires of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines 

H. The rise of trade and empires that led to cultural and biological exchanges 

I. The development of centralized rule in China and complex societies in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan 

J. The global expansion of Islam through Asia, Africa, and Europe 

K. The movements of nomadic empires including the Mongols and the Ottoman Turks 

L. The establishment of regional states during the middle ages in Europe 

 

Student Evaluation
Objectives A-G: quizzes, written assignments, and objective and essay examinations.