HIS 103: ANCIENT WORLD HISTORY TO 1300 C.E.
OPEN ACCESS TEXTBOOK

This course is divided into three five-week sections and each section will be taught by a different member of the History Department. The course explores the history of the world from pre-historic times to 1300 C.E., paying specific attention to the interconnections (or disconnections) between peoples and regions. Students are encouraged to think beyond their experiences with western civilizations to recognize the widespread impact of historical events and trends, including how they helped shape the world today. Touching upon each world region, we will investigate the impact of environment, economics, politics, and religion on diverse societies. Key topics are sites of change and integration such as the rise of cities, religion, technology, migration and trade, the spread of disease, gender relationships, warfare and social movements. Students will learn to develop their own analytical arguments and interpret written, oral, and material sources over the course of the semester.

This course covers four geographical areas: Africa, Asia & Americas, and Europe. Each area will address five main categories of analysis:

1. Society & Daily Life
2. Religion
3. Economics & Trade
4. Politics & Governance
5. Military & Conflict

The course textbook is Open Access and is organized according to geographical area. Each area is divided into weekly topics. The weekly topics include links to the readings and/or other media required for that week. Please make sure that you keep up each week and come to class prepared. The lectures will include material from the textbook and other sources, so it is essential that you complete the textbook assignments and attend class. Also, make sure to familiarize yourself with the course Blackboard page. There you will find the syllabus, course content, assignments, and other important information. You may read through the textbook at your leisure, however, each week the Blackboard course page will include links to the material assigned for that week (see Course Content > Region folders > weekly folders).

As an introduction, you should begin by reading:

History: A Very Short Introduction (John H. Arnold, OUP)

Off Campus Link