This course is designed as a general studies survey course. Its purpose is not only to introduce students to the many different cultures that helped to shape the world as it is today, but also to explore interaction among the diverse cultures and the processes of change and transformation. we will be mainly concerned with broad patterns of human development across cultural boundaries and emphasize the exchange of ideas, goods, and technology. each civilization developed their own distinctive cultural and religious values and organizational systems, yet interaction through activities such as trade and religious missions helped to foster a dynamic energy that gave vitality to the pre-modern world. It is hoped that this course will provide the students with a greater understanding of the past and a vision for the future.
In this course we will examine three major topics: origins of civilization and the river valley civilizations, classical civilizations, and postclassical civilizations. Class time will consist of lectures, visuals such as videos and slides, and discussions of readings. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings prior to class time and are expected to actively participate in discussions.
These goals fulfill TBR and MTSU’s General Studies Learning Outcomes:
1. Analyze significant primary text and works of art, ancient, pre-modern, and modern, as forms of cultural and creative expression
2. Explain the ways in which humanistic and/or artistic expression throughout the ages expresses the culture and values of its time and place.
3. Explore global/cultural diversity.
4. Frame a comparative context through which they can critically assess the ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern world.
5. Recognize the ways in which both change and continuity have affected human history.
6. Practice the critical and analytical methodologies of the humanities
Hist 1110-04 spring13 syllabus