GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY I:

Global Course Syllabus

OVERVIEW: 

At its core the concept that all human history and progress is based upon interaction and interconnectedness. World history is viewed as a continuum across time and space. The course is designed to be a survey that offers the students a snapshot of world events, the people involved, and the global impact.

This course focuses on political, social, economic, and technological achievements of human societies from dawn of mankind to Middle Ages and follows a chronological and thematic approach examining:

Paleolithic and Neolithic cultures; ancient river valley civilizations of Africa, the Middle East, India, and China; growth and spread of Greek civilization; creation of the Roman empire and Han dynasty; Byzantine world; spread of Islam; and growth of Europe from feudalism through Medieval era, tenets of major world religions and philosophies: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism will be examined within historical context to compare and contrast commonalities and differences. Continues with impact of Renaissance, Commercial Revolution, Protestant Reformation, European Nationalism, Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican Civilizations, ancient civilizations of Africa, Ottoman empire, Mogul India, Age of Exploration, Columbian Exchange, and rise of Absolutism in Europe.

Units of Study:

Unit 1: First Civilizations (ca. 10,000 B.C.E. – ca. 900 C.E.)

Unit 2: Expanding Interregional Networks: Exchange and Encounter (ca. 500 – ca. 1500 C.E.)

Unit 3: Ottoman and Ming Dynasties (pre-1600 C.E.)

Unit 4: Transformation of Western Europe and Russia (1314 – ca. 1750 C.E.

Unit 5: Africa and the Americas (pre-1600 C.E.)

Unit 6: Interactions and Disruptions During First Global Age (ca. 1400 – ca. 1750 C.E.)