Survey of World Civilizations I

Broad historical account of past civilizations around the world from the ancient river-valley civilizations of southwest Asia to the dawn of the modern age in Western Europe (3,500 BCE- 1,500 CE); survey of every major historical epoch and geographical region; focus on sociocultural and economic affairs; prioritization on long-term processes that reflect both chronological and global themes in world history. 

RATIONALE:

The main objective of this course is to provide students with foundational knowledge of world history and to familiarize them with past cultures and peoples from around the world. Such knowledge and familiarity is crucial in a contemporary world of growing global interdependence and cultural contact and may also serve as a foundation for higher-level courses in many fields that assume such general knowledge.  

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of taking this course, students should be able to:  

1. Demonstrate understanding of the main features of the political and socioeconomic organization of a range of past civilizations.  

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the main features of a past civilization’s cultural heritage as reflected in its arts, sciences, and literature.

3. Examine the importance of intellectual and cultural exchange among past civilizations around the world.

4. Illustrate understanding of historical continuity and change across time.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:  

In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:

 Lectures and class discussions.

 Homework assignments.

 Office hours held by the instructor to provide further assistance to students.

 Use of library facilities for further study and preparation for the examinations

 Use of the Blackboard site to further support communication, by posting lecture notes, assignment instruction, timely announcements, formative quizzes and online submission of assignments.