HIST 3 - World History to 1500

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is a survey of the development of world civilizations from prehistoric humans to 1500. Major themes include: broad patterns of change; dynamics of race, class, gender and ethnicity; reciprocal influence between the physical environment and human societies; and ways in which human groups have interacted with one another. In addition, the course examines distinctive forms of political, social, and economic organization, and significant scientific achievements, cultural developments, and belief systems. The course also provides an introduction to historical method. (C-ID HIST 150).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. make use of historical method to find and interpret primary and secondary sources, and compose an argument which uses them, as appropriate, for support.
2. analyze broad patterns of change on both interregional scales and within complex societies.
3. examine civilization through multiple analytical categories such as race, class, gender and ethnicity.
4. explain ways in which the world’s physical and natural environment has affected and been affected by developments in human history.
5. analyze ways in which human groups have interacted with one another, including trade, migration, warfare, cultural exchange and biological exchange, from early times to 1500 C.E.
6. compare distinctive forms of political, social and economic organization in the world and explain their historical significance.
7. identify major discoveries, inventions and scientific achievements and explain their historical significance.
8. explain the historical significance of cultural developments such as art, music, architecture, literature and religion.
9. compare ideals, practices and historical developments of major belief systems.
10. analyze historical developments across national, regional and cultural boundaries.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Class Activities
2. Group Discussions
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Reading Assignments
6. Homework: It is expected that a major part of that time will be spent in the reading and
   studying of monographs or articles, course readers, textbooks, literature, and/or primary source
   documents.

1. Quizzes
2. Research Projects
3. Homework
4. Written Assignments
5. Mid-term and final examinations
6. Class Discussion

Reading Assignments

1. Read Chapter Two, "First Farmers." As you read, take notes in response to the questions in the chapter margins. You will submit your notes for credit, and the questions will be the basis of an in-class quiz and discussion.
2. Read the primary and secondary source documents in Chapter 2, "The Urban Revolution and Civilization." Did Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Mexico undergo the same development and changes? Be prepared to address this question in class, and to reference the documents in formulating your response.

Writing Assignments

1. Craft a well-developed research question on a topic in World History that fits within the timeframe of this course. Recall that it's to be expected that your question will evolve and mature during the research process. At the top of your paper, write the final version of your question. In a formal paper between 1000-1250 words in length, summarize your findings on your research question. The paper should be thoughtfully organized, with an introduction, body, and conclusion, and logical and proper use of paragraphs. In your essay, include specific and accurate information and examples from the sources that reinforce the key observations presented. Details and facts in your essay must be cited throughout, using proper format style. You must also prepare an annotated bibliography that includes a minimum of three sources. For each source, write a substantial paragraph in which you briefly describe the source, how it is useful to your research, and why you consider it appropriate for use in college work. Be sure that your annotated bibliography also adheres to proper format style.
2. A theme that has emerged over the course of our studies is that of "the land conquering the conqueror." In other words, when a civilization expands into a new area--by its armies, merchants, religious, pathogens, culture, or technology--it not only brings change to the people there, but changes itself. In essay form, identify and explain at least three specific examples of this phenomena.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. For this assignment, students will glimpse a foreign land or people through a cultural artifact -- for example: art, music, food, a game, a foreign film, literature (including comics), or clothing. As you view, read, or play, look for things that the artifact reveals about the country, people, and time that it represents. Consider values, geography, aesthetics, historical events, daily life, class, gender, and so forth. Conduct research to find the answers to questions raised by the artifact, or to flesh out greater details about one or more of your observations. You will turn in a written summary, and will share your findings with the class through a brief demonstration or speech.
2. Pick a foreign country that will be the focus of your research over the course of the semester. Identify a research problem or question with respect to the history of your chosen country. Using Internet resources, newspaper archives, and published documents, build an annotated primary source collection related to your research problem/question.

Strayer, R. and Nelson, E. (2022). Ways of the World: A Brief Global History, Volume I. Bedford St. Martin's, Fifth. 9781319340636.

Bentley, J. and Ziegler, H. (2021). Traditions & Encounters: Volume 1 From the Beginning to 1500. McGraw-Hill, 7th. 9781264088140.

Adrian Cole & Stephen Ortega. (2015). The Thinking Past: Questions and Problems in World History to 1750. Oxford University Press, First. 978-0199794621.

John P. McKay, et. al. (2021). History of World Societies Volume I. Bedford St Martins. 9781319302443.

History (Masters Required)