HIST 150

About this course

This is a survey of the history of human civilization from the end of the Stone Age to 1500 CE. The course examines human evolution from the earliest agrarian societies to the distinctive features of ancient and medieval cultures and governments. Particular attention is paid to the traditions, achievements, and ways of life in several regional and global military, political, and cultural centers. Moments of contact between cultures will be lifted up as civilizations exchanged materials, goods, illnesses, religions, and most significantly ideas. The course ends roughly around 1500, on the eve of tremendous changes and the emergence of a truly unprecedented global network of trade and communication.