World History to AD 600

This course surveys major civilizations of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas from 3,500 BC to 600 AD. Focusing on the rise of agricultural civilizations based on cities, instruction examines the geographical, environmental and economic factors that led them to adopt their distinctive political, social and cultural institutions and values. Based on reading and reviewing primary sources, students assess the impact of long-distance trade and technologies and learn about the evolution of diverse religious beliefs and ideological systems. Finally, the course analyzes the developments that contributed to the rise and fall of the hegemonic centers of the world before 600 AD. Requires participation in discussion comparing various early complex societies throughout ancient history. Transferable for UC credit.