Empires and World Civilizations to 1800

This course examines world history from the beginnings of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia to the formation of global networks in the eighteenth century. In addition to examining the unique features of individual civilizations, students will uncover the similarities and connections between seemingly distant and different societies. The course will often turn to discussions of empires to highlight these major patterns and linkages in world history. Analysis of historical documents in class discussions and written assignments will push students to think critically and craft original arguments about important issues from the ancient world to the dawn of the modern era.