This 100% ONLINE course studies world history from the beginnings of the world to 1500 CE (“Common Era”). Given the impossibility of covering such a huge topic, tens of thousands of years, the course focuses on large historical themes of political, economic, social, and cultural importance to seek to better understand the origin and development of different world civilizations and the early modern world. A major theme this semester will include historical cause and effect and the difference between intended and unintended consequences.

Specific emphasis is placed on developing historical understanding as well as critical thinking and creative thinking skills and practices to become more informed citizens of the world through an examination of early history to better understand what’s shaped the world and the people in it.