An introduction to ancient Western civilization, this course examines the religious, political, economic and cultural trends of most importance to the future development of civilization in the West and, indeed, the world. The course considers in particular the early histories of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Southwest Asia as well as Greek, Hellenistic and Roman histories through the establishment of the Eastern Roman Empire. In particular, the establishment of the great religious traditions of the West (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) is explored. As a writing-intensive course, this course will allow students the chance to explore the subject through a variety of college-level writing exercises that may include essay exams, book reviews, reaction papers, and other discipline specific writing. The primary General Education learning outcome for this course is Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the skills necessary for analysis, synthesis, evaluation, decision making, critical and creative thinking and the creative process. |