This foundational course in world history will introduce students to the world’s first great civilizations. Focus will be on Mesopotamia, Egypt, Assyria, and Palestine, but we will also briefly visit ancient Anatolia, India, and China. Students will learn about the material culture, political history, intellectual life, religious customs and contributions of each society to the advancement of civilization. In addition, ancient religions will be critically examined in their negative elements as perversions of natural law and in their positive elements as preparatio evangeli, preparations for the Gospel.
This foundational course in world history will introduce students to the world’s first great civilizations. Focus will be on Mesopotamia, Egypt, Assyria, and Palestine, but we will also briefly visit ancient Anatolia, India, and China. Students will learn about the material culture, political history, intellectual life, religious customs and contributions of each society to the advancement of civilization. In addition, ancient religions will be critically examined in their negative elements as perversions of natural law and in their positive elements as preparatio evangeli, preparations for the Gospel.
Class 1: Characteristics of Civilization
Class 2: Old Kingdom Egypt
Class 3: The Middle Kingdom
Class 4: Mesopotamia
Class 5: The New Kingdom
Class 6: India & China
Class 7: Ancient Israel
Class 8: Hittites, Hurrians, & Canaanites
Class 9: The Bearded Kings
Class 10: Babylon
Class 11: The Rise of the Bear
Class 12: The End of the Ancient World
Course Materials: All materials will be provided free online by the instructor and will consist of primary source readings.
Homework: Homework will consist of weekly readings from primary sources provided online (approx. one hour per week), and automated weekly quizzes based on the lectures and readings.