Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course provides a survey of world history from the beginnings of civilization about 3500 BCE to 1500 CE. A brief summary of prehistoric societies and lifestyles precedes discussion of early literate societies in Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and India. The development of world religions, intellectual pursuits, and cultural outputs among societies are also discussed. The course concludes with an examination of societies, nations, and empires, in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceana, and the Americas. Cross-cultural interactions are emphasized throughout the course. College level reading and writing recommended

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Pre-History and the Development of Complex Societies, 10,000-500 BCE
2. Early Human Societies
3. Agricultural Revolution
4. Early Civilizations China, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India
5. The Formation of Classical Societies, 500 BCE to 500 CE
6. Mediterranean Societies
7. The Americas
8. India
9. China
10. The Axial Age
11. The Post-Classical Era, 500-1000 CE
12. Development of World Religions
13. Early Cross-Cultural Interactions
14. The Age of Cross Cultural Interaction 1000-1500 CE
15. The Age of Exploration
16. South and Meso-American Empires
17. African Civilizations
18. Medieval Europe

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Assess the significance of political, intellectual, and social developments within this timeframe of world history.
2. Identify key personalities, institutions, and concepts within this timeframe world history.
3. Analyze the causes and results of major events within this timeframe of world history.
4. Recognize the diversity of ideas, religions, and cultures among those who have lived within this period of world history.
5. Analyze historical sources, distinguishing primary from secondary sources.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

Goal 8/Global Perspectives

The student will be able to:

1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
3. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Objective tests
• Essay tests
• Formal and informal written assignments
• Classroom discussion

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking

Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None