SCHEDULE AND NOTES

Topic 1: Neolithic Foundations

Topic 2: Riverine Mesopotamia

Topic 3: Riverine Egypt

Topic 4: The Bronze Age of Empires

Topic 5: Small Kingdoms in the Levant

Topic 6: The Hebrew Bible

Topic 7: The Hebrew Bible II

Topic 8: The Iron Age of Empires

Topic 9: Persia

COURSE FILMS

"Pyramid"

"Abraham"

"The Ten Commandments"

ASSIGNMENTS

6,000 word 'Amundsen Rule' Paper, Topical Reader Responses (5)

DESCRIPTION

The history of the ancients comes alive through examination of the attempts to build civilization in an environment populated with many warring factions. Political, social, religious and environmental developments are traced. This course includes a 6,000 word writing requirement. A grade of 2 or higher must be attained. 18 class hours.

READING LIST

Durant, Will, "Our Oriental Heritage".

Michener, James, A., "The Source".

Kreeft, Peter, "You Can Understand the Bible".

OBJECTIVES

• Learn as much as possible about the history of our civilization and your place within it
• Spread your understanding to other people who would otherwise never encounter it
• Begin to see the world around you as a place you can make a difference in

GRADING

Reader Responses (5): 25%, Midterm: 25%, Research Paper: 25%, Final: 25%.