Revised 03/2025

HIS 243 - History of the Ancient World I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies the history of the ancient world from the dawn of civilization in the Near East to the fall of Rome. Part I of II. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Investigate the broad range of social, political, and cultural trends within the ancient world with special emphasis on the ancient Mediterranean.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

• Examine the political, social, economic, and philosophical problems that shaped ancient civilizations in the Near East and throughout the Mediterranean.
• Provide a foundation for future learning in the study of history, government, philosophy, literature, religion, languages, and fine arts.
• Introduce students to the historian’s craft through independent research and/or writing.
• Foster interdisciplinary and critical thinking.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
• Civilizations of the Aegean and Asia Minor
• Iron Age Empires of the Middle East
• World of the Greek city-states
• Hellenistic world
• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire
• Origins and development of Christianity