THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

This course explores some of the great Bronze Age civilizations of the ancient world in the so-called “cradles of civilization”: early dynastic Egypt, Sumeria, Norte Chico, the Olmec, the Indus Valley civilization, and the Erlitou in China. Students will examine the various traits and characteristics of each of these ancient civilizations and compare and contrast their systems of writing, technology, warfare, and architecture. They will then continue on to the later Bronze Age civilizations such as Mycenaean Greece before finally discussing the late Bronze Age collapse. They will come away from the course with an understanding of how and why human civilizations formed and what makes them flourish.

Class Meetings: Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: September 10 – December 17, 2026
Spring Semester: January 14 – May 13, 2027

Student Expectations: Students are expected to participate in class discussions and will have regular reading and writing assignments for homework.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Feedback/Assessment: Students will be assessed on the quality of their written work and their in-class participation.

Materials: All reading materials will be available on the internet.