HUMN 2067 History of the Ancient World

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102814

Coordinator Gregory Barton Opens in new window

Description Students explore the rise and fall of major civilizations in the ancient world. The unit surveys empires from Europe to East Asia. The unit surveys the transition from hunter gatherers to the age of agriculture and the rise of city states, and vast empires with far-flung trading networks. It also looks at the impact of ancient pandemics, technology and alcohol, mythology, religion and philosophical ideas. The unit allows students to explore how ideas of nature and spirituality defined imperial power centres and how these empires in turn drove trade and created vast cultural zones that still impact the world today. Students will read and respond to the voices of the past and forge their own interpretation of the broad outline of the ancient world.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline History

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions Students must have successfully compeleted 40 credit points in currently enrolled program

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Compare the historical experiences of ancient societies with a focus on daily life.
Examine the key features and characteristics of the civilizations studied.
Investigate and apply primary and secondary sources to the study of ancient societies.

Subject Content

1. From Hunter Gatherers to Agriculture.
2. Deep History in Eurasia, Australia and Africa.
3. Environmental and Health Impact of Agriculture.
4. Writing and Sumer.
5. Trade Networks: Assyria, Babylon and Harappan.
6. Ancient Egypt.
7. Ancient Persia.
8. India and Hinduism.
9. China and Buddhism.
10. Greece.
11. Rome.
12. Mediterranean Christianity.
13. Science and Technology in Ancient Empires.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.