World History I

Course Code: WOH2012

Credit Hours: 3

Effective beginning: 2021-22


Course Description:
This course is a comprehensive global perspective of world history. It is the study of all geographical areas and civilizations. It identifies and explores the links among civilizations that produce a multi-centered world history while paying particular attention to unique identities and contributions. It examines briefly the various political and economic systems, religions, philosophies and renowned leaders of the world civilizations and societies. The perspective is multicultural and multifaceted to affect a more integrated understanding of global development. This course spans the origins of civilizations through the Enlightenment. This course has been designated as an international/diversity course.

Course Details




Robert L. Ivey, M.S.

Richard Ivey, M.S.

Mary McClendon, MAT

James A. Padgett, M.A.



Required textbooks/ course materials:

Weisner-Hanks, M. et. al. (2018). A History of World Societies. 12th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2018. Print. ISBN: 9781319058951


Assignment/course outline:

See your Instructor First Day Handout for individual instructor assignment schedule.


Discipline-level learning outcomes:

SS-1 Identify behaviors and social trends, using appropriate research methodologies.

SS-2 Identify global influences on social, behavioral, and historical issue.

SS-3 Examine significant historical events.

SS-4 Identify differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.


Course-level student learning outcomesDiscipline-level learning outcomesAssessment methods

Examine the social and cultural traditions within early societies and how they have affected history

SS-1, SS-3, SS-4

Unit tests


  1. Read all assigned materials.
  2. Attend and participate in class discussions.
  3. Complete study guides and notes from class discussions and lectures.


Chapters are as follow:

  1. The Earliest Human Societies, to 2500 b.c.e.
  2. The Rise of the State in Southwest Asia and the Nile Valley, 3200-500 b.c.e.
  3. The Foundation of Indian Society, to 300 c.e.
  4. China’s Classical Age, to 221 b.c.e.
  5. The Greek Experience, 3500-100 b.c.e.
  6. The World of Rome, 750 b.c.e.-400 c.e.
  7. East Asia and the Spread of Buddhism, 221 b.c.e-800 c.e.
  8. Continuity and Change in Europe and Western Asia, 200-850
  9. The Islamic World, 600-1400
  10. African Societies and Kingdoms, 1000 b.c.e.-1500 c.e.
  11. The Americas, 2500 b.c.e.-1500 c.e.
  12. Cultural Exchange in Central and Southern Asia, to 1400
  13. States and Cultures in East Asia, 800-1400
  14. Europe in the Middle Ages, 800-1450
  15. Europe in the Renaissance and Reformation, 1350-1600
  16. The Acceleration of global contact, 1450-1600
  17. The Islamic World Powers 1300-1800
  18. European Power and Expansion, 1500-1750

College-wide policies and resources
