Early World Civilizations covers the development of human societies from prehistoric times to around 1500 CE. You'll explore ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India. The course digs into cultural practices, political systems, technological advancements, and major historical events that shaped these early societies. You'll also learn about trade networks, religious beliefs, and artistic achievements across different regions.

Is Early World Civilizations hard?

Early World Civilizations can be challenging because of the sheer amount of information covered. You'll need to remember lots of names, dates, and events from various cultures. But honestly, it's not too bad if you stay on top of the readings and take good notes. The concepts aren't super complex, it's more about keeping track of different civilizations and understanding how they influenced each other over time.

Tips for taking Early World Civilizations in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Create timelines for each civilization to visualize how events connect
Use mnemonic devices to remember key figures (e.g., "Hammurabi's Code" = "Ham and Rye with Coke")
Watch historical documentaries like "The Story of Human Civilization" for visual context
Form study groups to discuss and compare different civilizations
Use maps to understand geographical influences on cultural development
Read primary sources like "The Epic of Gilgamesh" or "The Art of War" for deeper insights

Common pre-requisites for Early World Civilizations

World History Survey: This course provides a broad overview of global historical events and trends. It sets the stage for more in-depth study of specific civilizations.
Introduction to Anthropology: This class explores human cultures and societies from various perspectives. It gives you tools to analyze cultural practices and social structures you'll encounter in Early World Civilizations.

Classes similar to Early World Civilizations

Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations: Focuses on the cultures around the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Rome, and Egypt. You'll dive deeper into these specific civilizations and their interactions.
East Asian Civilizations: Explores the development of China, Japan, and Korea from ancient times to the modern era. This course offers a different regional perspective on early civilizations.
Medieval World History: Picks up where Early World Civilizations leaves off, covering the period from 500 CE to 1500 CE. You'll learn about the rise of new empires and the development of global trade networks.
History of Religion: Examines the origins and evolution of major world religions. It provides context for understanding the role of belief systems in early civilizations.

History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events, societies, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze primary sources.
Anthropology: Explores human cultures, behaviors, and societies across time and space. Students learn about cultural practices, social structures, and human evolution.
Archaeology: Involves the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn field methods and how to interpret material culture.
Classical Studies: Concentrates on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Students gain in-depth knowledge of these influential civilizations.

What can you do with a degree in Early World Civilizations?

Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of historical artifacts. Curators research objects, plan exhibitions, and educate the public about historical topics.
Archaeologist: Excavates and analyzes physical remains of past human cultures. Archaeologists work on dig sites, in labs, and sometimes in academic settings to uncover and interpret historical evidence.
Historical Consultant: Provides expert knowledge for films, TV shows, or video games set in historical periods. Consultants ensure historical accuracy in costumes, set designs, and storylines.
Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves historical and cultural sites. These professionals work with government agencies or private organizations to manage archaeological sites and historical landmarks.