A. Course Description: This course traces the rise of "civilizations" throughout the world, until the beginning of the 16th century (1500 C.E.). Particular emphasis, in lectures, readings, and discussion, will be given to the philosophical and religious foundations of these civilizations, since these are among their most enduring legacies. Due to the instructor’s specialization in Asian history, the civilizations of India, China, and Japan will be highlighted. The rise of Western civilization, of course, due to its predominant role in today’s world, will remain the central focus of the course. Still, one goal of this survey is to convey the multifaceted origins of human civilization, both as it unfolded historically and as it continues to evolve in the contemporary world. Students completing the course should gain both a clearer grasp and a broader understanding of the origins of the world in which they live. While the instructor will present lectures regularly, student participation in the form of discussion, questions, and insightful comments is expected. As much as possible, the course will be conducted as an interactive dialogue between the students (including the professor), the texts they are asked to read, and their thoughtful reactions to the material presented. B. Grading: Grading will be based on three exams (20% each), class participation (10%), and a brief (2-3 pp) paper (30%). Perfect attendance is expected. The first two exams will be on Wednesday Oct. 11, and Monday November 20; the final will be given on Friday, December 8, 8:00-10:00. Exams will include objective (true/false, multiple choice) and essay questions, with the latter accounting for the majority of the points. The book review will be due on the last day of class, Wednesday, December 6. Prior to each exam, one class period will be devoted to review and discussion of the material covered so far, in preparation for the exam. The final exam, given exclusively in the essay format, will be cumulative. Required readings will be discussed on a weekly basis with the instructor taking questions, as well as asking them. East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department for Disability Support Services, located in Brewster A-117, to verify the disability before any accommodations can occur. The telephone number is 252-328-6799. C. Required Readings: Conze, Edward, trans. Buddhist Scriptures. London: Penguin Books, 1959. Davis, Natalie Zemon. The Return of Martin Guerre. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1984. Dawood, N. J. translator. The Koran. London: Penguin Books, 1974. Kovacs, Maureen Gallery, translator. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1989. Tredennick, Hugh and Harold Tarrant, translators. Plato: The Last Days of Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo. London: Penguin Books, 1993.
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