Foundations of Western Civilization: Pre-1500 CE
Forget about those snooze-worthy history classes. We're diving into the juicy bits of Western civilization, where we'll unravel the epic sagas of empires, ponder the meaning of life via some deep thoughts, and stumble upon a scandal or two for good measure. Imagine you're sprawled out on your sofa, laptop aglow, ready to plunge into the murky depths of human history. But hold on a second; this is different from your typical lecture. We're talking about a rollercoaster of emotions, a circus of ideas, and maybe a chuckle or two along the way. Our journey begins in the birthplace of civilization, where ancient Mesopotamians were busy scribbling away, constructing ziggurats, and probably having heated debates over who had the most impressive beard.
Then it's off to Egypt, where pharaohs ruled, and pyramids stood tall, doubling as tombs and tourist traps for ages. Fast-forward to ancient Greece, where democracy, philosophy, and toga parties were the talk of the town. And who can forget about Rome, the original party animal of Antiquity? From gladiator showdowns to extravagant banquets, those Romans knew how to live it up. But like any good party, it had to end eventually, and Rome fell apart like a soggy cookie in a rainstorm. As we wade through the Middle Ages, we'll encounter knights in shining armor, damsels in distress, and enough religious fervor to make your head spin. It was a time of feudal lords, peasant uprisings, and the occasional plague outbreak to keep things interesting.
But fear not—we'll emerge from the medieval darkness into the dazzling brilliance of the Renaissance. It's a time of rediscovery, enlightenment, and a whole lot of artistic flair. It's like the world stumbled upon an ancient mixtape and turned up the volume to 11. Get ready for a journey through the highs and lows of Western civilization. It will be a wild ride, but at least we have snacks. Let's dive headfirst into the dumpster fire that is human history and see what hidden gems we can uncover.
Need a quick refresher on history? British rapper and songwriter Dan Bull has you covered:
Let me tell you of the days of high adventure! - Mako the Wizard, Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Let's immerse ourselves in the captivating world of Ryan Gordon Lancaster, an avid history enthusiast born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 30, 1983. From his early years, Ryan displayed an insatiable curiosity for history, a passion that persisted through his academic journey. After graduating from West Ottawa High School in 2002, he embarked on a vigorous pursuit of knowledge, obtaining an Associate degree in Applied Sciences from Muskegon Community College in 2005 and a Bachelor of Science in History from Grand Valley State University in 2009. Undeterred, he furthered his education with a Master in American History from American Military University in 2014, solidifying his reputation as a top-notch educator and adjunct professor at Central Texas College, Muskegon Community College, and California Intercontinental University.
Beyond the confines of academia, Ryan's ardor for history led him to explore the depths of time, uncovering hidden fragments and solving historical mysteries. For him, history was not merely a subject; it was the lifeblood of humanity, weaving through our veins and shaping our existence. Ryan was a guardian of the past, advocating for accessible history outside traditional classrooms. Involved in Michigan's public schools and museums, he spread historical wisdom far and wide, believing that the richness of history should be within everyone's reach. Ryan's unconventional teaching methods and dedication to making history approachable made him an outstanding educator and a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on future generations.
Course Delivery Format: Online/Asynchronous
This class is entirely online and will use the Blackboard Learning Management System, so you don't all have to be online simultaneously. You won't have time to meet, so you can do the work when it fits your schedule. Everything you need to learn, like videos, audio, written lessons, assignments, and tests, will be on Blackboard. You can use email and discussion boards if you need to talk to your teacher or classmates. Sometimes, the teacher might want you to take a test while someone watches to ensure you follow the rules. Other times, you might use a special program called Respondus Lockdown Browser to take tests online.
This class is entirely online and will use the Blackboard Learning Management System, so you don't all have to be online simultaneously. You won't have time to meet, so you can do the work when it fits your schedule. Everything you need to learn, like videos, audio, written lessons, assignments, and tests, will be on Blackboard. You can use email and discussion boards if you need to talk to your teacher or classmates. Sometimes, the teacher might want you to take a test while someone watches to ensure you follow the rules. Other times, you might use a special program called Respondus Lockdown Browser to take tests online.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the reading assignments and video lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of the instructor or the school. History is not monolithic; it is told through countless eyes with countless opinions
The views expressed in the reading assignments and video lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of the instructor or the school. History is not monolithic; it is told through countless eyes with countless opinions
We've got some fine classroom lectures coming your way, all courtesy of the RPTM podcast. These lectures will take you on a wild ride through history, exploring everything from ancient civilizations and epic battles to scientific breakthroughs and artistic revolutions. The podcast will guide you through each lecture with its no-nonsense, straight-talking style, using various sources to give you the lowdown on each topic. You won't find any fancy-pants jargon or convoluted theories here, just plain and straightforward explanations anyone can understand. So sit back and prepare to soak up some knowledge.
REQUIRED READINGS:
Hathaway, Richard J. Michigan Visions of Our Past. United States Of America: Michigan State University Press, 1989.
All other assigned texts will be provided to you through the learning modules or via links.
"Michigan: Visions of Our Past" is an exhilarating adventure through the state's eventful history, led by scholars like Hathaway wielding the tools of the past. This collection reads like a diverse assortment of exciting stories and surprising revelations, providing a non-linear exploration of Michigan's struggle with its identity – be it navigating labor disputes, economic ups and downs, or the enduring conflict between religion and education. The book, resembling more of a mind-bending trip than a traditional history lesson, reflects Michigan's tumultuous history, encouraging readers to recognize that history is not merely a forgotten tome but a guidebook for the state's uncertain future. In this unconventional narrative, Michigan's history unfolds as a disorderly, absurd spectacle – a turbulent, unpredictable journey that embraces idiosyncrasies, confronts challenges, and invites everyone to the lively celebration of the past.
Hathaway, Richard J. Michigan Visions of Our Past. United States Of America: Michigan State University Press, 1989.
All other assigned texts will be provided to you through the learning modules or via links.
"Michigan: Visions of Our Past" is an exhilarating adventure through the state's eventful history, led by scholars like Hathaway wielding the tools of the past. This collection reads like a diverse assortment of exciting stories and surprising revelations, providing a non-linear exploration of Michigan's struggle with its identity – be it navigating labor disputes, economic ups and downs, or the enduring conflict between religion and education. The book, resembling more of a mind-bending trip than a traditional history lesson, reflects Michigan's tumultuous history, encouraging readers to recognize that history is not merely a forgotten tome but a guidebook for the state's uncertain future. In this unconventional narrative, Michigan's history unfolds as a disorderly, absurd spectacle – a turbulent, unpredictable journey that embraces idiosyncrasies, confronts challenges, and invites everyone to the lively celebration of the past.
Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules.
Prepare to be transported into the captivating realm of historical films and videos. Brace yourselves for a mind-bending odyssey through time as we embark on a cinematic expedition. Within these flickering frames, the past morphs into a vivid tapestry of triumphs, tragedies, and transformative moments that have shaped the very fabric of our existence. We shall immerse ourselves in a whirlwind of visual narratives, dissecting the nuances of artistic interpretations, examining the storytelling techniques, and voraciously devouring historical accuracy with the ferocity of a time-traveling historian. So strap in, hold tight, and prepare to have your perception of history forever shattered by the mesmerizing lens of the camera.
Welcome to the mind-bending Key Terms extravaganza of our history class learning module. Brace yourselves; we will unravel the cryptic codes, secret handshakes, and linguistic labyrinths that make up the twisted tapestry of historical knowledge. These key terms are the Rosetta Stones of our academic journey, the skeleton keys to unlocking the enigmatic doors of comprehension. They're like historical Swiss Army knives, equipped with blades of definition and corkscrews of contextual examples, ready to pierce through the fog of confusion and liberate your intellectual curiosity. By harnessing the power of these mighty key terms, you'll possess the superhuman ability to traverse the treacherous terrains of primary sources, surf the tumultuous waves of academic texts, and engage in epic battles of historical debate. The past awaits, and the key terms are keys to unlocking its dazzling secrets.
DISCLAIMER: Welcome scholars to the wild and wacky world of history class. This isn't your granddaddy's boring ol' lecture, baby. We will take a trip through time, which will be one wild ride. I know some of you are in a brick-and-mortar setting, while others are in the vast digital wasteland. But fear not; we're all in this together. Online students might miss out on some in-person interaction, but you can still join in on the fun. This little shindig aims to get you all engaged with the course material and understand how past societies have shaped the world we know today. We'll talk about revolutions, wars, and other crazy stuff. So get ready, kids, because it's going to be one heck of a trip. And for all, you online students out there, don't be shy. Please share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us. The Professor will do his best to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn, so don't hold back. So, let's do this thing!
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for the pièce de résistance of this classroom module - the summary section. As we embark on this tantalizing journey, we'll savor the exquisite flavors of knowledge, highlighting the fundamental ingredients and spices that have seasoned our minds throughout these captivating lessons. Prepare to indulge in a savory recap that will leave your intellectual taste buds tingling, serving as a passport to further enlightenment.
Click on a button to learn more about other assignments for this class:
Click on a button to learn more about other assignments for this class:
LEARNING MODULES
Below is a list of each of the learning modules for this class. Click on a button to get started.
Below is a list of each of the learning modules for this class. Click on a button to get started.
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