Dr. J.

Trygve Has-Ellison
University of Texas at Dallas
Department of Historical Studies
HIST 4376.501
Office Hours W 6-7 pm
john.has-ellison@utdallas.edu
jhasllsn@eaze,net

TOPICS IN WORLD HISTORY: ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL

World History often means history of the world in reference to its relationship with
Europe, and by extension, North America. While understandable, this course will
attempt to break through this intellectual barrier. In doing so, we will come to a better
comparative understanding of global history. Rather than attempting a comprehensive
survey of world civilization, this course will concentrate on selective themes that lend
themselves to regional, continental, and global analysis.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

K.N. Chaudhuri, Trade and Civilization in the Indian Ocean

Christopher Ehret, The Civilization of Africa
Charles Holcombe, The Genesis of East Asia
John E. Kicza, The Peoples and Civilizations of the Americas before Contact
Robin W. Winks & Susan P. Mattern-Parkes, The Ancient Mediterranean World
Robin W. Winks & Teofilo F. Ruiz, Medieval Europe and the World

EXAMINATIONS:

There will be a mid-term and a final. The final will not be comprehensive. Each exam
will consist solely of essay questions, which will come from a list supplied before the
exam. Exams are graded on factual content, but also on the originality of analysis.

ESSAYS:

Two book reviews, a bibliographic essay (including a short oral presentation of your
essay topic) is required. You will write one book review on one of our course texts
(Chaudhuri, Ehret, Holcombe,Winks). The second book review must be chosen from one
of the books listed in the bibliographies of our texts. Your bibliographic essay will
address a particular aspect of World history whether regional, national, or global. The
topic of the bibliographic essay is chosen in consultation with me, and must be made by
the fourth week of classes. To eliminate confusion, both a book review template and
sample example of a bibliographic essay will be supplied. In lieu of a second book
review, you will be required to make a short oral presentation on the subject of your
bibliographic essay.
All papers are to be typed. Hand written and late papers will not be accepted, and each
written assignment must conform to standard, grammatical rules. Unreadable papers will
be handed back to the student with the expectation that the offense to the feelings of the
English language will be rectified. Grades are based on clarity, analysis, understanding
of the subject, and creativity. Original ideas that can be supported with evidence are
always welcome.

GRADES:

This course has all the traditional elements: tests, papers, and attendance. But, more is
required. This course calls for student participation: through engagement with the texts
and vocal presentations. Grades will be based on exams (40%), papers (40%), and class
participation (20%). Obviously, attendance will be a plus factor in determining your
grade. Attendance and absences will be recorded and evaluated according to The
University of Texas at Dallas guidelines. Attendance is taken into consideration when a
student has earned a borderline grade. A student that has not been present, nor has shown
any interest in participating in class, earns a grade based solely on their written work.
Students who are present physically and mentally can positively affect their grade
through their willingness to engage with the material, the professor, and their classmates.

All written work must be original; plagiarism or cheating will result in a failing grade.
Missed exams cannot be made up without appropriate documentation (i.e. a doctor’s not
on office stationery, an official letter from the University, etc.). Disruptive or
unscholarly behavior has no place in the classroom and will not be tolerated.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

August 22 – Introduction to the Course, Themes, Topics

August 29 – The Origins of Humankind: Initial thoughts

Winks & Mattern-Parkes 1-43: Kicza 1-7: Ehret 26-106

September 5 – Labor Day, No class

September 12 – Out of Africa?

Ehret 3-25, 159-237: Bibliographic essay thesis due

September 19 – The Genesis of East Asia

Holcombe 1-77: First book review due

September 26 – Greeks, Romans, and other Barbarians

Winks & Mattern-Parkes 54-183: Ehret 159-237

October 3 – Comparative Monotheism’s Judaism & Christianity

Winks & Mattern-Parkes 44-54, 184-218, 184-207
October 10 – Midterm and Bibliographic Essay Progress Report

October 17 – The Spread of the Asian Cosmos

Holcombe 78-144: Chaudhuri 7-33, 160-181: second book review due

October 24 – Europe, Asia and Islam as Global Force

Winks & Ruiz 60-75: Chaudhuri 34-62: Ehret 238-348

October 31 – No class

November 7 – From Colony to State: Asia and Europe compared

Holcombe 145-182: Winks & Ruiz 76-105, 182-213

November 14 – Comparative Feudalisms: Japan and Europe

Holcombe 183-214: Winks & Ruiz 106-137, 221-238

November 21 – The Americas before Contact

Kicza 9-52

November 28 – Bibliographic Essay and Oral Reports

December 5 - Final