This course surveys the origins and development of social, economic, political, and technological processes which have culminated in historic Western Civilization. Lecture topics include the rise of states in the ancient Near East, the legacy of Greek and Roman civilization, post-Roman European culture, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed upon such topics as agricultural production, social organization, the evolution of law and government, commercial activity, varied religious and philosophical orientations, urban growth, and cultural achievements. This course brings together the economic and political relationships of Western Europe and the remainder of the known world to 1400 CE: specifically the exploits of Alexander the Great as far as India, the expansion of the Hanseatic League into Northern Europe, the settlements of the Vikings in Russia, the excursions of the Italians into China, and the movements of the Portuguese into West Africa. [Fall] Gen Ed World History and Global Awareness, Liberal Arts/Sciences Elective, Applied Learning-Other [3 credits] [3 contact hours]