Outline for Textbook Project for Introductory Survey Course in World History to 1500. The Innovative Mind in History, to 1500

Travail de Projet (scientifique-pratique) , 2016 , 12 Pages

Histoire globale - Généralités et Comparaison

The proposed project is an anthology of readings suited for a college introductory survey course in world history to 1500. The anthology will be built around the theme of the innovative mind in history. The anthology will look at examples of significant innovations, inventions, new ideas, and new technology from prehistory to 1500. The author seeks to bring fresh new ideas and interpretations of the often routine taught survey of ancient and medieval history. The introduction will present the theme of the innovative mind, define the term and discuss the methodology as well as the learning objectives.

The author wants to select from each major civilization in the world defining examples of innovation or advances in thinking. For each example the author will provide scholarly articles, excerpts from books, images, diagrams, to study and questions to lead discussions or for reflection. The rationale for this project is based upon author’s years of experience in the college classroom as well as online teaching. She has observed that students’ attentions are captured when explaining how a certain technology was developed or how certain modes of thought familiar today originated in history. In this way students saw a connection between the past and present. Their interest is stimulated. Students are especially interested when they recognize the connection of new ideas in antiquity and the Middle Ages throughout times and to their own present. Furthermore, the author has seen that subjects such as these are inadequately discussed in textbooks and not often covered in companion readers. The author also observed that more college students are entering into the so-called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Examples from history of advances in scientific thinking, theorizing, and of practical application will appeal especially to these students. It can be predicted that this anthology will fill a need in the curriculum and college instructors will want to adopt it for their survey classes.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction: The Innovative Mind in History: A Driving Force? What Drives Innovation?
• Chapter 1
  • The Neolithic Revolution
• Chapter 2
  • Early Civilizations in the Middle East and North Africa
• Chapter 3
  • Early Civilizations in India
• Chapter 4
  • Ancient China
• Chapter 5
  • The Greeks and the Hellenistic Empire
• Interlude: the Axial Age, c500 B.C.E. to 100 C.E.
• Chapter 5
  • The Romans and the Roman Empire
• Chapter Six
  • Islam and the Arab Empire
• Chapter Seven
  • Early African Civilizations
• Chapter Eight
  • The Americas
• Chapter Nine
  • Golden Age of Traditional China

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This textbook aims to explore the development of the innovative mind throughout history, focusing on key periods and civilizations from the Neolithic Revolution to the early modern era. The text analyzes the origins of new ideas and technological advancements within the context of social, political, and cultural developments. By examining the innovative spirit of various societies, the book highlights the dynamic nature of human history.

• The impact of geography and environment on innovation
• The role of social structures and political systems in promoting or hindering innovation
• The interrelationship between technological advancements and cultural change
• The diffusion of innovative ideas across different regions and civilizations
• The concept of the "innovative mind" and its evolving nature throughout history

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: The Neolithic Revolution: This chapter examines the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, exploring the key innovations of the Neolithic Revolution. The text discusses the development of agriculture, animal domestication, permanent settlements, and the emergence of complex social structures.
• Chapter 2: Early Civilizations in the Middle East and North Africa: This chapter focuses on the rise of river valley civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt. The text discusses the innovations of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, including writing, irrigation, architecture, and law.
• Chapter 3: Early Civilizations in India: This chapter examines the development of civilizations in the Indian subcontinent, covering the Harappan society, the Aryan invasion, and the Mauryan Empire. It highlights innovations such as trade networks, architecture, writing, and the development of Buddhism.
• Chapter 4: Ancient China: This chapter explores the history of ancient China, from the earliest dynasties to the Han Dynasty. It discusses key innovations such as the Chinese writing system, medicine, bronze metallurgy, and the development of the Great Wall.
• Chapter 5: The Greeks and the Hellenistic Empire: This chapter covers the development of Greek civilization from the Minoan and Mycenaean periods to the Hellenistic Empire. It focuses on innovations in philosophy, science, architecture, and government.
• Interlude: The Axial Age, c500 B.C.E. to 100 C.E.: This interlude explores the phenomenon of the Axial Age, a period marked by the emergence of fundamental philosophical and religious ideas in various cultures.
• Chapter 5: The Romans and the Roman Empire: This chapter discusses the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, highlighting innovations in law, government, engineering, and military strategy.
• Chapter Six: Islam and the Arab Empire: This chapter explores the rise of Islam and the Arab Empire, focusing on innovations in mathematics, medicine, navigation, and international trade.
• Chapter Seven: Early African Civilizations: This chapter examines the development of early civilizations in Africa, including the Nok, Ghana, Mali, Axum, Ethiopia, and the Bantu kingdoms. It explores innovations in iron smelting, gold and salt trade, and the development of Swahili.
• Chapter Eight: The Americas: This chapter focuses on the civilizations of the Americas, including the Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, and Inca. It discusses innovations in architecture, calendars, agriculture, and the development of the quipu.
• Chapter Nine: Golden Age of Traditional China: This chapter explores the Golden Age of Traditional China under the Tang, Sui, and Song Dynasties. It examines innovations in paper, the compass, ship design, gunpowder, and the civil service.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This textbook primarily focuses on key themes such as innovation, civilization, technology, social structure, and cultural change. Important keywords include the Neolithic Revolution, river valley civilizations, writing systems, architecture, medicine, philosophy, empires, trade networks, and the diffusion of ideas.

• Auteur: Dr.phil. Irmtraud Eve Burianek (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2016
• Pages: 12
• N° de catalogue: V373631
• ISBN (ebook): 9783668539259
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Survey Course World History to 1500