This course is an overview of the successor to the Greek and Persian civilizations in the Mediterranean basin and the Near East, Rome. Chronologically, Rome emerged as a community during the same era as Sparta and Athens, but did not become dominant until much later. From the ruins of the Roman republic a government arose that has served the Western world as a model of imperial rule ever since. For two and a half centuries, Rome maintained peace and relative prosperity throughout western Europe and the Mediterranean basin. After this period external enemies, aided by internal chaos, were unable to stem the tide of decline.
History occupies a focal point in the humanities and social sciences.
It develops the skills of sifting and weighing evidence, recognizing bias and perspective, organizing material, thinking logically and creating a synthesis. These are all skills necessary for almost any career. Writing essays or related assignments for each course gives the student ample opportunity to develop and refine these skills. Students should be aware that competence in written English is essential to success in History courses. Materials will be presented frequently in class about which nothing is said in your readings.