Free online courseHistory of the World to 1500 CE

Duration of the online course: 31 hours and 11 minutes

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Explore global history from ancient civilizations to the 1500s in this comprehensive, free online course by Columbia University. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students.

Course Description

The "History of the World to 1500 CE" course, masterfully taught by Richard Bulliet, stands as a comprehensive exploration into the formative epochs of global history. Spanning 31 hours and 11 minutes, this course has garnered an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, reflecting its high quality and the satisfaction of its students. Situated under the category of Basic Studies and more specifically within the subcategory of History, this course serves as both an enlightening journey and an academic foundation for any history enthusiast or student.

Beginning with an introduction to the core concepts and methodologies of World History, Bulliet sets the stage for the vast temporal and geographic sweep of the course. The initial lectures delve into the earliest Valley Civilizations, dating from 8000 to 1500 BC, highlighting key developments and the vital interplay between human societies and their environments.

As the lectures progress, the rise of new civilizations is meticulously covered, focusing on the eras from 2200 to 250 BCE. This period saw remarkable changes and advancements, with Bulliet expertly guiding learners through the complexities and unique attributes of these burgeoning societies.

The Mediterranean and Middle East, epochal regions in world history, receive detailed attention next. The sessions navigate through their interconnected histories, illustrating the profound cultural, political, and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world.

Expanding the geographical lens, the course shifts to encompass India, Greece, and Iran, providing a comparative analysis of these distinct yet interlinked civilizations. This segment is rich with insights into their philosophies, governance, and intercultural interactions.

The Age of Empires is another focal point, with in-depth sessions on Rome and Han China. Bulliet examines their monumental rise, sustained zeniths, and eventual declines, offering a nuanced understanding of imperial dynamics and legacies.

A pivotal section of the course is dedicated to the Rise of Islam from 600 to 1200, shedding light on the meteoric expansion of Islamic civilization and its transformative impact on the global stage. Simultaneously, the emergence of Christian Europe during the same period is explored, elucidating the religious, cultural, and political transformations that undermined older structures and laid new foundations.

Further sessions traverse the histories of Inner and East Asia from 400 to 1200, analyzing the diverse and rich civilizations that flourished in these regions. The Civilization of the Americas is also brought into the discourse, revealing the pre-Columbian achievements and societies that thrived independently of Afro-Eurasian influences.

The narrative then sweeps through the cataclysmic changes wrought by the Mongol conquests and their aftermath, followed by sessions on the diverse regions of Tropical Africa and Asia, emphasizing the intricate web of interactions that defined these areas.

As the course nears its conclusion, it investigates the Latin West and its transformative period, culminating in the discussions of the Maritime Revolution that prefigured the age of exploration and global connectivity. The final lectures offer a synthesis of themes and insights, drawing together the multifaceted threads of human history up to 1500 CE.

This rich tapestry of lectures not only provides a chronological account but also encourages critical thinking about the forces that have shaped human civilization. Bulliet's engaging delivery and comprehensive coverage make this course an invaluable resource for those eager to understand the depths and breadths of early world history.

Conteúdo do Curso

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 1) - Introduction to World History

    1h17m

  • Exercise: _What was the problem with teaching American history in a diverse fashion?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 2) - Valley Civilizations 8000-1500 BC

    1h10m

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 3) - Valley Civilizations 8000-1500 BC

    1h14m

  • Exercise: _What is the reason for the grouping of early China, Celtic Europe, early Americas, and Nubia in the same chapter of the book?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 4) - New Civilizations, 2200-250 B.C.E

    1h16m

  • Exercise: _What is the paradox that the author discusses in the New World?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 5) - New Civilizations, 2200-250 B.C.E.

    1h16m

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 6) - The Mediterranean and Middle East

    1h15m

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 7) - The Mediterranean and Middle East

    1h12m

  • Exercise: _What was the reason for lumping India with Greece and Iran in the brief edition of the book?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 8) - India, Greece & Iran

    1h14m

  • Exercise: _What was the impact of Turkey's decision to abandon the Arabic script in the 1920s?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 9) - India, Greece & Iran

    1h15m

  • Exercise: _What comparison does the author suggest would have been a better option instead of comparing Rome with Han China?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 10) - Age of Empires: Rome and Han China

    1h17m

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 11/12) Age of Empires: Rome and Han China

    1h15m

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 13) - The Rise of Islam, 600-1200

    1h16m

  • Exercise: _What was the publisher's criticism of the first draft of the chapter on the rise of Islam and medieval Islamic society?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 14) - The Rise of Islam, 600-1200

    1h16m

  • Exercise: _What was the crisis that hit Iran during the cotton boom?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 15) - Christian Europe Emerges, 600-1200

    1h13m

  • Exercise: _What was the traditional view of Western civilization in the early 20th century?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 16) - Christian Europe Emerges, 600-1200

    1h19m

  • Exercise: _What is the fundamental question that gets asked when historians talk about demographic history?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 17) - Inner and East Asia, 400-1200

    1h13m

  • Exercise: _What makes it difficult to engross Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Vietnamese history into some narrative that emerges from the Middle East, Central Asia, the Mediterranean, or Europe?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 18) - Civilization of the Americas

    1h16m

  • Exercise: _What is the main challenge historians face when studying pre-Columbian America?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 19) - Civilization of the Americas

    1h14m

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 20) - Mongol Eurasia and Its Aftermath

    1h16m

  • Exercise: _What is the significance of the Mongols in world history?

  • Video class: Richard Bulliet - History of the World to 1500 CE (Session 21) - Mongol Eurasia and Its Aftermath

    1h15m

  • Exercise: _What is one of the curious patterns observed during the period of Mongol rule outside of their home territories in Central Asia, Iran, and China?

World History

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  • Indigenous Peoples: Histories and Cultures - Gain insights into the histories, cultures, and contributions of indigenous peoples across different continents.
  • Latin American History: Conquests and Independence - Explore the history of Latin America, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the struggles for independence and beyond.
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This free course includes:

31 hours and 11 minutes of online video course

Exercises to train your knowledge

Certificate of course completion

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