This course is a survey of the development of world civilizations from prehistoric humans to 1500. Major themes include: broad patterns of change; dynamics of race, class, gender and ethnicity; reciprocal influence between the physical environment and human societies; and ways in which human groups have interacted with one another. In addition, the course examines distinctive forms of political, social, and economic organization, and significant scientific achievements, cultural developments, and belief systems. The course also provides an introduction to historical method. (C-ID HIST 150).