The development and interactions of societies from the dawn of recorded history through 1550 AD are surveyed in this approach to World Civilization I. The course considers the changes and interplay of societies’ major components: agriculture, arts and crafts, technologies and sciences, economic systems, social and political structures, religious and philosophical beliefs. The impacts of these components and of various societies on one another and the consequences for the shape and state of present societies and the world in the 21st century are the foci of this overview.
The course includes lectures, recitation discussions, texts and readings. Grades are based on three exams, a research essay, and recitation discussion performance; attendance is required.
The Honors recitation, led by Prof. Baumer, will discuss a series of major developments and ideas of various societies from ancient Babylon to renaissance and Reformation Europe.
Prof. Baumer’s current teaching areas include World Civilization I & II, Professional Ethics, Business Ethics, and the Philosophy of Immanuel Kant. He is Director of Undergraduate Studies, Philosophy, and a State University Faculty Senator representing the University at Buffalo. He has served as Acting Chair, Economics, Program Officer for the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, Assistant Vice President and Controller, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Chair of the Faculty Senate.