Module Code and Title: WHS101Social Formation and Cultural Patterns of the World

Programme                 : BA in History and Dzongkha

Credit Value                : 12                

Module Tutor               :  To be recruited

General Objectives    

This module will enable the students to explain the bio-cultural evolution of humankind. They will also be able to explain the fundamental ideas about the early social formation and political development starting from Stone ages to the Iron ages. The module deals with various theories regarding socio-political developments of early humankind and attempt to interpret various views of historians on this. The module will also acquaint the students on socio political evolution of classical civilizations. The students will also be introduced to the features and architects of Athenian democracy and Roman republic and empire.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1.    explain the  Charles  Darwin’s Theory of biological evolution of  mankind

2.    describe the socio-economic factors that led to the evolution of society and polity during stone age

3.    discuss the different theories on socio-political evolution

4.    recognize the legacy of the classical civilizations

5.    identify the causes of various wars and social disturbances

6.    discuss the factors that led to the rise and decline of Classical civilizations

7.    explain the role of  Cleisthenes and for the rise of Athenian Democracy

8.    describe the  factors for the rise of  Julius Caesar, Octavian and Pax Romana  in Rome

Learning and teaching approach

Assessment approach

The students will be assessed on a continuous basis as given below:

A. Assignment: 15% of internal assessment

The students will have to write 1 assignment for this module. 5% from the 15% will be assigned for Viva Voce

B. Class Test :25 % of internal assessment

Three class tests will be conducted after the completion of every unit and the total marks obtained by the students from the three test will be converted to 25%

C. Presentation: 10% of internal assessment

For this module, students will have to make a presentation each on a topic assigned by the tutor.

D. Semester-end Examination: 50%

Semester end Examination will be of 50% for this module

Overview of the assessment approaches and weighting

Pre requisite: N/A

Subject Matter:

Unit I: Bio-cultural evolution of humankind

• Biological evolution from primates to homo-sapiens
• Creation and evolution - the theories of Lamarck and Darwin
• Cultural evolution - Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic
• Beginning of agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Unit II: Bronze Age Civilization

• The state, religion, society and economy of Egypt: Pyramid , Mummification, rituals, Technology
• The state, religion, society and economy of Mesopotamia: Political Organization: Hamurabi’s Code of Law, Gods and goddesses, Agriculture, Trade and Commence
• The state, religion, society and economy of China: Political organization, belief system and agriculture, trade and commence

Unit III: Iron Age Civilization

• The state, religion, society and economy of Ancient Greece
• The state, religion, society and economy of Ancient Rome

Unit IV: Political Transformation in Greece and Rome

• Athenian Democracy: The role of Solon and Cleisthenes
• Roman Republic and its features
• Civil War and Revolt in Roman Republic
• Rise and fall of Julius Caesar, Octavian and Pax Romana
• Division of Roman Empire
• Crisis and Decline of Roman Empire

Reading List

Essential reading:

Burns, E., Ralph, P., Lerner,R., & Meacham, S.(1991). World Civilizations. Vol-A. New Delhi:

 Goyal Saab Publishers & Distributors

Craig, M.A., Graham, A.W., Kagan, D.,Ozment, S., & Turner, M.F.(2000). The heritage of world  civilization. Vol I (5^th ed.). New Jersey: Printice Hall

Farooqui, A. (2002). Early social formations. (2^nd ed). New Delhi: Manak Publications

            Private Limited

Freeman, C. (2000). The Greek Achievement: The Foundation of western world. New York:        Penguin publishers

Additional reading:

Dally. S., & Reges. A.T., et al. (1998). Legacy of Mesopotamia. UK: Oxford Press

David, AR. (1996). Pyramid Builders of Ancient Egypt. New York: Routledge

Gibbon, E. (2004). Fall and Decline of Roman Empire. New York. Penguin Publishers

Harris, W.V. (1996). Demography, Geography and Source of Roman Slaves. New Delhi: Vistaar Publications 

Jones, A.M.M. (2004). Athenian Democracy. London: Oxford University Press

Keeley, L.H. (1997). War before Civilization. UK: Oxford University press

Thomas, J. (1999). Understanding the Neolithic. New York: Routledge

Date: May, 2015