CHAPTER FIVE
- CONCLUSION
We have
come to the end of our survey of world civilizations (part 1)! There is, of
course, some need for closure to this class despite the almost impossible task
of truly summarizing the issues and achievements we have been looking at for a very
full ten weeks.
There were three primary
goals for this class. One goal was to provide a better understanding of the
common features of human societies over space and time by looking at patterns
in the human story. Some examples of patterns and connections we have
looked at were: the influential role of geography, the central importance of
religion in human societies, the need for humans to create structures and
institutions to provide a measure of security and the role of empires in human
history.
The second purpose of this
course was to cultivate an appreciation for the remarkable diversity and
creativity of humans in responding to these needs and influences. The
variations in religious views, political structures and cultural emphases
covered in this class represent only a glimpse of the richness of human
creativity, but hopefully have given you a taste for more. Learning
about and appreciating human culture and creativity is an endless source of fascination
and investigation - something you can pursue as a life-long learner.
The final goal was to
establish connections between the religions, cultures and events from this
early period in World History, and the links to current conditions and
concerns - to give the historical context for issues we face today.
Hopefully even a very brief overview of some of these intriguing periods and
civilizations has increased your understanding of the issues that face us
today. While solutions to many problems may remain difficult to perceive and/or
implement, an obvious starting point to being an informed, involved global
citizen is knowing the roots of issues, beliefs, and conflicts. History also
provides you with lessons learned and examples to follow -- or avoid.
Recognize that the periods
and events covered in History 151 are only the first part of the human story.
We end our overview on the brink of an epic change - the European expeditions
of the 1400's and 1500's which will usher in an even more global phase of
interaction between the many regions and civilizations we have discussed. The
movement of Europeans into the realm of sea travel, sea trade and establishment
of colonies will tie the globe together, ending American isolation and
initiating global territorial expansion and empire building.
During these last 500
years, the centuries ushered in by European global expansion resulted in an
accelerating pace and intensity of cultural interaction and interchange in
World History. To be able to understand more recent centuries of
interaction, however, you must rely on your knowledge of the early periods of
distinctive developments as well as shared patterns in human societies. So for
those of you who continue on to the second part of this exciting story of human
history, either in a History 152 class or in other ways, keep
your notes! Understanding the developments and distinctive features of the
cultures we have traced this semester will be essential in tracing global
developments after 1500 - and understanding complex interactions in our global
world.
The hope is that you
continue learn about history and cultures to:
Be
informed, get involved,contribute actively to solving the dilemmas
"civilizations" continue to confront. Helping provide the
knowledge and fuel the commitment for students to be active global citizens is,
ultimately, the purpose of any history class!
BACK TO CHAPTER FOUR
BACK TO UNIT SIXTEEN
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