HIST1101 – Ancient World History I 

COURSE PREVIEW AND SYLLABUS

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

History is not just a series of unrelated events occurring one after the other.  History establishes the foundation for all other areas of study.  The proper study of history provides depth and meaning to all other academic studies and allows the Learner to see where mankind has been and how mankind has arrived at the Learner’s point in time.  This course will outline ancient world history and civilizations that have influenced the development of cultures extending from the first recorded historical events to the intertestamental period.  Utilizing the books of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Learner will identify these early civilizations with particular emphases placed on Israel and her interactions with them. The Learner will also trace the major events associated with Israel and the various surrounding locations and nations with which ancient world history deals.  The Learner will develop competency in the subject of ancient world history as understanding of the development of civilizations is gained through the reading and lectures, and will be solidified through testing. 

This course examines the history of the ancient world through study of the emphases of each book of the Hebrew Bible and focusing on the history of each and relating each book to the larger picture of Old Testament history. 

 

 

COURSE FACULTY

Christopher Cone, ThD, PhD, PhD 

Paul Weaver, ThM, PhD 

Roger Fankhauser, DMin 

Steve Spurlin, TMS, DMS, PhD 

John Oglesby, MA 

 

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction, Grounds for Learning History, Purpose and Aim of World History (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

What sources are available and valuable for the study of Ancient World History?  What is the purpose and aim of world history? This module will equip the Learner to examine and identify viable sources for the full-orbed study of Ancient World History.  Further, the Learner will be able to express an informed hypothesis of the purpose and aim of the history of the world.   

Read Genesis 1-11 (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 19-42) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 1-22) (VLO 2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2/3, 4) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #1 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 2: Outlining World History Part I, Ancient Origins to 1370 B.C. (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

What ancient origin accounts have been preserved and what similarities do they exhibit?  What are the key events of this period of recorded history?  Who are the key nations and individuals that were involved during this period of history?  Upon completion of this module, the Learner will be able to compare and contrast various ancient cosmologies with that of the biblical Genesis account.  Further, the Learner will be able to identify the key events of the period from the beginning of history to 1370 and discuss key figures involved in them. 

Read Genesis 12-50, and skim Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 22-55) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #2 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 3: Outlining World History Part II, From 1370 B.C. to 971 B.C.  (Dr. Dan Starcevich) 

Having captured the land, Israel entered a period of repeated cycles consisting of disregard for their law, oppression by enemy nations, followed by a judge who would be raised up to rescue them.  The nations surrounding Israel played prominently during the time.  Upon completion of this module, the Learner will be able to identify the nations and events that shaped this period. 

Read Judges, I Samuel, I and II Kings (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 58-82) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #3 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 4: Outlining World History Part III, From 971 B.C. to 586 B.C. (Dr. Dan Starcevich) 

With the death of Solomon, Israel was divided into ten tribes in the north and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah in the south.  What were the consequences of this division?  Which nations arose to challenge the divided kingdom?  What became of the divided kingdoms?  Upon completion of this module, the Learner will be able to identify the events that led to Israel and Judah being removed from their land.  Further, the Learner will be able to identify and discuss the nations and conflicts that led to Israel’s and Judah’s deportations. 

Read Ezra and Nehemiah (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

A Concise Bible Survey (pages140-141; 147-148) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #4 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 5: Outlining OT History Part IV, From 586 B.C. to 323 B.C. (Dr. Dan Starcevich) 

This extended section of history was quite tumultuous with a number of nations coming into prominence only to be overtaken by another.  Who were these nations and what transpired between them during these years?  By the end of this module, the Learner will be able to identify and trace the rise and fall of each of these nations.  Further, the Learner will be able to determine the lasting impact that the events of this period have had on the world. 

Learner Content Assessment #1 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b)  

 

Module 6 The Five Major Kingdoms, 605B.C. to c.180 (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

Who are the five major kingdoms that conquered the known ancient world?  How do they relate to one another and Israel?  How did each successive kingdom replace the previous one?  This module will enable the Learner to identify the kingdoms in question, discuss the key aspects of their reigns, and examine their relationship to ancient Israel. 

Read the Book of Daniel (VLO 2,3,4/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2,3,4) 

A Concise Bible Survey (pages 130-136) (VLO 1,2,3,5/ CLO 3,5/ PCO 1,2a,3b) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #6 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 7 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Part I (John Oglesby) 

The Hebrew Scriptures identify a number of civilizations that affected the history of the ancient near east.  Their influence was felt to varying degrees.  This module seeks to address these nations using sources other than the required texts.  The Learner will be able to identify and name the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 19-42, 127-155) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Read A Concise Bible Survey (pages 163-165)   

Learner Lecture Quiz #7 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 8 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Part II (John Oglesby) 

This module is a continuation of the discussion of ancient world civilizations that are mentioned in Hebrew Scriptures.  The Learner will be able to identify and distinguish the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 43-106) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #8 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 9 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Part III (John Oglesby) 

This module is a continuation of the discussion of ancient world civilizations that are mentioned in Hebrew Scriptures.  The Learner will be able to identify and distinguish the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 207-230) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Learner Lecture Quiz #9 (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b) 

 

Module 10 Old Testament Nations of the Ancient World Wrap Up & Review (Dr. Steve Spurlin) 

This module concludes the discussion of ancient world civilizations that are mentioned in Hebrew Scriptures.  The module will also serve to review for the final exam. The Learner will be able to identify and distinguish the nations discussed.  The Learner will also examine and compare various similarities between the nations and their cultures. 

Read Peoples of the Old Testament (pages 251-333) (VLO 1,2,4,5/ CLO 1,2,3,4/ PCO 1,2,4) 

Final Exam (VLO 1,3,5/ CLO 1,3,5/ PCO 1, 3a,3b)

 

COURSE RESOURCES

1. Hoerth, Alfred J.  1998.  Peoples of the Old Testament.  Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. ISBN: 978-0801021961.  $27.96.  Kindle edition available. 

2. Cone, Christopher.  2014. A Concise Bible Survey: Tracing the Promises of God.  Fort Worth, TX: Exegetica Publishing.  ISBN: 978-0976593034.  $16.00. 

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)

  1. Leaners will identify the several nations who played important roles in the Ancient Near East and their effect, if any, on current cultures. 
  2. Learners will demonstrate knowledge of the transfer of power from one nation to another examine the changes that came with each successive nation.  
  3. Learners will compare the events of ancient world history with the records found in the Hebrew Scriptures and other texts and evaluate their findings.  
  4. Learners will evaluate the contributions of the nations addressed.  
  5. Learners will gain a new or renewed appreciation of the accuracy of the historical narratives of the Hebrew Scriptures. 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

1. To prepare Learners for roles in transformative education teaching and service. 

2. To provide Learners a foundation for effective individual and organizational leadership in diverse environments.  

3. To ensure Learners demonstrate worldview foundation for empowering people and building communities.  

4. To help Learners formulate a Biblical approach to transformative learning and leadership. 

 

VYRSITY LEARNING OUTCOMES (VLOs)

1. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Research – Learners will demonstrate ability to think critically, solve problems, and conduct interdisciplinary research at a level appropriate to their program. 

2. Personal Growth – Learners will understand how learning is related to personal growth, and will be challenged to grow in their thinking, communication, conduct, and engagement with others. 

3. Skills Development – Learners will advance in skills related to their area of learning, demonstrating a level of competency appropriate to their program. 

4. Social Responsibility – Learners will appreciate the diversity in and value of others as designed by our Creator, and will grow in willingness and capability to serve others. 

5. Worldview Applications – Learners will become capable at thinking from a worldview perspective and will understand the relationship of description and prescription, so that they can ground their actions in sound principles. 

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING RUBRIC (1000 POINTS)

    Module Assessments (50 points each x 10)             500 Points (Multiple Choice)  

    Course Content Assessment                                       250 Points (Multiple Choice) 

    Reading Content Assessment                                     250 Points (Multiple Choice) 

      GRADING SCALE

      91-100% A 

      81-90% B 

      71-80% C 

      61-70% D 

      0-60% F 

       

      CARNEGIE UNIT EQUIVALENT

      Total Hours of Module Content: 20 hours  

      Total Hours of Reading Content: 40 hours 

      Total Hours of Minor Assessments: 40 hours 

      Total Hours of Major Assessment: 35 hours 

      Equivalent of 1 Credit Hour (135 hours of total course time) 

      POLICIES

       

      Course Duration Policy

      Learners may complete the course in as few as four weeks and in as many as sixteen weeks from the date of enrollment. 

      Writing Style Policy

      All written assessments must follow the style guide appropriate for each course subject as listed below:

      • PHIL/HUMA/HIST/LANG – Chicago Style (The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers, Seventeenth Edition)
      • EDUC/SCIE/MATH/PSYC – APA Style (The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition)
      • ENGL – MLA Style (MLA Handbook, Ninth Edition)
      Standard of Intellectual Honesty

      By enrolling in a Vyrsity degree program, Learners commit that they will not give or receive aid in any work that is to be used by the professor as the basis of grading, and that, and will do their part to ensure that other Learners uphold Vyrsity’s Standards of Intellectual Honesty.

      The Vyrsity faculty manifests its confidence in the honor of its Learners by refraining from proctoring examinations and from taking unusual and unreasonable precautions to prevent intellectual dishonesty.

      While the Vyrsity faculty alone has the right and obligation to determine academic requirements, Learners and faculty collaborate to establish the conditions for learning that is worthy of the worldview that Vyrsity represents.

      Intellectual dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

      1. Copying from another’s work or allowing another to copy from one’s own work
      2. Representing as one’s own work the work of another
      3. Other forms of plagiarism.
      4. Unpermitted collaboration or provision of aid on an academic assignment
      5. Using the same paper or other coursework too satisfy the requirements of more than one course or degree

      The standard penalty for a first offense may include a failing grade for the course in which the violation occurred. Repeated offenses may include academic suspension or dismissal.

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