A Spring Survey of Ancient History
Description
Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?
These questions are inscribed in the upper left corner of Paul Gaugin’s 1897 masterpiece. More than a century later, with civilization facing mounting challenges, it is more pressing than ever to explore these fundamental questions. One vital way to do so is to go back to beginnings, to learn what we can about the earliest humans, the advent of agriculture, and the origins, challenges, failures, and achievements of early civilizations. Looking back to these origins will certainly show us where we come from, and it will provide clues about what it means to be human, and thus about some of the forces that are driving us towards an uncertain future.

This course is designed for inquisitive and motivated middle and high school students. Our survey of ancient history will include the Paleolithic Age, the Neolithic Revolution, and the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Throughout the course, we will focus on major themes of power, wealth, belief, technology, and the environment. We will explore economic, social, and political developments, as well as achievements in art, architecture, literature, religion, and philosophy.
Dates:
1/29/2025 - 5/14/2025
Time:
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ages:
Grades 5th - 12th
Cost:
$200.00
Availability:
This session has openings
Registration will end on 5/13/2025.