Origins of Civilization digs into the roots of human societies, exploring how we went from hunter-gatherers to complex civilizations. You'll study early human evolution, the development of agriculture, the rise of cities, and the emergence of writing systems. The course covers major ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, examining their social structures, belief systems, and technological advancements.

Is Origins of Civilization hard?

Origins of Civilization isn't a walk in the park, but it's not a nightmare either. The course covers a lot of ground, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, so there's a fair amount of information to absorb. The trickiest part is often keeping track of different time periods and cultures. But if you're into history and human societies, you'll probably find it pretty engaging and not too overwhelming.

Tips for taking Origins of Civilization in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Create timelines to visualize the chronology of different civilizations
Focus on understanding key concepts like domestication, urbanization, and social stratification
Use mnemonic devices to remember important archaeological sites and their features
Watch documentaries like "Guns, Germs, and Steel" for a broader perspective
Engage in class discussions – they often help clarify complex ideas
Read primary sources when available, like excerpts from ancient texts
Make connections between different civilizations and their development patterns

Common pre-requisites for Origins of Civilization

Introduction to Anthropology: This course provides a broad overview of the four subfields of anthropology. It introduces key concepts and methods used in studying human cultures and societies.
World History Survey: This class offers a sweeping look at major historical events and developments across the globe. It provides context for understanding the rise and fall of various civilizations.

Classes similar to Origins of Civilization

Archaeology of Ancient Civilizations: Focuses on the material remains of early societies. You'll learn about excavation techniques and how archaeologists interpret artifacts to understand past cultures.
Cultural Anthropology: Examines contemporary human cultures and societies. It explores topics like kinship, religion, and social organization in various cultural contexts.
Ancient World History: Covers the development of human societies from prehistory to the Middle Ages. It often includes a broader geographical scope than Origins of Civilization.
Anthropology of Religion: Investigates the role of religion in human societies. It explores how belief systems shape cultures and influence social structures.

Anthropology: Studies human cultures, societies, and evolution across time and space. Anthropology majors learn to analyze human behavior from biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives.
Archaeology: Focuses on uncovering and interpreting material remains of past human societies. Archaeology majors develop skills in fieldwork, artifact analysis, and understanding cultural change over time.
History: Examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand how they've shaped the present. History majors learn to analyze primary sources, interpret historical narratives, and develop critical thinking skills.
Classics: Concentrates on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Classics majors study these civilizations' lasting impact on Western culture and thought.

What can you do with a degree in Origins of Civilization?

Archaeologist: Excavates and analyzes material remains of past human societies. Archaeologists work in field sites, museums, and research institutions to uncover and interpret human history.
Museum Curator: Manages and interprets collections of artifacts and artworks. Curators organize exhibitions, conduct research, and educate the public about historical and cultural objects.
Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves historical and archaeological sites. They work with government agencies and private organizations to ensure compliance with preservation laws and regulations.
Anthropologist: Studies human cultures and societies, both past and present. Anthropologists conduct fieldwork, analyze data, and contribute to our understanding of human diversity and behavior.