Introduction to Big History, Part II

Continuing our exploration of the rise of complexity in the Universe, from the Big Bang to the evolution of humans, this term we will trace the emergence of Homo sapiens as other hominins become extinct, the transition of human populations from foraging to farming and pastoralism, the development of towns and cities and then states and empires, the increasing global networks of the modern world, the costs and benefits of the Anthropocene, and the futures awaiting humanity, the Earth, and the Universe.

Recommended Reading:

David Christian, Origin Story: A Big History of Everything, ISBN 978-0316392006

Bill Hammond has taught Big History at the high school level and trained with and helped develop Bill Gates and David Christian’s Big History Project.