This course is a survey of the origins of Western civilization starting with prehistoric man and the emergence of agriculture. The course continues with the study of the Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages and Europe up through the Renaissance and Reformation to roughly the eighteenth century. These civilizations are studied by looking at their economy, religion, politics, art, literature and everyday life. This Honors course fosters high-achieving students' growth towards learning outcomes such as: problem solving, often with creative approaches; critical reading, artistic literacy, or original text analysis; forming judgments based on evidence, often from alternative modes of inquiry or integrative learning; clear, persuasive research writing; oral presentation; and articulate reflection on personal growth. Honors courses are more likely to utilize student-driven active learning, emphasizing exploration and discovery, rather than the acquisition of specific knowledge; faculty might provide projects with no pre-determined conclusion, but with real-world application.