I just finished the DVD version of this course (36 lectures). The course can be divided into four main parts. The first part discussed "Archaic Humanity" (began with ancestors of humans more than 2.5 million years ago). The second part covered "Modern Humans" (whom appeared in Africa around 200,000 to 150,000 years ago). The third part covered "Food Production" period which covered the period from 12,000 years ago (the end of the last ice age). The final part covered "Civilization Formation" which happened from around 5,000 years ago in various areas globally (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Harrapan etc.) and was driven, among other things, by the surplus in food production.
I found the course to be interesting in its breadth and scope, and the presenter (Professor Brian Fagan) to be very clear. I also liked the fact that the course was based on archaeological evidence. In terms of Professor Fagan's presentation, I disagreed with a lot of reviews which criticized his pronunciation of some words. I thought Prof Fagan did just fine and his emphasizing and story-telling skills were excellent.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters which covered ancient civilizations, particularly those which were not 'popular' such as the ancient Chinese, ancient Khmer and ancient Indian / Harrapan culture & civilization.
If I could make one recommendation about the course: I just thought it dragged too much / too long at some parts in the course - particularly: The ancient pre-modern-human hominid discussions which covered more than 6 lectures, and the discussion on Ancient Americas in more than 6 lectures (including a chapter on Maize in ancient Americas). I felt these could have been discussed more succinctly.
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