High School World History Live, Fall Semester (Part 1)

This is an annual course that has been divided into semesters for payment purposes. Part 1 and Part 2 are meant to be taken together. Both semesters must be taken in the same school year, and Part 1 is a prerequisite to take Part 2.

Conventional Track

This World History class for high schoolers covers the period of history from roughly 3000 BCE to the end of the Cold War. This class examines the elements of culture and society - Geography, Resources, Population and Demographics, Politics, Religion. WriteAtHome World History is shaped to meet the requirements of conventional state standards. It takes a comparative cultures approach, with an emphasis on the history of the Western World. It also gives a sweeping perspective on societal development and change, patterns, and unique eras. The details will encourage critical historical thinking about complex cause-and-effect and provide a foundation for students to understand the “whys” behind the way the world is, offering tools to decipher how decisions can impact the future. Each semester is 16 weeks long.

It covers such topics as

• The development of early ancient literate cultures (Egypt, Mesopotamian, Hebrew) and early empires (Assyria, Babylonia, Persia)

• Far Eastern Cultures of China and India

• The Archaic and Classical Age of Greece, Alexander’s Empire, and Hellenization

• Rome from Republic to Empire and the formation of the Christian-influenced West

• Transition to Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation

• New World, Early Modern Change

• Revolutions (Scientific, Enlightenment, American, French, Industrial)

• The 19th and 20th Centuries

This class meets on Thursdays at 2 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

Student expectations:

• attend weekly class sessions (recordings will be available after each session)

• complete weekly reading assignments

• complete weekly quizzes and discussion posts

• one brief historical figure paper

• one brief historical analysis paper

Required Book List:

• Roberts and Westad, Penguin History of the World (6th edition) – Note: not provided

• Primary sources will be given as online links in the weekly reading assignments pages.

Suggested Booklist: An atlas, such as History of the World Map by Map (DK) – Note: not provided

Note: Space is limited. Be sure to enroll early to secure your spot.