World History

OVERVIEW

World History is a broad survey of the most significant world events since 500 CE, roughly 1,500 years.

Semester One focuses on the period 500 to 1500, the Middle Ages, between the end of the Roman Empire and the Modern Age. Review essential information about what made the Roman Empire so significant and about Judaism and Christianity as background to the rise of the third major monotheistic religion, Islam. Study the earliest civilizations of sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas, then wrap up the Semester with three simultaneous significant events: the Age of Discovery, the Protestant Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution. The Middle Ages ended with a tornado of changes!

 

In Semester Two, focused on 1500 to the present, you’ll learn about advancements in science and thought during the Age of Enlightenment and the following social and political revolutions. As you meander through the 19th century, you will learn about the transformation from an agricultural to an industrial world and the many changes that resulted from that shift. Then, learn about the interconnectedness of nationalism and colonialism and the two massive world wars resulting. As you explore the modern era, students learn about developments in today’s world and the implications that historical events have on each of us.

MAJOR TOPICS AND CONCEPTS

Semester One:

Module 01 – Medieval Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Middle East

  • Roman Empire
  • Byzantine Empire
  • Monotheistic Religions
  • Golden Age of Islam

Module 02 – Medieval Western Europe and East Asia

  • Medieval Society and Arts
  • The Crusades
  • Medieval Japan

Module 03 – Medieval Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas

  • Rise of African Kingdoms and City-States
  • Major Civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes

Module 04 – Age of Rebirth, Reformation, and Discovery

  • Rise of the Italian City-States
  • Renaissance
  • Reformation and Counter-Reformation
  • Age of Discovery
  • Columbian Exchange
  • Slavery

Semester Two:

Module 05 – The Enlightenment and Revolutions

  • European Geography
  • Constitutional and Absolute Monarchies
  • Scientific Revolution
  • 20th Century Science
  • Enlightenment
  • French Revolution

Module 06 – 19th Century Changes

  • 19th Century Latin American and Caribbean Independence Movements
  • Industrial Revolution
  • Economic and Political Ideologies
  • Imperialism
  • Italian and German Unification
  • Modern Reform Movements

Module 07 – The World at War and the Fires Between

  • World War I
  • Great Depression and Rise of Totalitarianism
  • World War II
  • Genocide

Module 08 – The Modern Era

  • Cold War and Proxy Wars
  • Decolonization and New Nationalism
  • Collapse of the Soviet Union
  • Globalization
  • Terrorism

HONORS:

  • The Golden Age of Islam
  • Guilds and a Changing Economy
  • Big Picture Africa
  • Slavery
  • The Age of Enlightenment
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • Genocide
  • Globalization

Fee Details

Program Regular  Honors 
Fee $ 558  $ 583 

Grade Level

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration

10 Months

Requirements

None

Prerequisites

Recommended for 10th grade.

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