World History

World History provides students with a survey of the significant political, socio-economic, and cultural features of human history from the beginnings of civilization to the contemporary period. Using both primary and secondary sources and document-based investigation, students trace the emergence of the interdependence between world regions — an interaction stimulated by European invasions and colonization and sustained by the contributions of the non-western regions.

First Semester:

Students dig into the beginnings of civilization, river valley civilizations (Egypt, China, Mesopotamia) and then move onto classical empires in Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa and the Americas. From there we move through the Middle Ages in Europe, the Muslim World, societies in the Americas such as the Maya, Aztec and Inca. We then move on to the European Renaissance and Reformation and the Age of Exploration. We consistently look at interactions between societies, advancements, innovations and social structure.

Second Semester:

Students start by studying absolute rulers in Europe, then move into the Enlightenment, Scientific Revolution, The French Revolution & Napoleon. From there, we explore nationalism, the Industrial Revolution and the Age of Democracy and Progress. We look at Imperialism in Europe and the effects on regions around the world. This brings us directly into WWI, WWII and the Cold War. Imperialism crumbles as the former colonies become independent nations and the struggle to implement democracy begins. We finish by learning about globalization and discussing current situations in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Identify and explain the significance and lasting effects of the major eras, peoples, and events in world history.
• Summarize the major political, economic, and cultural developments of the civilizations of the world.
• Summarize and evaluate the inter-relationship of reform, nationalism, and imperialism, and their short-term and long-term effects.
• Interpret and analyze historical maps, graphs, and charts that reflect aspects of global history.
• Identify and explain the origins, evolution, and outcomes of economic and legal systems from the ancient world to the contemporary period.
• Identify and compare different religious traditions, fundamental ideas and institutions of Eastern and Western civilizations.
• Analyze the political, economic, and cultural roles and influences of women, children, and families in different historical cultures.
• Describe scientific developments, connections between science, technology, and society, and their impact on various cultures and civilizations.
• Compare and contrast events, movements, and ideas between and among regions, and identify world historical trends, theories, and patterns.

Learning Targets

1. Writing: Develop a thesis, support with multiple forms of evidence, and provide analysis with an explanation in written form.
2. Reading: Identify main ideas, analyze supporting details, and evaluate inferences within discipline-specific readings.
3. Content: Apply content in order to evaluate relationships and draw conclusions.
4. Communication: Produce clear and coherent communication in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and evidence.

This is an NCAA-Certified Class

eAchieve Academy is an official NCAA-approved online instruction provider and this online World History class meets the NCAA core course requirements. To see the full list of NCAA-approved online high school courses offered by eAchieve Academy, visit the NCAA Eligibility Center (use school code #502388).