Social Studies
World History
The World History course offers a comprehensive survey of human history from prehistoric societies to contemporary global events. Students will analyze the development of civilizations, major empires, belief systems, and transformative political and social movements
About the course
Course Overview
The World History course offers a comprehensive survey of human history from prehistoric societies to contemporary global events. Students will analyze the development of civilizations, major empires, belief systems, and transformative political and social movements. Through the study of migrations, revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, world wars, decolonization, and globalization, learners will explore how geography, innovation, and cultural exchange have shaped the world we live in today. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, historical inquiry, and making connections between past and present. Interactive readings, primary sources, and assessments provide opportunities for students to develop strong historical analysis and communication skills.
By the end of the course
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the development of human societies and civilizations from prehistoric times through the modern era, with attention to geography, culture, religion, and technological advancement.
- Evaluate the causes, processes, and consequences of major global movements, including migrations, revolutions, imperialism, and decolonization.
- Explain the rise and fall of significant empires and political systems and how they influenced modern governance, law, and society.
- Assess the role of belief systems, ideologies, and reform movements in shaping societies and promoting cultural exchange across time and place.
- Examine the effects of global conflict, economic change, and technological innovation on international relations and the modern world order.
Course contents
What You'll Study
The Beginnings of World History
Discover how early humans adapted to their environments, developed farming, and built the first settled communities.
Early River Valley Civilizations
Examine the rise of ancient river valley societies and their lasting contributions in writing, law, and culture.
People and Ideas on the Move
Trace the spread of religions, cultures, and trade across early civilizations in Asia and the Mediterranean.
First Empires in Africa and Asia
Explore the growth of early empires and philosophies that shaped governance and culture in Africa and Asia.
Classical Greece
Investigate the politics, wars, philosophy, and arts of ancient Greece and their influence on Western civilization.
The Roman World and Early Christianity
Study the rise and fall of Rome, the spread of Christianity, and Rome’s enduring legacy.
India and China Establish Empires
Analyze the political, cultural, and economic achievements of classical India and China.
The Muslim World
Understand the origins of Islam, its global expansion, and cultural achievements across the Muslim world.
Empires in East Asia
Learn how dynasties and the Mongol Empire shaped trade, culture, and innovation in East Asia.
The Early Middle Ages
Explore medieval Europe’s political structures, religion, and daily life after the fall of Rome.
Church and Society in Western Europe
Examine the Crusades, cultural growth, and economic changes that transformed medieval Europe.
Societies and Empires of Africa
Discover the diversity of African societies and the empires that thrived through trade and culture.
People and Empires in the Americas
Study the rise of ancient American civilizations and their achievements before European contact.
The Renaissance
Investigate the cultural rebirth of Europe through art, literature, and humanist thought.
Reformation and Upheaval
Analyze the causes and consequences of the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic response.
Expansion, Exploration, and Encounters
Follow the Age of Exploration and its profound effects on global trade, culture, and empires.
Absolute Monarchs in Europe
Explore how monarchs consolidated power and reshaped government in early modern Europe.
Enlightenment and Revolution
Study how science, philosophy, and political thought spurred revolutionary change.
Revolutions Sweep the West
Learn how nationalism and revolutionary movements reshaped Europe and the Americas.
The Industrial Revolution
Examine how industrialization transformed economies, societies, and technologies worldwide.
An Age of Democracy and Progress
Explore democratic reforms, scientific advances, and cultural shifts in the 19th century.
The Age of Imperialism
Analyze the motives, methods, and impacts of imperialism on Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Transformations Around the Globe
Study how nations modernized and adapted amid global political and economic change.
World War I
Understand the causes, major events, and aftermath of the First World War.
Revolution and Nationalism
Examine the political upheavals and independence movements that reshaped nations in the early 20th century.
Depression and Crisis
Explore the global economic depression, political instability, and rise of totalitarian regimes.
World War II
Trace the global conflict from its causes to its consequences, including the Holocaust.
Cold War Conflicts
Analyze the ideological, political, and military tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union.
The Colonies Become New Nations
Explore how former colonies gained independence after World War II and the political, economic, and social challenges they faced in building new nations.
Struggles for Democracy
Examine the fall of authoritarian regimes, the shift from communism, and the complex challenges of building and maintaining democratic governments, with case studies from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Global Interdependence
Understand modern globalization, environmental issues, and cultural exchange in the contemporary world.
Earn your 1.0 credit in World History
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