World History I

Year one of this two-year intensive World History course covers political, social, and economic developments in all parts of the world, beginning with the prehistorical development of tools and agriculture, and examining in turn the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, India, and China before looking at the classical world of Greece and Rome, the rise of Islam and Byzantium, and pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas. Later chapters look at African kingdoms and cultures, the medieval dynasties of Japan and China, and the rise of Mongol tribes in Asia before returning to medieval and Renaissance Europe, the age of European exploration, and the establishment of absolute and constitutional monarchies.

Lectures and readings provide students with a solid grounding in the key names, dates, civilizations, and movements of world history, while seminar-type live chat discussions help students develop the tools of historiography and explore unifying themes on use of resources, the establishment of communities, and the expression of power across time periods and geographical boundaries.

Dr. Christe McMenomy and Mr. Karl Oles provide different interpretations of key movements and events, helping students develop their own interpretations of history.

Teacher's course Website: Patterns of World History, Volume I: To 1600