Course Overview:

This World History Honors online course develops students’ understanding of the past so they can better understand the present and determine their direction for the future. Semester A covers ancient civilizations in a way that allows students to understand the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics of people. In the second semester, World History Honors shifts the focus to more recent historical periods, covering events from the Scientific Revolution through modern independence movements and globalization.

Semester 1:  

In World History Honors Semester A, Civilization to Industrialization, students explore ancient civilizations beginning with the first civilization in Mesopotamia, then continuing with the ancient civilizations of China, Greece, and Rome; the rise of the Byzantine Empire; and the feudal system in Europe and Japan. Students will also examine the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment Period, and the scientific and democratic revolutions in Europe that spread to the new nation of America. The last part of the course concentrates on the Napoleonic Era, the Industrial Revolution in England, and the rise of imperialism in Europe. In addition, historical analysis and current events are featured in the final lessons. Other topics covered include world religions, the Crusades, the development of trade, the Atlantic slave trade, absolute monarchs, independent movements, economic theory, and Western imperialism.

Semester 2: 

In Semester B, Conflicts in Modern Civilization, students learn the factors leading up to World War I, the rise of nationalism, and the worldwide economic depression. The causes of World War II and the military strategies involved are also analyzed, as are the advances in modern warfare for both World Wars. Additionally, students learn about the struggle between the ideologies of democracy and communism as well as the change in the balance of power after World War II in which countries fought for self-rule. Also covered are the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union, as well as an exploration of the roots of terrorism and the conflicts in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. The final unit of the course centers on the new global economy, advances in science and technology, and current environmental issues. Other topics covered include the Russian Revolution, colonialism, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, the Holocaust, independence movements, and more. Students will assess primary and secondary source materials in depth, and they’ll take on projects and class discussions that challenge students to predict outcomes, draw conclusions, and make choices based upon critical thinking.