World History

The topics discussed will begin with the earliest evidence for humans and move forward through time. Emphasis will be on worldwide developments and impact, rather than focusing on a single region. As we move around the world, we will explore cross-cultural topics, such as mythology, farming, city-building, and writing. Students will learn also learn about common misconceptions and topics that have seized the worldwide imagination.

Each week we will focus on a different region of the world and as students learn, they will start to notice patterns and connections to make history relevant to our modern world.  Students will also start to see how many realities of our world today have their roots in the ancient world.

Students will participate in hands-on activities in order to help them understand the daily realities of life in the past.  Additionally, as a class we will construct a timeline of worldwide events to help students understand connections between different parts of the world.  

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1.    Introduction to Archaeology and the Earliest Humans

• What is Archaeology?
• What evidence do we have?
• What are Homo sapiens?
• Development of the earliest villages

2.    Ancient Mesopotamia

• What is Mesopotamia?
• Development of the earliest cities
• Famous developments and people
• Mythology

3.    Ancient Egypt

• What is Ancient Egypt?
• Famous developments and people: Hieroglyphs and Mummification
• Mythology
• Apple mummy activity

4.    Ancient China

• What is Ancient China
• Famous developments and people: Coinage, The Great Wall, and The First Emperor

5.    Indus Valley

• What is the Indus Valley
• Important developments: Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, The Great Bath, and Trade connections

6.    Ancient Greece

• What is Ancient Greece
• Important developments and people: Government, and Seafaring
• Clothing activity

7.    Ancient Rome

• What is Ancient Rome
• Important developments and people: Roman Republic, Aqueducts and Baths, Caesar, Antony, and Cleopatra, and Pompey
• Clothing activity

8.    Polynesia

• Who are the Polynesians
• Seafaring and Navigation
• Important developments

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There are no special requirements or prerequisites.  During the class, students will need a large sheet or blanket, some pins, salt, and some other common items.  This will be communicated to students the week before.

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There is no required homework for this class. Occasionally, I might suggest some videos, podcasts, or books that students might wish to use if they want to learn more on a particular topic, but this is not required.

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