Course Description: World History is the first step in the GAPro suite of social studies courses. In World History, students follow the evolution of humanity from the beginning of time to the today. The content is taught thematically, with less focus on the "names and dates," and more upon the important trends, patterns, and impactful events that have shaped humanity across time and space. Each unit addresses the important developments with a specified era, examining the events and themes transpiring on each continent. Then, the units examine key people, events, art, literature, and architecture that exemplify the unit's themes. In the process, the course will look at the progression of lost voices in the historical narrative: indigenous nations, women, LBGTQIA+, societal minorities, and daily life in the "average person." By the end of the course, students will have a solid intellectual framework of the world and will be ready to approach courses that aim for greater depth and complexity.
Act 1 - Beginning of Time through 1492: Act 1 explores the development of the human story - starting with the origins of humanity through the start of European exploration. During this time period, humans lived in distinct and disconnected regions. The course follows the development of these regions, with specific emphasis on: East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Americas, and Oceania. Act 1 concludes with the increased interaction between Regions until the initiation of globalization in the 1400s. Lessons in Act 1 specifically focuses on the development of key historical skills: reading non-fiction, note taking, vocabulary, critical thinking, categorization, constructing historical arguments with evidence
Act 2 - 1500 through Present: Act 2 explores the story of human globalization. Students will analyze the forces that have interconnected the world economically, culturally, and politically to create the modern 21st century world. Topics will include: The Age of Exploration/Colonization, Industrialization, Enlightenment, Decolonization and the Fight for Independence, Civil Rights Movements, World War 1 & 2, Cold War, the Women's Rights Movement, the Fall & Rise of China and more! Students will build upon the skills they established in Act 1 to complete more complex research and writing activities.
*Note: While it is recommended that students take Act 1 before Act 2, it is not required. Students who feel confident in their pre-1500 CE knowledge can begin here.
Credits: 1 Credit for each Act (2 in total). Each act will take ~120 hours of work to complete, which will vary based on the student's reading speed.
Time to Complete: This will depend on the family's weekly structure:
(A) 3 Days per week = 1 Act per 32-35 week school year
(B) 5 Days per week = 1 Act per 16-18 week semester. Using 5 days per week, Act 1 & Act 2 can be completed in one academic year.
Who Should Take This Course? : World History is a survey course that is aimed at a strong 7th grade through 9th grade student.
- Skills Students will need to begin: 7th-8th grade reading level. Ability to read 3-5 pages of non-fiction text. The ability to write 2-3 sentence+ responses.
- *Note: While World History is intended for a "beginning formal history" student, it can very easily be adapted to a "higher level" by requiring students to provide more complex answers or by adding a time period text.
Materials: All lessons (readings, videos, activities) are delivered online and are provided with the course.
Required Technology: A device with internet access. Laptop is preferred, but tablets work with the course as well. Either a 3 subject notebook or Google Drive for recording work.