World History I: Ancient to Early Modern Times

This is a live, graded online World History I course designed for 9th-12th graders, with the possibility of 8th graders joining upon consultation. The course covers the social, economic, and political development of world civilizations from ancient times through the Early Modern Period, with a focus on both Western and non-Western cultures such as China and surrounding regions, India, the Mediterranean World, and Europe. Live class sessions are complemented by audio-visual or text-based lessons, geography exercises, primary document interpretation, and independent research on topics of the students' choosing. Monthly quizzes and regular contributions to class discussions encourage students to critically engage with the historical content.

The course follows a pattern of eight units, each containing four weeks of work, with live class sessions and homework assignments designed to engage students at different levels. Honors-level students have additional expectations, including two significant projects, extra lessons, and detailed note-taking. Parents can contact the instructor to opt their students into the honors-level track, and students can switch between levels with no grade penalty.

The course is structured around regular, repeated assignments and assessments, with ample opportunities for one-on-one communication between parents, students, and the instructor. The course is designed to improve critical thinking and historical reasoning skills, and regular homework assignments support mastery of content. The technology requirements include high-speed internet, a sound card and microphone, and streaming video capabilities.