Required texts:
The Book of the Ancient World, by Dorothy Mills
The Book of the Ancient Greeks, by Dorothy Mills
The Book of the Ancient Romans, by Dorothy Mills
I. Rationale:
World History is a survey of the ancient world, the Greek and Roman worlds, and the European Middle Ages. History is a synthesis of human memory and reveals both human nature and divine will, and thus knowledge of history is self-knowledge and is an encouragement to faith and sacred tradition. This course is intended for Orthodox high school students and precocious middle school students, and it is meant to instruct them in the nations and geography of the world generally and in the story of the Christian world in particular.
II. Course Aims and Outcomes:
A. Aims
The study of history helps us understand what God has revealed about human nature. Here, we will discuss human ambitions and limits, and learn about the values that bless and destroy civilizations. This is a humanities course, and so the aim is to better understand people and places.
B. Specific Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
-Practice taking organized notes.
-Practice writing with clarity about values and events.
-Write clear expository sentences and paragraphs interpreting history.
-Write several short reports on selected modern states.
-Identify countries, capitals, and major physical features on the world map.
-Describe the key beliefs of major world religions, including ancient pagan beliefs.
-Describe Egyptian, Babylonian, ancient Chinese, Greek, Roman, and Medieval European civilizations.
-Describe the qualities that prosper human civilization and the vices that lead to civilizational collapse in history.
-Describe the correspondence of the Christian faith with the rise and fall of civilizations.
-Describe the harmony and conflicts within Christianity and the schism between Eastern and Western Christianity.
III. Format and Procedures:
We will meet twice a week for class. Each section of the class will relate to readings in the textbook, but not every class will require fresh reading. Classes will focus on instruction through slide shows, and successful students will take careful notes from the slides.
Classes usually include discussion and ex tempore questions. Each student will be expected to complete independent geography research reports.
Each class should last between 30 and 45 minutes, and students ought to sign in 5 minutes before class begins.
Each student is expected to attend class prepared to write notes and up to date on their reading assignments.
Students are expected to listen carefully in class, write when told to write, and maintain appropriate classroom decorum.
Questions are always welcome in and outside of class. Each section of the class will conclude with a test. Each test is a written test with questions that require exposition with complete sentences and paragraphs.
IV. My Assumptions
I expect my students to attend class, take notes, read assignments, and take assessments. This class does not require previous knowledge of history.
V. Course Requirements:
- Students must bring notebooks and writing instruments to each class.
- Students are expected to answer assessment questions in complete sentences and organized paragraphs. Parents ought to use the history assessments to coach students on writing skills.
- Students are expected to attend class on time.
- Course readings:
Required texts:
The Book of the Ancient World
The Book of the Ancient Greeks
The Book of the Ancient Romans
VI. Expectations for Parents
*This course is also offered in Middle School, and counts as a High school credit.
ATTENTION STUDENTS: Go to “MATERIALS” for class-ZOOM-link
Only enrolled students can view materials.
