This history course beigns by looking at the culture, politics, and achievements of pre-Columbian Empires in the Americas along with an exploration of ancient mysteries such as the lines of Nazca, Stonehendge, Easter Island and the mythical lost city of Atlantis.

Through study of ancient ruins and descriptions of daily life and politics, students will gain an understanding of how native peoples of the Americas lived in the period before the arrival of the Europeans. For example, students will study the complexity of Maya, Aztec, and Incan urban culture, and the sophisticated organization of Aztec and Incan economics and then recreate parts of this civilaon by building a 3D ancient world.. They will also read primary sources that describe contact between Native Americans and Europeans, and the betrayal by Europeans of Native American

This course has been designed around three broad learning outcomes:

1) A recognition that certain universal human concerns appear in all times and places and that an understanding of the past and the unfamiliar is a necessary part of a valid concept of what it means to be human.

2) An aesthetic appreciation of the forms and styles of literature that are the products of diverse cultures.

3) An ability to communicate their perceptions effectively and creatively.

Topics Covered:

  • Pre-Columbian Empires
  • Egypt
  • Mesopotamia
  • The Minoans
  • Pyramids
  • Greek Civilization
  • The Rise and Fall of Roman Civilization
  • Akhenaten: The Rebel Pharaoh
  • Ancient Rome
  • Expansion and Conquest
  • Fall of Empire
  • Byzantium
  • Cleopatra's Palace
  • The Mystery of Tutankhamen
  • Ancient China
  • Greek Mythology
  • Roman Mythology
  • Julius Caesar
  • Chinese Mythology

    • At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Articulate an understanding about and appreciation for non-American cultures and their literature, from ancient to contemporary times
  • Identify different world mythologies and the characteristics of each
  • Identify literary terminology appropriate to the literature studied
  • Hone library research techniques
  • Learn to use online literature resources for class preparation and research for assignments
  • Develop skills in writing and other forms of individual expression
  • Distinguish the characteristics of the world's major
    civilizations in their geographic and temporal settings
  • Describe the interactive roles of social, religious,
    political, economic, scientific, and technological forces
    among civilizations.
  • Trace the development of traditional civilizations and recognize their enduring influence.
  • Demonstrate relevant geographic knowledge of Earth and an understanding of the influence of geography on human history.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the people and events that influenced the economics, politics, and culture of the ancient world.

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