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Ancient World Civilizations for Upper Elementary History

In this 8 week semester course, students will explore the foundations of civilization around the world
Brandy Dahlen and BE Education
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(586)
Popular
Rising Star
Class

What's included

8 live meetings
4 in-class hours

Class Experience

This fun 8 week semester course will cover the basics of Ancient Civilizations.  What does "civilization" mean?  How is it achieved? 
 What factors influence the development of a civilization?  We will discuss what are the requirements to be considered a "civilization," how did the first civilizations develop, what features did they share and what were their differences.  We will explore a variety of civilizations from around the world as we discuss the themes and ideas of "civilization."  In class we will discuss, look at images, and read primary documents and short pieces of literature to help the students understand the values and elements of each of these societies we are exploring.  Students will begin to explore the idea of "doing history" by thinking about the information available and the concepts of history means in a fun and exciting way.  I love to share my passion for history with students and develop a strong love of history and the story of humanity around the world.    

Week 1-We will discuss the idea of "civilization"-what is it, characteristics, and the Neolithic Revolution
Week 2-Mesopotamia
Week 3-Egypt
Week 4-China
Week 5-Indus Valley
Week 6-Persia
Week 7-Maya
Week 8-Greece
Learning Goals
Students will develop an understanding of how historians classify "civilization," as well as the key elements of each of these.  We will compare and contrast a variety of civilization and explore the concept of what history itself means.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.9
586reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from University of Toronto
Jelena
Master's Degree in History from University of Cambridge
Brandy Dahlen
Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University
Karimah Whitaker
Master's Degree in History from Northwestern University
Linford
Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Yale University
Linford
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
Brandy Dahlen
Bachelor's Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Karimah Whitaker
Bachelor's Degree from Middle East Technical University
Maya
Bachelor's Degree in History from Millersville University
Linford
New to Outschool learners, use code BRANDYD2020 for $20 off your first class on Outschool.  Let me know if you use this code :)

Hi everyone!  I am Brandy, and I lead BE Education.  This organization includes only the most highly qualified teachers for history, literature, writing, and critical thinking.  You can see additional profiles below.

As the director of BE Education, I have a master's degree in history from the University of Cambridge in the UK, and I love teaching history, literature, research, and writing!  I have been teaching history, writing, research, and literature courses, as well as ACT prep, for elementary, middle, high school, and university students for 17 years, with the last 7 years online.  I also have homeschooled my own children.  For some of that time teaching, I trained new teachers in effective strategies for teaching online.  I have experience with students of all ages and abilities, from elementary students to adults at the university level, as well as with ESL learners.  Furthermore, I have experience with the AP program, as a teacher, student (10 exams completed, all 5's), and a grader.  I earned a 35 on my ACT and completed an IB diploma.  

I am passionate about teaching students to really explore history through primary documents and visual sources, and I have the skills to create an effective learning environment in an online classroom.  I use a discussion-based, inquiry-led, Socratic format to help students explore their own ideas about history, literature, and writing, as well as really learn the practical aspects of doing history and analysis rather than simply memorizing facts.  I am trained in research methods and love helping students explore research and writing skills to present their ideas.  Last, but not least, I'm also a mom of 10 kids, have traveled the world, and have lived in both Europe and Asia (for classes on Korean culture and language see my husband's page:  https://outschool.com/teachers/Ethan-Yun). All my classes are ESL FRIENDLY.

If you are looking for a comprehensive high school curriculum for both history and literature, I would recommend the following approach.  You can vary the order as meets your needs:
9th-Geography 1 and 2, Literary Analysis 1 and 2, High School Essay Writing
10th-American Lit 1 and 2 + Rhetorical Analysis, US History 1 and 2
11th-World Lit 1-4, World History 1 and 2
12th-British Lit 1-4, Government 1 and 2
See this plan for other options and alternatives:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O1TUZOQIHDwJaSPEG4AwzXsxzNpW8Kr765OQlDOqduI/edit?usp=sharing

Do you have students prepare for AP exams in history or English this year?  Here are some options for support and review.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CNDR9qAzg04cKSmvAhGMCiwlVebhJFSoIkp4TA8RTmE/editusp=sharing

Also introducing my partner at BE Education, my long time friend, business partner, and experienced teacher:  "Hi! I’m Karimah. I’m a mom of four, global citizen, ardent traveler, and communications specialist of 25 years. I’m originally from Alabama but call Raleigh, NC home for now. I’ve spent 15 years traveling and working abroad, primarily in journalism, communications, and marketing. I have a master's degree in communications. 
Among the many roles I’ve assumed, I’ve worked as a teacher, AP teacher, university instructor, coach, trainer, consultant, curriculum developer, and evaluator.

It goes without saying that my professional passion is helping others effectively communicate – whether through a speech, essay, story, presentation, or ad. My methodology springs from a singular truth; great communication is about understanding the motivations of the receiver and what you want the end result to be. Once you’re able to understand that, everything else will fall into place!  I’ve had immense fun seeing my students – from ages 12 to 50 – bloom into effective communicators. When it “clicks”, there’s an excitement in their eyes, which I look forward to seeing in each of my students’ eyes here!"

And also Linford teaching history courses:  "My name is Teacher Linford and I love to see students connect deeply with their studies while having fun in the process. Originally from the rolling hills and small market towns of central Pennsylvania, my education journey has taken me from studying at Millersville University (BA History and German) to Northwestern (MA History) and Yale (MDiv Religion). Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in German culture in Mainz and Berlin, study Dutch in Leiden, and teach international students in Jerusalem.  

Since then I’ve taught hundreds of middle school and high school students. I find joy in seeing learners transition from self-doubt to the confidence that comes with comprehension. My hope is that we ask the "why" questions not only of our studies but of our own contexts."

Feel free to request specific courses (topics) or sections (time/dates)!  We are available for sections friendly to all international time zones.  I will list sections as you request them.

From former students and parents, "Russian Lit is still one of my favorite classes! Not to mention our AP courses. Your classes really prepared me well for college but also continued developing my critical thinking skills, world view, and love of learning."
"An absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable teacher! Brandy Dahlen’s classes are very interactive with lots of interesting discussions."
"Brandy Dahlen is truly the best history/lit teacher anywhere in the state. I am thankful my oldest benefitted from her classes! You just can’t get better than this lady right here. Your kids will get a taste of college AP classes if that’s what you want. She’s also a wonderful teacher in the non-AP courses."
"She taught 2 of my kids through high school. I've known her 11 years at least. She's one of the smartest people I've ever met."

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$100

for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
30 min

Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
3-6 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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