In this comprehensive SELF-PACED/ASYNCHRONOUS classical world history course (approx. 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE), learners will immerse themselves in the complex tapestry of the Classical World, an era defined by profound intellectual, cultural, and political developments. This comprehensive journey will take students through the foundational eras and territories that shaped the classical world.

Beginning with the ancient Greeks, learners will explore the origins of Western thought, the inception of democracy, and the genesis of the Olympic Games, delving into the city-state dynamics of Athens and Sparta that shaped the foundations of Western society. The course will delve into the lives and teachings of notable Greek philosophers, the captivating pantheon of Greek myths, and the era's intense warfare, including conflicts with Persia and within Greece itself.

We will delve into the rise and achievements of Ancient Persia, focusing on key leaders such as Cyrus the Great, Darius I, and Xerxes I. They will uncover the administrative brilliance of Darius I, the architectural grandeur of Persepolis, and the significant cultural impact of Zoroastrianism. Through immersive activities, learners will gain a deep understanding of how the Persian Empire’s policies and innovations influenced the classical world and its interactions with neighboring civilizations.

Venturing into the grandeur of Rome, learners will explore the Republic's transformation into a mighty Empire, the era of peace known as the Pax Romana, and the lasting impact of Roman legal and engineering innovations. Through dynamic interactions, we will engage with the compelling saga of Julius Caesar, the awe-inspiring majesty of the Colosseum, and the rich tapestry of Roman mythology. Additionally, we will examine how Rome's vast conquests paved the way for the spread of Christianity, leaving a visible mark on the fabric of the classical world.

As the narrative unfolds, the splendor of the Byzantine Empire emerges, with its capital Constantinople standing as a stronghold of Christian Orthodoxy and a bridge between Asia and Europe. Learners will delve into the artistic and architectural marvels like the Hagia Sophia and the complex political intrigues of Byzantine emperors and empresses.

Turning eastward, the course will explore the vast expanses of Russian history, from the rise of Kievan Rus through the era of the Tsars, highlighting the synthesis of Slavic traditions with Byzantine influences, which shaped Russia's unique cultural identity.

We will examine the rise of Islamic caliphates, starting with Prophet Muhammad’s influence on uniting Arab tribes. Learners will assess the rapid expansion under the early caliphs and the Umayyad period.

In the Indian subcontinent, the legacies of the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism, and the grandeur of the Mughal Empire will be brought into focus, showcasing the region's rich contributions to global culture, religion, and art.

Lastly, the enduring histories of the Chinese dynasties from Han to Qing will be analyzed for their innovations in governance, contributions to world philosophy, and their impact on global trade and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road and beyond.

THERE ARE NO LIVE MEETINGS, but learners will receive direct feedback on their work each week. 

Each week focuses on a different event or civilization in the classical world. At the beginning of each week an introductory video will be posted to the classroom along with supplemental written and visual handouts.  Interactive activities for learners to complete and post to the classroom will be posted each week as well.  These activities will be specific to the week's topic, but will include challenges and activities surrounding each period.   Both learners and teacher will interact virtually, providing encouraging, constructive feedback on shared posted work.  Most materials can be used digitally***, although there may be a few that need to be printed traditionally.   

After completing activities and assignments, learners will receive regular feedback from me before moving on to the next topic.  Each week, learners will have an opportunity to receive individualized teacher feedback. I will be available for office hours and meetings throughout the course by appointment according to your time zone.   

This classical world history class is a great companion to your homeschooling experience or utilized as a full homeschool curriculum for late middle school or early high school. Overall, this course would provide a comprehensive view of the Classical era, spanning from the 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE.  Kindly note that the inclusion of the Byzantines and Kievan Rus extends our historical survey up to the 13th and 15th centuries for these respective entities.   

**Zombie Apocalypse: Constructing a Civilization with Classical Elements 
In this unique and engaging project, learners will confront the challenge of surviving a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, using the best elements from classical civilizations. Drawing on their studies of the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Kievan Rus, Byzantines, Islamic Civilizations, Indian Civilizations & China, learners will creatively select the most effective aspects of these societies to design a resilient and thriving civilization.

Please note: The specific requirements and guidelines the project will be provided in class.

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This class is also offered as a live class, you can view that class here:
https://outschool.com/classes/homeschool-middle-school-ancient-classical-world-history-nxBBocGq

While my courses can be taken in any order based on individual preferences and needs, I would highly recommend taking them in chronological order. This sequencing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and enhances the learning experience. Therefore, I suggest following this chronological order for optimal learning:

(Self-Paced) Homeschool Ancient World History
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Classical Era: Greece, Rome & Beyond
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Medieval World History
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Early Modern World History
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Modern World History
(Self-Paced) Homeschool Cold War Era & Beyond 

By following this chronological order, learners can gradually build upon their knowledge and develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. They can trace the evolution of ideas, events, and societies over time, which fosters a more coherent and interconnected understanding of the subject.

However, I understand that individual circumstances and preferences may influence the order in which courses are taken. Ultimately, it is important to choose the sequencing that aligns best with your learning goals and interests.