Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History: Classical Era
What's included
16 live meetings
16 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Weekly materials will be posted in the classroom, with most being digital-friendly and a select few requiring printing. For those who prefer not to print, PDFs will be available to view on your device. Brief, independent assignments will often extend outside classroom time due to our packed agenda. Every learner will get at least one week to complete assignments and will receive advanced notice for larger projects. Homework, necessary for a deeper understanding, will be light—expect about 30 to 60 minutes per week. It's important to note that learners have varying speeds and styles of learning, and this may reflect in the time taken to complete tasks. Completing these assignments diligently on one's own time will not only reinforce the material discussed in class but will also prepare learners for more engaging and productive class experience. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.Assessment
Upon request and prior to the start of the course, assessments can be conducted throughout the course to evaluate learner progress and understanding. These assessments may include quizzes, tests, projects, feedback and/or other forms of evaluation (i.e. letter grade). Parents and learners are encouraged to discuss their grading preferences with the teacher. The purpose of assessments and grades is to provide feedback on student learning and measure their achievement. It is important for learners to actively participate in assessments and seek feedback to gauge their progress and areas of improvement. Furthermore, a detailed rubric will be provided specifically for the project. This rubric will serve as a guideline to assess and evaluate the quality and creativity of the learners' project. It will outline the criteria and expectations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the assessment process. Learners will have a clear understanding of the criteria by which their projects will be evaluated, allowing them to strive for excellence in their projects.Letter Grade
Upon request learners can opt to receive grades and/or feedback. In the absence of a specific request for grades, only feedback will be provided.Progress Report
Upon request learners can opt to receive grades and/or feedback. In the absence of a specific request for grades, only feedback will be provided.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Does your learner dream of stepping into history and leading civilizations through monumental challenges? In this immersive course, they’re not just learners—they’re leaders! From navigating the intense rivalries of Greek city-states to commanding the vast Roman Empire, learners will step into roles like Athenian citizens, Spartan warriors, Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, and Roman emperors, making decisions that shaped the Classical era (6th century BCE to 6th century CE). Through critical-thinking simulations and role-playing activities, learners will: -Fight alongside Greek city-states in the Greco-Persian Wars. -Lead conquests across Asia as Alexander the Great. -Govern Rome as senators or emperors, navigating power, innovation, and politics. -Unify kingdoms and spread Buddhism as Ashoka the Great. -Establish vital trade routes as Zhang Qian, the pioneer of the Silk Road. But the adventure doesn’t end there! In the Zombie Apocalypse: Constructing a Civilization with Classical Elements project, learners will put their knowledge to the test by designing a post-apocalyptic civilization. Drawing on the best ideas from ancient Greece, Rome, Persia, India, the Islamic Caliphates, and China, they’ll craft a (hopefully) resilient and thriving society to survive the chaos. ************************************************************ Additional Class Expectations: REFUND POLICY: I understand the appeal of booking in advance to secure a spot in classes, but I also acknowledge that circumstances may change. If you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to ten days before the class's start date, I will gladly issue a full refund. Please don't hesitate to contact me in such cases. For inquiries regarding sibling discounts, please reach out for further assistance. Active Participation: In this class, active participation is key to meaningful engagement and learning. Learners are strongly encouraged to contribute to discussions, share their perspectives, and ask questions. To promote critical thinking and effective in-class interactions, the chat feature should be used sparingly. While quick questions or clarifications are welcome, longer answers or discussions are best reserved for face-to-face interactions during class time. Punctuality: It’s essential for learners to arrive on time for this class. While late arrivals are welcome to join and participate from the moment they arrive, we won’t be able to restart simulations or catch up on missed activities due to time constraints. To ensure the best experience for everyone, punctuality is strongly encouraged. ************************************************************ Each week, learners will find all required materials posted in the classroom, with most being digital-friendly and a select few requiring printing. For those who prefer not to print, PDFs will be available to view on your device. Although I aim to provide enough in-class time for activities, given time limits, several brief assignments will require independent completion. Understanding our learners' busy lives, I provide ample time, at least one week, for the completion of each task and extended notice for projects. **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 for both projects will be provided in class. ************************************************************ 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: Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History Homeschool Middle School Classical Era: Greece, Rome & Beyond Homeschool Middle School Medieval World History Homeschool Middle School Early Modern World History Homeschool Middle School Modern World History Homeschool Middle School 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. ***Note on Teaching Style and Learner Participation: This class thrives on active student interaction and participation. The teaching methods, including simulations and critical thinking activities, are designed to engage and inspire. However, the success of these interactive sessions largely depends on learner involvement. Should active participation prove challenging, we may transition to a lecture format to ensure all essential material is thoroughly covered. I encourage all learners to join in, share their thoughts, and contribute to a dynamic learning environment, making the educational journey enriching for everyone.
Learning Goals
Explore ancient Greece's geography and its impact on civilization, including conflicts like the Persian Wars.
Survey cultural legacies like mythology and philosophy, and delve into Alexander the Great's conquests.
Investigate ancient Rome's landscape and its influence on society, from the Punic Wars to the rise of Christianity.
Examine Rome's emperors and their achievements, including architectural innovations. Analyze the reasons behind Rome's decline.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards16 Lessons
over 16 WeeksLesson 1:
Greece: Dark Ages to Democracy & Geography
Explore how ancient Greece's geography shaped its civilization and examine the transition from the Dark Ages to the adoption of democracy.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Greece: Greco-Persian Wars & Greek Mythology
Assess the causes, key events, and outcomes of the Greco-Persian Wars and their impact on Greek society and history. Explore Greek mythology, its role in shaping Hellenic culture, and its enduring influence on art, literature, and modern thought.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Greece: Greco-Persian & Peloponnesian Wars
Examine the causes, key events, and outcomes of the Greco-Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, analyzing their impact on Greek society, politics, and the balance of power in the classical world.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Greece: Alexander of Macedon & Greek Achievements
Analyze Alexander the Great's political strategies, economic expansions, and the spread of Hellenistic culture. Explore the monumental cultural legacies of classical Greece.
60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The study of world history encompasses a wide range of topics, including those that are sensitive in nature, such as war, slavery, racism, religion, and genocide. It is important to note that discussions on religion will solely focus on its historical context.
Throughout the course, learners will be exposed to diverse perspectives using reputable sources that have been peer-reviewed and are of scholarly nature. Students will be actively encouraged to engage in critical thinking and reflection, particularly when it comes to topics related to ancient conflicts, religion, and economics. To ensure a fair and impartial environment, discussions will be moderated by the teacher, who will adopt an unbiased and secular standpoint.
Where applicable, the course will strive to explore viewpoints from marginalized groups, shedding light on often underrepresented perspectives and narratives.
It is important to clarify that this course does not seek to endorse or promote any specific dating system. Instead, it aims to cultivate an appreciation for the various approaches and interpretations of time measurement and chronology.
As an educator, I am dedicated to presenting the course content in an age-appropriate manner, taking into consideration the sensitivity and maturity levels of the students. The utmost care will be taken to deliver the material in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and conducive to the learning experience.
Supply List
Paper: It is recommended to have both construction or colored paper for creative projects and regular paper for written assignments. Pen/Pencil: Essential tools for note-taking, completing assignments, and engaging in activities. Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils: These coloring tools will be useful for visual projects and adding creativity to assignments. Printer: Access to a printer is required for printing out resources provided by the teacher or accessing digital documents. Note: If using hard copy printouts, it is strongly suggested to have a folder or binder for organization. Dice: A physical set of dice, an app that allows for dice rolls, or access to a virtual dice roller online will be used for specific activities and simulations. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section where a list of recommended third-party websites will be provided. Make sure to have these supplies ready to fully participate in the course activities and projects.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Marr, Andrew. A History of the World
Boum, Aomar and Arthur Goldschmidt, Jr. A Concise History of the Middle East, 11th ed.
Khaldûn, Ibn Ibn. The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History - Abridged Edition.
Lewis, Bernard. The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2000 Years.
Richardson, Hazel. Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley (Peoples of the Ancient World).
Bauer, Susan. The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome.
Frankopan, Peter. The Silk Roads: A New History of the World
Primary and secondary texts, writings and works of various early religious scholars.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies.
Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12.
Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields.
My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning in my learners.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$19
weekly1x per week, 16 weeks
60 min
Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
4-9 learners per class