Homeschool Middle School Classical Era: Greece, Rome & Beyond
Class experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Learners will immerse themselves in the complex tapestry of the Classical World (approx. 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE), 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...
16 lessons//16 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Classical GreeceDive into the landscape of ancient Greece to grasp how its mountains, seas, and climate shaped Hellenic civilization.Week 2Lesson 2Classical GreeceAssess the reverberating impact of conflicts like the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars on Greek society and history.Week 3Lesson 3Classical GreeceSurvey the era's monumental cultural legacies, including mythology, and their foundational role in crafting Western heritage. Delve into the profound philosophical doctrines birthed in Greece that continue to underpin Western thought.Week 4Lesson 4Classical GreeceExamine the political strategies and economic expansions under Alexander the Great that spread the seeds of Hellenistic culture far and wide.Week 5Lesson 5Persian EmpireInvestigate the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics and society as key components of the Persian empire. Assess Persia's contributions to art, governance, and infrastructure, including the Royal Road. Evaluate the governance styles of Cyrus the Great, Darius I, and Xerxes. Understand Persian society, from daily life to social structures.Week 6Lesson 6Classical RomeNavigate the sprawling lands of ancient Rome, from the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to the shores of North Africa, and discover how the land shaped the mighty Roman civilization.Week 7Lesson 7Classical RomeExplore the rise and downfall of the Roman Republic and dive into the dramatic Punic Wars.Week 8Lesson 8Classical RomeSize up the emperors of Rome, from the noble to the notorious, and see what made them tick. Celebrate the extraordinary innovations of the Romans, from aqueducts to architecture, and their lasting impact on the world.Week 9Lesson 9Classical RomeWitness the rise of Christianity within the empire, blossoming from forbidden faith to a major religion. Piece together the complex puzzle behind the empire's grand finale, exploring the multifaceted reasons behind Rome's momentous fall.Week 10Lesson 10Islamic CivilizationsExamine the timeline and major developments of Islamic history, tracing critical events from Islam's foundation in the 7th century up to its golden age; exploring Muhammad's legacy and expansion under the Umayyad caliphate.Week 11Lesson 11Islamic CivilizationsEvaluate how the interplay of cultural exchanges and trade networks fueled the development of Islamic civilizations. Investigate the complex causes behind the widespread adoption of Islam and the societal, political, and economic changes it brought to various regions.Week 12Lesson 12Classical ChinaAssess the transformative achievements of ancient Chinese dynasties—Qin and Han—focusing on their political strategies, scientific advancements, and cultural contributions that shaped the course of Chinese history. Examine the influence of foundational Chinese philosophies, exploring their practical application and modifications in governance, and analyze their impact on society, culture, and politics during the Qin and Han periods.Week 13Lesson 13Classical ChinaExplore the Silk Road's role in connecting diverse regions economically, culturally, and ideologically, fostering early global interconnectivity. Analyze the strategic importance of the Great Wall of China in national defense, Silk Road protection, and reflecting China's historical power.Week 14Lesson 14Classical IndiaChronicle the landmark accomplishments of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires, noting how these political entities contributed to advancements in various spheres and shaped Indian society's development. Examine the Aryan Caste System and its effects on society.Week 15Lesson 15Classical IndiaAssess the Silk Road's impact on Eurasian economies and cultures, emphasizing trade's role in spreading religious ideas like Buddhism. Examine the geographical contexts of Buddhism's emergence and Siddhartha Gautama's journey, along with his teachings. Explore the spread of Buddhism's Eightfold Path across varied regions, considering geographical and societal facilitators.Week 16Lesson 16Classical Civilizations Theme Park ProjectDesign a Classical Civilizations Theme Park to demonstrate their understanding of ancient societies. Each student will focus on four civilizations from the classical era, such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Russian, Islamic, Indian, or Chinese. They will create themed sections with rides, restaurants, and attractions reflecting the essence of each civilization. This project encourages both knowledge and creativity.
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 and Constantinople's significance in the Byzantine Empire. Investigate Kiev's role in Eastern Europe's trade and culture, from Prince Vladimir's conversion to Christianity to its economic mechanisms. Study Islamic history from its foundation to its golden age, exploring cultural exchanges and trade networks. Evaluate the political strategies and cultural contributions of the Qin and Han dynasties in ancient China. Assess the impact of the Silk Road on global interconnectivity and the importance of the Great Wall of China. Chronicle the accomplishments of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India, including the Aryan Caste System and Buddhism's spread. Design a Classical Civilizations Theme Park to showcase knowledge and creativity, focusing on civilizations like Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Russian, Islamic, Indian, or Chinese.
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.
Homework Offered
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.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
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.Grades Offered
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.
1 file available upon enrollmentPaper: 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. Additionally, for the Classical Theme Park Project, you MAY need the following supplies: Learners should use their lesson handouts from class, the internet and print sources to research their chosen classical civilizations. For the project, you can use poster board, construction paper, art materials, printed pictures, colored pencils and markers, scissors and glue. 3D & digital presentations are also allowed. 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.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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.
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.
Hey y'all! I'm Janelle, your not-so-average History teacher. I believe in making learning hands-on and engaging for my middle school students. Why is hands-on learning important for middle schoolers, you ask? Well, the simple answer is that middle...
Group Class
$276
for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
60 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
4-8 learners per class