Investigate early human tool creation, societal evolution, and the impacts of the agricultural revolution. 
Chart early human migrations and adaptations, outlining the origins of Homo sapiens. Explore Mesopotamia's geography, civilizations, and the GRAPES framework. 
Investigate Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian achievements, and Mesopotamian legal systems. 
Examine ancient Egypt's Nile River influence and its decline. 
Evaluate theories on the fate of Harappans and explore Hinduism's beliefs. 
Study Ancient China's geography, dynasties, and philosophical schools. 
Analyze the Phoenicians' trade skills and the development of their alphabet. Investigate ancient Persia's governance, infrastructure, and society. 
Explore the GRAPES framework for ancient civilizations.

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.

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
Captivating History.  Ancient Civilizations: A Captivating Guide to Mayan History, the Aztecs, and Inca Empire
Gomez, Michael.  African Dominion: A New History of Empire in Early and Medieval West Africa
Souyri, Pierre François and Käthe Roth.  The World Turned Upside Down: Medieval Japanese Society (Asia Perspectives: History, Society, and Culture)
Wickham, Chris. Medieval Europe

Primary and secondary texts, writings and works of various early religious and significant scholars.