World History I

This survey course will begin with the development and contributions of the ancient river civilizations and continue with a study of ancient Greece and the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. A look at ancient Chinese, Japanese, and Indian cultures ushers in a study of world religions. Students will finish this course by examining the rise of feudalism and chivalry in the Middle Ages. The historical narrative is supplemented by the use of art, architecture, and literature, including field trips to museums in Washington, DC, and Baltimore.

Throughout the course, students are introduced to the skills practiced by historians. They learn the art of taking notes from a textbook, writing analytical essays containing strong thesis statements, and relevant examples, writing a three to five-page research paper. Students will also learn how to interpret primary sources and analyze maps and data.