World History Course Overview

World History continues the process of developing in students an understanding of and appreciation for God’s activity
as seen in the record of man and his relationships. With an emphasis on Western Europe, the course surveys ancient
civilizations to the end of the 20th century, highlighting early Christianity (through the Reformation) and the two
World Wars. These areas of focus target three major content strands: History, Geography, and Social Studies Skills.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:

• Understand Western civilization from its beginnings to the present day.
• Understand the significant political and economic transformations and significant cultural and scientific
events in Europe during the Renaissance.
• Understand significant religious and societal issues from the Renaissance through the Reformation.
• Understand the significant social and political developments in Europe and America brought on by the
English, American, and French Revolutions.
• Understand the effects of the Industrial Revolution.
• Analyze major historical and political events of the 20th century, including the two World Wars, the Cold
War, and the Vietnam War.

Additionally, students will gain practice in report-writing, covering topics like the rise of Christianity, the U.S.
Constitution, communism versus free enterprise, the United Nations, and more.