Subject: Social Studies

World History

Explore world history from the earliest civilizations to the modern day, examining key events, cultures, and ideas that shaped our global society. This engaging high school course blends political, economic, cultural, and technological developments to help students understand the past’s impact on the present.

Course Type: Standard High School

Credits: 1.0

Course Description

The World History course offers a comprehensive survey of human history from prehistoric societies to contemporary global events. Students will analyze the development of civilizations, major empires, belief systems, and transformative political and social movements. Through the study of migrations, revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, world wars, decolonization, and globalization, learners will explore how geography, innovation, and cultural exchange have shaped the world we live in today. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, historical inquiry, and making connections between past and present. Interactive readings, primary sources, and assessments provide opportunities for students to develop strong historical analysis and communication skills.

Course Objectives

Analyze the development of human societies and civilizations from prehistoric times through the modern era, with attention to geography, culture, religion, and technological advancement.

Evaluate the causes, processes, and consequences of major global movements, including migrations, revolutions, imperialism, and decolonization.

Explain the rise and fall of significant empires and political systems and how they influenced modern governance, law, and society.

Assess the role of belief systems, ideologies, and reform movements in shaping societies and promoting cultural exchange across time and place.

Examine the effects of global conflict, economic change, and technological innovation on international relations and the modern world order.

Starting is Easy

Want to learn more about earning your accredited high school diploma? Just enter your name and email below, and we'll send you a series of helpful emails to guide you through the process.

Course Contents

Module Title	Module Topic(s)
The Beginnings of World History	Discover how early humans adapted to their environments, developed farming, and built the first settled communities.
Early River Valley Civilizations	Examine the rise of ancient river valley societies and their lasting contributions in writing, law, and culture.
People and Ideas on the Move	Trace the spread of religions, cultures, and trade across early civilizations in Asia and the Mediterranean.
First Empires in Africa and Asia	Explore the growth of early empires and philosophies that shaped governance and culture in Africa and Asia.
Classical Greece	Investigate the politics, wars, philosophy, and arts of ancient Greece and their influence on Western civilization.
The Roman World and Early Christianity	Study the rise and fall of Rome, the spread of Christianity, and Rome’s enduring legacy.
India and China Establish Empires	Analyze the political, cultural, and economic achievements of classical India and China.
The Muslim World	Understand the origins of Islam, its global expansion, and cultural achievements across the Muslim world.
Empires in East Asia	Learn how dynasties and the Mongol Empire shaped trade, culture, and innovation in East Asia.
The Early Middle Ages	Explore medieval Europe’s political structures, religion, and daily life after the fall of Rome.
Church and Society in Western Europe	Examine the Crusades, cultural growth, and economic changes that transformed medieval Europe.
Societies and Empires of Africa	Discover the diversity of African societies and the empires that thrived through trade and culture.
People and Empires in the Americas	Study the rise of ancient American civilizations and their achievements before European contact.
The Renaissance	Investigate the cultural rebirth of Europe through art, literature, and humanist thought.
Reformation and Upheaval	Analyze the causes and consequences of the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic response.
Expansion, Exploration, and Encounters	Follow the Age of Exploration and its profound effects on global trade, culture, and empires.
Absolute Monarchs in Europe	Explore how monarchs consolidated power and reshaped government in early modern Europe.
Enlightenment and Revolution	Study how science, philosophy, and political thought spurred revolutionary change.
Revolutions Sweep the West	Learn how nationalism and revolutionary movements reshaped Europe and the Americas.
The Industrial Revolution	Examine how industrialization transformed economies, societies, and technologies worldwide.
An Age of Democracy and Progress	Explore democratic reforms, scientific advances, and cultural shifts in the 19th century.
The Age of Imperialism	Analyze the motives, methods, and impacts of imperialism on Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Transformations Around the Globe	Study how nations modernized and adapted amid global political and economic change.
World War I	Understand the causes, major events, and aftermath of the First World War.
Revolution and Nationalism	Examine the political upheavals and independence movements that reshaped nations in the early 20th century.
Depression and Crisis	Explore the global economic depression, political instability, and rise of totalitarian regimes.
World War II	Trace the global conflict from its causes to its consequences, including the Holocaust.
Cold War Conflicts	Analyze the ideological, political, and military tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union.
The Colonies Become New Nations	Explore how former colonies gained independence after World War II and the political, economic, and social challenges they faced in building new nations.
Struggles for Democracy	Examine the fall of authoritarian regimes, the shift from communism, and the complex challenges of building and maintaining democratic governments, with case studies from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Global Interdependence	Understand modern globalization, environmental issues, and cultural exchange in the contemporary world.

Recommended Prerequisites

Carnegie Credits Explained: Our Approach vs. Trimester Credits

Carnegie Credit System
Excel High School follows the Carnegie Credit system, a widely recognized method of measuring student progress based on instructional hours. A single Carnegie credit reflects approximately 120 hours of coursework, typically completed over a full academic year.

Carnegie Credit vs. Trimester Credit
While Carnegie credits are awarded based on total hours over a year, trimester credits divide the school year into three terms. In a trimester system, students complete courses in shorter, intensive sessions, often earning partial credits (e.g., 0.33 or 0.5 per term). In contrast, Excel’s use of Carnegie credits ensures students have ample time to engage deeply with the material and develop a well-rounded understanding at a consistent pace.

Accreditation You Can Trust

See Our Accreditations

Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.