6 Alternatives to Western Civilization: High School History
Homeschool History: Alternatives to Western Civilization
For most homeschoolers, history studies are structured around Western Civ. Specivfically, this is a track of study tracing civilization’s development from the ancient Near East through the trajectory of Greece and Rome into the European Middle Ages and then the modern world, focusing on Europe and the United States. While a Western Civ track is important, as it constitutes our civilization’s backstory, historical studies can be so much more. By the time you get to high school, many students have gone over the Western Civ track more than once and are eager for something new.
As a history teacher, I also like to break out of Western Civ from time to time. While a Western Civ track is important, as it constitutes our civilization’s backstory, historical studies can be so much more. Below are six of my online history courses that can serve as high school alternatives to the standard Western Civ coursework. All are full-semester courses of 12 or more weeks.
1. Twelve Inventions That Revolutionized the World
Twelve Inventions That Revolutionized the World approaches history from the perspective of the most pivotal technological advancements. The course examines twelve of the world’s most revolutionary inventions. It focuses on their mechanical development and their cultural impact, including how they altered man’s view of his place in the cosmos. Furthermore, this course explores mankind’s creative capacity. It shows how man has reshaped his self-understanding through inventions, from the alphabet to the Internet. Ultimately, it’s a great opportunity to take a topical approach to history, breaking away from the focus on geo-political development.
2. The History of Japan
If your student is interested in Japan or Japanese culture, consider my History of Japan. From medieval times to today, Japan has been a major force in East Asia. This influence spans military, cultural, and economic aspects. The History of Japan traces the growth of the Japanese nation and culture from remote antiquity to the modern age. Students learn about the cultural and political development of the Japanese nation, Japanese geography, and the notable persons, battles, and events that were instrumental to the formation of Japan.
3. The History of Australia
Teaching a course on the history of Australia was probably one of the most random courses I have ever taught. Yet, in retrospect, it ended up being one of my favorites. The History of Australia is a general study of the political history of Australia. It covers pre-European aboriginal culture and settlements, the arrival of Europeans, the colonization of Australia, the period of colonial self-government, the growth of Australian democracy towards Dominion status, Australia in world affairs, and contemporary issues in Australian society. Additionally, the course also discusses the role of the Catholic Church in Australian history. Whether your child is a fan of Australia or knows absolutely nothing about the Land Down Under, this course will open them up to an entire rich history of one of the world’s most interesting places.
4. Fracturing of the Middle East: From the Ottoman Empire to ISIS
So much geo-political conflict these days comes out of the Middle East! The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iraq-Iran War, the Gulf War, the Syrian Civil War, the Arab Spring, the list goes on and on. What is going on over there? If your child is interested in learning about the history of one of the world’s most fractious places, I highly recommend Fracturing of the Middle East: From the Ottoman Empire to ISIS. This 14-week course begins with the closing days of the Ottoman Empire. It teaches how imperialism, Arab nationalism, and other movements shaped the contemporary Middle East. This provides students with a better understanding of this volatile region’s current situation. This is honestly a great course for parents to sit in on as well.
5. History of Latin America
Most of us spend multiple semesters on American history, by which we mean U.S. history. But how often do we think about studying Latin America, the vast landmass to the south of us teeming with 650 million people? In The History of Latin America students spend 13 weeks surveying the history and culture of Central and South America, from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial period through the age of the revolutions and into the region’s troubled modern period. The focus is on South and Central America, but the class also touches on the Caribbean, with an emphasis on illustrating how the region’s past relates to its modern character. There’s also a lot of discussion about the long and checkered past of the United States in the region.
6. History of Byzantium
Lastly, let’s talk about the Byzantine Empire. While most Western Civ tracks will take students from ancient Rome into the Middle Ages of Western Europe, my History of Byzantium keeps the focus on the East, showing how the late Roman Empire of Eastern Europe transformed into the Byzantine Empire, the bulwark of Christian civilization in the East for a thousand years. This course will acquaint students with a basic introduction to the political and cultural history of Byzantium. Major dates, persons, battles, and events are all covered, as well as important cultural and religious ideas. This course is great for helping students better understand the Christian heritage of the East and Byzantium’s continuing influence on Christendom.
Conclusion
Expanding the horizons of our homeschool history curriculum can enrich our children’s understanding of the world and its diverse cultures. By exploring these alternative coursework, we can offer our children a more comprehensive and engaging education that goes beyond the traditional Western Civilization track.
In conclusion, whether delving into the technological marvels that have shaped our world, immersing in the rich histories of Japan and Australia, understanding the complexities of the Middle East, uncovering the vibrant history of Latin America, or exploring the legacy of Byzantium, these courses provide valuable perspectives and insights. Let’s embrace these unique opportunities to cultivate a well-rounded and worldly perspective in our homeschooling journey!
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