Description
Course Title: World History via Ancestry
Grade Levels: 8–12
Course Length: One Semester
Credit Available: 0.50 World History Credit
Delivery Format: Online research, independent family interviews, ancestry-based project work
Course Overview:
This unique one-semester World History course for grades 8–12 invites students to explore major historical events through the personal lens of their own ancestry. Building on the AncestryDNA results and research begun in the World Geography course, students will investigate the four key regions identified in their DNA and trace their family history to uncover how global events shaped their ancestors’ lives.
Major Topics Covered:
Students will research world history topics related to migration, cultural shifts, wars, and historical milestones, focusing specifically on the eras and regions tied to their ancestry. The course emphasizes how personal and global histories intertwine.
Unique Course Features:
- Personal Ancestry Research: Students use an Ancestry.com account to investigate family records, tracing lineage and identifying key historical events experienced by relatives.
- Family Interviews: Students will interview parents and relatives to gather personal stories and family history as a foundation for their research.
- Time Commitment: Plan for approximately 3–4 hours of investigation and research each week.
- Inductive Learning Approach: Encourages hands-on discovery, personal reflection, and critical historical analysis.
- Credit and Requirements: One semester course awarding 0.50 World History credit. Requires prior completion of the World Geography course or equivalent ancestry research experience.
This immersive, project-based course makes world history personal and relevant, helping students see the connection between their own family story and the broader history of the world.
