| Age Range | 12-16 |
| Class Type | Live |
| Start / End Dates | Wednesdays 9/15 - 5/16 |
| Class Time | 10am - 11am (Mountain) |
| Class Size | 5-12 Learners |
Pricing Information
| Full year (30 week) course | $900 Per Student |
| With individual instructor feedback and evaluation | $1050 Per Student |
| Save on a two-class bundle! Two Class History Bundle (Ancient History AND Ancient Weapons and Warfare): $1567 Two Class History Bundle (Ancient History AND Ancient Weapons and Warfare) WITH individual instructor feedback and evaluation: $1710 | |
| Two Class History Bundle (Ancient History AND Making Through History: Ancient Art & Invention): $1710 Two Class History Bundle (Ancient History AND Making Through History: Ancient Art & Invention) WITH individual instructor feedback and evaluation: $1852 | |
| Save even more when you sign up for all three Ancient History classes! Three Class History Bundle: $2295 Three Class History Bundle WITH individual instructor feedback and evaluation: $2430 |
In this year-long course, we will be covering Ancient History from human origins until the fall of Rome. This is a large span of time, from millions of years ago until the transition into the Middle Ages in the 5th century CE, but it is also an important time period to explore human evolution, the emergence of written history, and global themes that impact the world to this day. We’ll be looking at history chronologically, using historical thinking, research, and writing skills to examining the what, when, where, how, and especially why of places, people, and events around the globe. There will be an emphasis on discussion, using primary sources as evidence, and critical thinking.
In the fall this course will cover human origins through around 700 BCE, which includes human evolution, the agricultural revolution, the development of writing, the Bronze Age around the world, Ancient Egypt, early civilizations in Africa, China, Mesoamerica, India and more. In the spring we’ll continue our exploration of Ancient History with classical Greece and Rome, and later civilizations including Persia, India, China, Mesoamerica, and more. We’ll finish our year-long adventure with a critical look at the transition from Ancients to the Middle Ages.
This is a full-year course (30 weeks) That meets on Wednesdays from 10-11am (Mountain).Â
Fall Term: live classes 9/15-12/8, No class on 11/24
Spring Term: live classes 1/12-5/18, No class on 3/16
Time Commitment
Usually 3-6 hours per week of work, including class. Time spent on reading assignments will vary for each learner.
This class is directly based on History Odyssey: Ancients, curriculum I wrote for Pandia Press, which will be published soon. This course is eligible for a full-year high school history credit based on completion of all required assignments, projects, and class participation. A transcript-ready course description at the end of class. Evaluations are available to students who choose to receive individual feedback.
Homework Requirements:
Homework will include weekly research assignments, which will be discussed in class. We will also be reading a combination of non-fiction, mythology, and historical fiction books that will be used for discussion and projects. Students will need access to Google Earth. There will be a mid-term and final project-based presentation.
Feedback Requirements:
Students who choose to receive feedback from me will co-create a rubric based on goals we set together for the course. This can include historical content, writing, etc. Feedback students meet with me at least twice to discuss progress and do a self-assessment.
Weekly feedback is provided via email and is based on both the rubric and my observations. Students are asked send me their assignments by the day before class.
Note:
This course has two additional add-on classes for the most holistic and well-rounded experience. Ancient Weapons and Warfare is a discussion-based class for those interested in learning more about the evolution, function, and aesthetics of battle objects and strategy. Making Through Ancient History: Art & Inventions is a hands-on course that focuses on re-creating significant art and invention that had an impact on ancient history and beyond.
Individual Support
Families and learners are welcome to share any information about their individual learning preferences and needs and instructor will make accommodations that are helpful to the class.
Book Requirements:
The Silk Roads: An Illustrated New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
The Kin by Peter Dickinson
The Golden Bull by Marjorie Cowley
Gilgamesh the Hero by Geraldine McCaughrean and David Parkins
Tales of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green
Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Pyramid by David Macaulay
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes  by Edith Hamilton
The Iliad by Gareth Hinds (Graphic Novel Adaptation)
The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds (Graphic Novel Adaptation)
City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction by David Macaulay
The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
Ramayana: An Illustrated Retelling by Arshia Sattar
The Art of War: A Graphic Novel by Sun Tzu, retold and illustrated by Pete Katz
Popol Vuh: A Retelling by Ilan Stavans and illustrated by Gabriela Larios
Note: alternate versions of the above books on mythology can be used if needed. Contact the instructor to discuss.
Class Interaction:Â
Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free). Students can also sign up for a free Discord account to get access to a class-specific channel.Â
Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT
Samantha is an educator, historian, writer, maker, and speaker. She has almost three decades of experience in education, program development, and the arts and is a dedicated mentor and lifelong learner.Â
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We have thoroughly enjoyed ancient history with Sam Matalone Cook and would love to continue following the history courses under her instruction. Michelle’s writing workshop was a welcomed addition to our semester and the ease of adding on a quick workshop to the semester was appreciated. I do wish that I could take classes, too. The great selection makes me jealous; Fairy Tales and Feminism would be so incredible to join in and to learn with Sam! And the LGBTQ+ history and US courses! Blair’s enthusiasm for science comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. So many great classes- so little time.
Sheila and Elisa
So many great classes- so little time.
Research Boot Camp was a fun & engaging workshop that covered import skills I’ll use throughout my academic career. L.C.
Research Boot Camp was fun & engaging
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook
This was an awesome class — Sam (the instructor) really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!). There was quite a bit of material covered in the four sessions, with a great balance of demonstration, discussion, and tasks to complete on their own. Sam was also available for answering questions between sessions and posted the material (including video recording), which was very helpful. Our son loved this class and really looked forward to it every week. All the best! Ariel
Sam really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!)
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook
Thank you! Thank you! Your fantasy map making class was fantastic. What my kids enjoyed is that it was in-depth, messy, and tactile. It was not elementary or overly cautious. It utilized real art materials and challenged them to think creatively and concretely about their ideas.
Your high school research class was informative, clear, and concise. Maya is now utilizing the tools she learned from you in her high school and college classes. I’m going to look for any class you are teaching in the future; and I’m going to recommend you to my friend circle. I’m so glad we found SEA online. If you teach on any other platform, I’d love to know.
Thanks again for great classes!
Degania Fortson
Thank you! Thank you! Your fantasy map making class was fantastic.
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook
