World history | Arts and humanities | Khan Academy

Khan Academy: World History Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive chronological survey of human history, organized into six primary units ranging from prehistory to the 20th century.

• Unit 1: Beginnings (Prehistory – 600 BCE): Focuses on the Paleolithic and Neolithic Revolutions, the origins of agriculture, and early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and the Americas.
• Unit 2: Second-Wave Civilizations (600 BCE – 600 CE): Covers the rise of major empires (Persian, Roman, Greek, Chinese dynasties), the development of foundational philosophies and religions (Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism), and transregional trade via the Silk Road.
• Unit 3: Regional and Interregional Interactions (600 – 1450): Examines the Byzantine Empire, the spread and Golden Age of Islam, the Crusades, Song China, the Mongol Empire, and the development of medieval social structures like serfdom and feudalism.
• Unit 4: Renaissance and Reformation (1450 – 1750): Highlights the Protestant Reformation (Martin Luther, Counter-Reformation) and the Scientific Revolution.
• Unit 5: Enlightenment and Revolution (1750 – 1900): Covers the American and French Revolutions, and the Napoleonic era.
• Unit 6: The 20th Century: Focuses on the causes and aftermath of World War I, the rise of Fascism and Nazism, and a detailed timeline of World War II.
• Course Updates: The curriculum is scheduled for significant updates on June 30, 2026.
• Learning Tools: The course structure includes thematic articles, practice exercises, and unit tests to track mastery.