Crash Course: World History
“John Green teaches you the history of the world”
About
Crash Course World History is a video course hosted by John Green that teaches world history from growing the first crops in the First Agricultural Revolution to global textile production in the 2010s. Across the series, it builds skills in identifying and explaining historical developments, analyzing events in broader context, and tracing patterns and connections across time and place—aiming to help viewers become more informed citizens of the world. Season 1 follows the 2012 AP World History curriculum in a 42-episode chronological survey, while Season 2 continues in 30 episodes with a more thematic approach that focuses on systems and encourages viewers to question how “history” is written and what biases shape it.
Cast
John Green
as John Green
Seasons
Season 1 - World History
In 42 episodes, John Green will begin teaching you the history of the world! This course is based on the 2012 AP World History curriculum, from growing the first crops in the First Agricultural Revolution to global textile production in the 2010s. By the end of the course, you will be able to: *Identify and explain historical developments and processes *Analyze the context of historical events, developments, and processes and explain how they are situated within a broader historical context *Explain the importance of point of view, historical situation, and audience of a source *Analyze patterns and connections among historical developments and processes, both laterally and chronologically through history *Be a more informed citizen of the world
Season 2 - World History 2
In 30 episodes, John Green rethinks world history! In round two we take a different approach and try to think more thematically rather than chronologically. By the end of the course, you will be able to: *Think about history thematically and in terms of systems, not just important events *Analyze the context of historical events, developments, and processes and explain how they are situated within a broader historical context *Explain the importance of point of view, historical situation, and audience of a source *Question how what we think of as “history,” how it is written, and what biases are at play in a work
Episodes
Season 1 - World History
The Agricultural Revolution: Crash Course World History #1
John Green investigates the dawn of human civilization. John looks into how people gave up hunting and gathering to become agriculturalists, and how that change has influenced the world we live in today. Also, there are some jokes about cheeseburgers.
Indus Valley Civilization: Crash Course World History #2
John Green teaches you about the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the largest of the ancient civilizations. John teaches you the who, how, when, where, and why of the Indus Valley Civilization, and dispenses advice on how to be more successful in your romantic relationships.
Mesopotamia: Crash Course World History #3
John presents Mesopotamia and the early civilizations that arose around the Fertile Crescent. Topics covered include the birth of territorial kingdoms, empires, Neo-Assyrian torture tactics, sacred marriages, ancient labor practices, the world's first law code, and the great failed romance of John's undergrad years.
Ancient Egypt: Crash Course World History #4
John covers the long, long history of ancient Egypt, including the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, and even a couple of intermediate periods. Learn about mummies, pharaohs, pyramids, and the Nile with John Green.
The Persians & Greeks: Crash Course World History #5
John compares and contrasts Greek civilization and the Persian Empire. Of course, we're glad that Greek civilization spawned modern western civilization, right? Maybe not. From Socrates and Plato to Darius and Xerxes, John explains two of the great powers of the ancient world, all WITHOUT the use of footage from 300.
Buddha and Ashoka: Crash Course World History #6
John relates a condensed history of India, post-Indus Valley Civilization. John explores Hinduism and the origins of Buddhism. He also gets into the reign of Ashoka, the Buddhist emperor who, in spite of Buddhism's structural disapproval of violence, managed to win a bunch of battles.
2,000 Years of Chinese History! The Mandate of Heaven and Confucius: World History #7
John introduces you to quite a lot of Chinese history by discussing the complicated relationship between the Confucian scholars who wrote Chinese history and the emperors (and empress) who made it. Included is a brief introduction to all the dynasties in Chinese history and an introduction to Confucius and the Confucian emphasis on filial piety, the role the mandate of heaven played in organizing China, and how China became the first modern state.
Alexander the Great: Crash Course World History #8
You are introduced to the life and accomplishments of Alexander the Great, his empire, his horse Bucephalus, the empires that came after him, and the idea of Greatness. Is greatness a question of accomplishment, of impact, or are people great because the rest of us decide they're great?
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