In this course, you will learn about the many different cultures and kingdoms of ancient Africa. You will explore different geographical features in this great land. You will learn about the fascinating civilization of ancient Egypt and how it developed along the Nile River. In Chapter 2, you will learn about the geography and history of ancient Kush. You will also discover the connections between Egypt and Kush. Finally, you will study the culture of ancient Kush and the reasons for its decline. In Chapter 3, you will learn about the great empires of West Africa, which grew rich from trade. You will also learn about the traditions of West Africa, which include storytelling, art, music, and dance. Moving along, in Chapter 4, you will learn about five countries located in the region of North Africa—Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. You will learn about the importance of water in this dry region. You will also study the histories of these countries, which include ancient Egyptian civilization. In addition, you will learn about North Africa’s cultures, economies, and governments. In the next chapter, you will learn about the 17 countries of West Africa. First, you will learn about the dry plains and major rivers in the region. Then you will learn about West Africa’s history and culture as well as what the countries in the region are like today. Following that, you will learn about the physical geography of East Africa. You will also learn about the region’s rich history and culture. Finally, you will study the countries of East Africa today. We're getting to the end. In Chapter 7, you will learn about the rivers, forests, and resources of Central Africa. This region has been influenced by native traditions and Europeans, and you will read about how these influences have affected Central Africa’s culture. Finally, you will learn about the different countries in Central Africa and some of the challenges these countries face. In the eighth and final chapter, you will learn about nine countries that are located in the region of Southern Africa—South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Comoros. You will learn about the region’s history, cultures, and economies. Starts Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

In this course, you will learn about three major periods in the early history of Europe. First you will learn about ancient Greece, a culture whose ideas still shape the world. Then you will learn about Rome, one of the most powerful civilizations in all of world history. Finally, you will read about the Middle Ages, a time of great changes in Europe. Then, you will learn about European history from the end of the Middle Ages to 1900. During this period new ideas and innovations changed life and expanded knowledge across Europe. In Chapter 3, you will learn about Europe since 1900. You will study the causes and effects of World Wars I and II. You will also learn about the Cold War and how it divided Europe. Finally, you will discover how Europe was reunited at the end of the Cold War. In Chapter 4, you will learn about four large countries located in Southern Europe—Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. You will learn about the countries’ long histories and the many groups that have influenced their societies. Finally, you will see how the countries’ histories still affect their cultures and governments. Then, you will learn about the physical features, climate, and natural resources of West-Central Europe. You will also study the histories and cultures of the countries in this region. Finally, you will learn about life in these countries today. Next, you will discover Northern Europe’s unique and varied physical geography. You will also study the history and culture of Northern Europe’s two main regions—the British Isles and Scandinavia. Finally, you will learn about the British Isles and Scandinavia today. You will learn about the countries of Eastern Europe. Once dominated by the Soviet Union, these countries have experienced major changes since the early 1990s. In some cases, those changes have been peaceful and have led to great economic success. In other places, the changes resulted in war, economic hardship, and political problems. Next, you will learn about the physical features, climate, and natural resources of Russia and the Caucasus. You will also study the histories and cultures of these countries. Finally, you will learn about life in each of the countries today. Starts Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

In this course, you will learn about the ancient civilization of India, the birthplace of two major world religions-Hinduism and Buddhism.You will also learn about the early civilizations and powerful empires that developed in India. Then, you will learn about the history and culture of ancient China. China was one of the world’s early centers of civilization. You will also study the powerful dynasties that arose to rule China and reshape Chinese culture. Next, you will learn about the physical geography of the Indian Subcontinent. You will also discover the history and culture of the region. Finally, you will learn about the countries of the Indian Subcontinent today. You will then learn about the physical features, climate, and resources of China, Mongolia, and Taiwan. You will also study the histories of these countries, how different influences have shaped their cultures, and what life is like in these regions today. you will learn about three countries—Japan, South Korea, and North Korea. Although the three share some physical features and have intertwined histories, they are all very different today. Both Japan and South Korea are democratic countries with prosperous economies, while North Korea is a Communist dictatorship faced with economic hardships. Next,  you will learn about the physical features, climate, and natural resources of Southeast Asia.You will also examine the histories and cultures of the countries in this region and explore what life is like there today. After this, you will learn about the vast world located in the Pacific Ocean. You will study the geography, history, and culture of Australia and New Zealand. You will also discover one of the most unique places in the world—the Pacific Islands. Finally, you will examine the immense and isolated continent of Antarctica. Starts Thursday, April 16, 2009.

In this course, you will learn about the world’s oldest civilizations. These civilizations developed in the region of Mesopotamia, part of a larger area known as the Fertile Crescent. Then, you will learn about the origins and spread of two major world religions—Judaism and Christianity. You will also learn how Christianity changed as it spread from the western Roman Empire into the Byzantine Empire. Next, you will learn about a religion called Islam. First taught by a man named Muhammad, Islam is now one of the largest religions in the world. Throughout history, Muslims, or people who practice Islam, have ruled empires and made great advances in many fields. Afterwards, you will learn about the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region—Turkey, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.You will study their physical geography, history, government, economy, and culture.  Continuing on, you will learn about the Arabian Peninsula, which includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. You will also learn about the history and people of Iraq and Iran. you will learn about the rugged physical geography of Central Asia. This physical geography has affected the region’s history. You will also learn about the many influences on Central Asia throughout history. Finally, you will see how these influences have affected the region’s culture, governments, and economies today. Starts Friday, April 17, 2009.