Online Courses and Classes in Ancient History

Online classes in ancient history are offered through several departments at many schools. Online classes in ancient history are available to students seeking personal enrichment and to students in undergraduate or graduate degree programs.

Summary of Online Ancient History Courses

Topics in ancient history are covered through the history, anthropology, archaeology, humanities or classical studies departments of most schools. Subjects include the origins of western civilization, the early Americas and the history of art, political systems and science. The study of ancient history is useful for students pursuing careers in academia, law, education and political science.

Course Requirements

Ancient history courses tend to have lectures available by file download or by Internet streaming software. Video lectures and topic overviews make up many courses; therefore, the student should have the appropriate video playback software and Internet plug-ins. Students interact with professors and classmates, take quizzes and exams and read course materials through an online learning program.

Listing of Online Ancient History Courses

Origins of Western Civilization Course

This course is usually offered at the undergraduate level, and it explores the cultures that are considered the basis of the modern Western world. The civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East are studied.

Ancient History Survey Course

A general ancient history survey course includes studies of major ancient civilizations. Not only are ancient Rome and Greece explored, but Africa, Meso-America, and ancient India and China also are examined. Topics include social and political structures, agriculture, art and historic religions.

Ancient Rome and Greece Course

The parallel and intertwined histories of Rome and Greece are reviewed chronologically in this course. A typical course covers major historical figures, literature, art and archaeological evidence and artifacts. In many cases, courses connect the classical world and the modern world.

Pre-Columbian America Course

An ancient Americas course may cover both North and South American indigenous cultures. Anthropological and archaeological evidence is presented in context with the history and culture of native civilizations, such as the Aztec Empire, the Inca, the Maya, the Chaco culture and other Southwestern U.S. cultures.