Course Syllabus

 

Course Description

Welcome to this comprehensive journey through the cataclysmic events that reshaped the 20th century: World Wars I and II. As a student, you will not merely scratch the surface but dive deep, exploring the intricate political, military, and social facets that intertwined to birth these monumental conflicts.

Course Overview: From the tumultuous political atmosphere of pre-WWI Europe to the fall of the Axis Powers in WWII, this course meticulously unwraps the multi-faceted origins, key battles, influential personalities, and the profound aftermaths of both wars.

World War I: Often dubbed "The Great War," its inception traces back to a complex web of alliances, territorial disputes, and long-standing enmities. It transformed warfare with innovations like aerial combat, while the horrors of trench warfare, chemical weaponry, and extensive artillery barrages introduced unprecedented levels of devastation. The Treaty of Versailles, meant to conclude the conflict, indirectly sowed the seeds for the rise of Nazi Germany, setting the stage for another global confrontation.

World War II: The scale and impact of WWII dwarfed its predecessor. Engaging over 100 million people from more than 30 countries, its theaters spanned across continents. The world witnessed the emergence of charismatic yet malevolent leaders who sought global domination. The battles were fierce, encompassing land, air, and sea, and were executed with unparalleled intensity. The fallout from WWII was immense, instigating significant political shifts worldwide, the atomic age, the Cold War era, and redrawing the global power dynamics.

Course Highlights:

  1. Detailed Origin Analysis: Explore the intricate political environment leading to World War I and the subsequent rise of extremist ideologies that initiated World War II.
  2. Battle Breakdown: Dive deep into the strategies, tactics, and outcomes of the most pivotal battles that decided the course of the wars.
  3. Personality Profiles: Understand the psyche, motivations, and decisions of the influential personalities, both political and military, which significantly impacted the war trajectories.
  4. Aftermath Assessment: Examine the socio-political restructuring post the wars, such as the rise of the US as a superpower, division of Europe, establishment of Israel, and the onset of the Cold War.
  5. Interactive Elements: Engage with netlinks, polls, and assignments that further enrich the learning experience.

Course Modules: World War I:

  • Introduction to WWI
  • Terminology & Structure
  • The Path to World War
  • Events Precipitating the Great War
  • 1914 – The Outbreak
  • Major Battles: Western Front
  • Major Battles: Eastern and Italian Fronts
  • Global Involvement
  • War Conclusion and Treaty Implications
  • Notable Figures: Central, Entente, and Associated Powers
  • Final Review & Analysis

World War II:

  • Introduction to WWII
  • Terminology: Parts I & II
  • Prelude: Fall of the Weimar Republic
  • Adolph Hitler: The Rise of a Dictator
  • Axis Powers: A Comprehensive Look at Germany, Italy, and Japan
  • From Phoney Wars to Real Ones
  • Key Battles: France, Britain, North Africa, Eastern Front, Italy, and the Pacific
  • The Unraveling of the Third Reich
  • Prominent Figures: Axis & Allies
  • The War’s Conclusion and Post-war Reconstruction
  • Unveiling the Atrocities: Holocaust and Other War Crimes
  • Analyzing the Post-War World

This course isn't just a chronological account of events; it's a deep dive into the psyche of nations, leaders, soldiers, and civilians during two of history's most turbulent times. As a student, you will emerge with a nuanced, well-rounded understanding of the forces that propelled these wars and their lasting impact on the world. Join us on this enlightening journey through the annals of history.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define World War I terminology.
  • Describe the path to world war.
  • Summarize important events before the Great War.
  • Describe 1914 and the beginning of the war.
  • Summarize the major battles of the Great War--The Western Front.
  • Summarize the major battles of the Great War--Eastern and Italian Fronts.
  • Summarize the major battles of the Great War--beyond Europe.
  • Summarize aftermath of the war.
  • Summarize notable figures of World War I.
  • Define World War II terminology.
  • Summarize setting the stage for war: The Fall of the Weimar Republic.
  • Summarize Adolph Hitler's Life and career.
  • Summarize the other Axis Powers: Italy and Japan.
  • Describe the Phoney War.
  • Summarize the battles of France and Britain.
  • Describe the North African Campaign.
  • Summarize the Eastern Front, Italian Campaign, and the Pacific Theatre.
  • Summarize the end of the War.
  • Summarize the horrors of the Third Reich.
  • Summarize the aftermath of World War II.
  • Summarize prominent figures of World War II.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
Introductions 5 points
Assignment 1: Teminiology of WWl 15 points
Exam 1: WWl Terminology & Structure 17 points
Assignment 2: The Path to WWl 25 points
Exam 2: The Path to WWl 15 points
Assignment 3: Events Leading to WWl 25 points
Exam 3: Important Events before WWl 16 points
Assignment 4: 1914- The War Begins 25 points
Exam 4: 1914- The War Begins 19 points
Assignment 5: WWl Battles on The Western Front 25 points
Exam 5: The Western Front Battles of WWl 12 points
Assignment 6: WWl Battles on the Eastern and Italian Fronts 25 points
Exam 6: Eastern and Italian Front for Battles of WWl 13 points
Assignment 7: WWl Battles that took place beyond Europe 25 points
Exam 7: Beyond Europe Battles of WWl 19 points
Assignment 8: The Conclusion and Aftermath of WWl 25 points
Exam 8: The Conclusion and AFtermath of WWl 20 points
Assignment 9: Notable Figures of WWl (Central Powers) 25 points
Exam 9: Notable Figures of WWl of Central Powers 19 points
Assignment 10: Notable Figures of WWl (Entente Powers) 25 points
Exam 10: Notable Figure of WWl of Entente Powers 14 points
Assignment 11: Notable Figures of WWl (Associated Powers) 25 points
Exam 11: Notable Figures of WWl (Associated Powers) 14 points
The Final Exam for WWl 27 points
Exam 13: Terminology, Part I (WWll) 140 points
Assignment 12: WWll Personal Interests 15 points
Exam 14: Terminology, Part II (WWll) 130 points
Assignment 13: Nazi Party Rise 15 points
Exam 15: Setting the Stage: The Fall of the Weimar Republic 110 points
Assignment 14: Who was Hitler? 35 points
Exam 16: Adolph Hitler's Life & Career 110 points
Assignment 15: Key Axis People 20 points
Exam 17: The Other Axis Powers: Italy and Japan 110 points
Assignment 16: The Maginot Line 15 points
Exam 18: Opening Salvos; Germany Starts the War 110 points
Assignment 17: The Phoney War 15 points
Exam 19: The Phoney War of WWll 20 points
Assignment 18: Time Line 15 points
Exam 20: The Battles of France and Britain 120 points
Assignment 19: Why Africa? 15 points
Exam 21: The North African Campaign 120 points
Assignment 20: Stalin and Cold Weather 30 points
Exam 22: The Eastern Front 150 points
Assignment 21: Italian Campaign Timeline 20 points
Exam 23: The Italian Campaign 110 points
Assignment 22: United States Involvement 30 points
Exam 24: The Pacific Theatre 140 points
Assignment 23: War Ends 25 points
Exam 25: The End of the War: Victories in Europe and Japan 130 points
Assignment 24: The Holocaust 25 points
Exam 26: The Horrors of the Third Reich 140 points
Assignment 25: Israel 15 points
World War I and World War II: Compare and Contrast 50 points
Exam 27: The Aftermath of World War II 140 points
Assignment 26: Hollywood 15 points
Exam 28: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Axis 100 points
Assignment 27: American Involvement 25 points
Exam 29: Prominent Figures of World War II: The Allies 120 points
Buddha's Eightfold Noble Path
Buddha's Eightfold Noble Path
What is the U.S. Economy Policy?
What is the U.S. Economy Policy?
American History Courses
American History Courses
Salem Witch Trials
Salem Witch Trials
Bible Stories
Bible Stories
American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
American Civil War
American Civil War
Mythology Courses
Mythology Courses
American Heroes and Villains
American Heroes and Villains
American Wars: American Revolution and Civil War
American Wars: American Revolution and Civil War