In World History I, students take a journey back in time to explore civilizations, world events and notable people from pre-history through 1500 A.D. Aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning, this course begins with the Paleolithic time period and the dawn of humankind, then moves to examine ancient river valley civilizations, like Mesopotamia and Egypt, ancient India and China, classical Greece and Rome, the Byzantine Empire, early Russia, the Islamic Empire, early African and American civilizations, and Europe during the Middle Ages. Culminating with the Renaissance, World History I features information about the birth and growth of the five major world religions. Through interactivities, media-rich content, and engaging activities, students learn about historical patterns and events, and find their relevancy to today.