Student Resources

a female student standing outside and using a tablet

In this supplementary section, you will find resources and documents to help you navigate through this course. If you need extra help with an assignment, click on the links below.

Course Icons and Glossary

You can access the course icon library for definitions of each icon used in this course.

glossary iconThe course glossary contains the definitions for the terms listed on each Module Overview page. Click on the course glossary link on each Module Overview page to access the course glossary.


How to Resources

This section contains procedures for some tasks you may be required to perform on your computer in order to complete this course.

Course Resources

Dates in World History

the Great Sphinx at Giza
The Great Sphinx at Giza
Throughout this course, you will see dates that are followed by the letters B.C., B.C.E., A.D., or C.E. The initials A.D. stand for the Latin phrase, Anno Domini, which translates in English to, "In the year of the Lord." A.D. is used with dates in the current era, which is considered the era since the birth of Christ. C.E. is an abbreviation for Common Era. It is a non-religious alternative to the use of A.D.

The initials B.C. stand for Before Christ. These initials are based on the year that is commonly accepted that Jesus of Nazareth was born. From this year, events are recorded forwards and backwards. B.C.E. is an abbreviation for Before the Common Era. It is a non-religious alternative to the use of B.C.

The calendar and system of time used by modern Western civilization begins with the year 1 A.D. (C.E.), and then counts forward in years - for example, 2 A.D. (C.E.), 3 A.D. (C.E.), 4 A.D. (C.E.), etc. However, many events in human history occurred before the year 1 A.D. (C.E.). In order to assign a time to those earlier events, the calendar actually counts backward from 1 B.C. (B.C.E.), which is the year before 1 A.D. (C.E.). For example, it is believed that the Great Sphinx of Giza was built sometime between 2558 B.C. (B.C.E.) and 2532 B.C. (B.C.E.). That means its construction started over 4500 years ago. View the timeline diagram below for a visual explanation of human time. Please note, there is no year 0.

timeline from 600 B.C. (B.C.E.) to 600 A.D. (C.E.)

Technology Resources

course page shown on iPadThis World History and Geography to 1500 A.D. (C.E.) (World History I and Geography) course has been designed using rapid e-learning software. This technology allows you to view all of the course components on different types of devices. The software is smart. It will deliver interactivities in a format that is compatible with your device, making this course fully functional on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device or a smartphone.

It is recommended that you use the course management system check before beginning a course. Typically, this tool checks each computer for JavaScript®, browser versions, cookies, and display. In addition to these computer requirements, you will need to have the free Adobe® Reader®. Videos in World History I and Geography are provided in a variety of formats, due to their availability. You should have access to the most current free versions of both Windows Media Player® and Apple QuickTime®.

You will need to download and use the Google EarthTM application for this World History I and Geography course. Click on the link below for more information about installing the application.

eMediaVASM and Interactivities

eMediaVA iconThis World History I and Geography course utilizes videos and interactivities from eMediaVASM, a digital media distribution system. When possible, these videos and interactivities have been included in course files; however, due to copyright, some videos and interactivities must be viewed on the eMediaVASM website. For information about your username and password for this resource, please contact your course instructor.