Welcome

The Ages of Globalization (AOG) is a free, multidisciplinary, interactive course designed to prepare learners from around the world to tackle today's sustainable development challenges.


Inspired by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs' groundbreaking book, this course propels students through place and time, merging world history, science, geography and technology. UNESCO World Heritage Sites enable storytelling and exploration to bring history to life. Through video-based contents, lesson plans and a final capstone project, students will become  explorers on a mission to understand humanity's interconnectedness, including vital lessons on sustainable development and the pressing challenges of the 21st century. It will also feature live dialogues between today's global leaders and tomorrow's change makers with a specific focus on how young people can take action.


Our beta launch in Fall 2024 will include the participation of network schools. 


To be a part of this journey, stay tuned for 2025 launch at https://www.agesofglobalization.com/

The Course

28 Lessons through the 7 Ages of Globalization

    1. A message from Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs

    2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    3. Guide: How to Use the Lesson Plans

    4. Guide: Community Capstone Project Component

    5. Guide: How to Use Maps

    6. Before we begin... (a quick survey!)

    7. How to Use the Online Platform : Tutorial Videos & Links

    1. Class 1 Learning Goals & Desired Results

    2. Class 1 Concepts & Definition

    3. Class 1 Summary

    4. Class 1 Chapter 1. 8 billion of us living in an interconnected world

    5. Class 1 Chapter 2. Interconnected in many crucial ways: trade, finance, tourism, technology, climate

    6. Class 1 Chapter 3. Huge challenges facing us today, especially young people

    7. Class 1 Chapter 4. Sustainable Development is our goal

    8. Class 1 Chapter 5. History helps us to understand how to achieve our goals

    9. Class 1 Check Your Facts : Review Questions

    10. Class 1 Check Your Facts : Fill-in-the-Blank

    11. Class 1 Data Activity

    12. Class 1 Community Engagement & Student Action Considerations

    13. Class 1 Building Toward Capstone

    14. Class 1 Additional Readings

    15. AOG Book Chapter 1. Seven Ages of Globalization. (Intended for Class Use Only. Please do not circulate).

    1. Class 2 Learning Goals & Desired Results

    2. Class 2 Concepts & Definition

    3. Class 2 Summary

    4. Class 2 Chapter 1. Why Seven Ages?

    5. Class 2 Chapter 2. The Drivers of Change: Environment, Technology, and Institutions

    6. Class 2 Chapter 3. From Homo Erectus to 8 billion of Us

    7. Class 2 Chapter 4. From Hunting and Gathering to Urban Life

    8. Class 2 Chapter 5. Seven Ages: Paleolithic, Neolithic, Equestrian, Classical, Ocean, Industrial, Digital

    9. Class 2 Check Your Facts : Review Questions

    10. Class 2 Check Your Facts : Fill-in-the-Blank

    11. Class 2 Data Activity

    12. Class 2 Journal Prompts

    13. Class 2 Community Engagement & Student Action Considerations: Building Toward Capstone

    14. Class 2 Additional Readings

    15. AOG Book Chapter 1. Seven Ages of Globalization. (Intended for Class Use Only. Please do not circulate).

    1. Class 3 Learning Goals & Desired Results

    2. Class 3 Concepts & Definition

    3. Class 3 Summary

    4. Class 3 Chapter 1. Climate zones and economy

    5. Class 3 Chapter 2. Topography

    6. Class 3 Chapter 3. River Systems

    7. Class 3 Chapter 4. Trade Routes

    8. Class 3 Chapter 5. Disease Patterns & Environment

    9. Class 3 Check Your Facts : Review Questions

    10. Class 3 Check Your Facts : Fill-in-the-Blank

    11. Class 3 Data Activity

    12. Class 3 Journal Prompts

    13. Class 3 Community Engagement & Student Action Considerations: Building Toward Capstone

    14. Class 3 Additional Readings

    15. AOG Book Chapter 1. Seven Ages of Globalization. (Intended for Class Use Only. Please do not circulate).

    1. Class 4 Learning Goals & Desired Results

    2. Class 4 Concepts & Definition

    3. Class 4 Summary

    4. Class 4 Chapter 1. Types of technology

    5. Class 4 Chapter 2. Technological change: Innovation and diffusion, ecology

    6. Class 4 Chapter 3. Innovation through all seven ages

    7. Class 4 Chapter 4. Empire: Infrastructure

    8. Class 4 Chapter 5. Transoceanic Empire and Industrialization

    9. Class 4 Chapter 6. Digital: Computers, Telecommunications, AI

    10. Class 4 Check Your Facts : Review Questions

    11. Class 4 Check Your Facts : Fill-in-the-Blank

    12. Class 4 Data Activity

    13. Class 4 Journal Prompts

    14. Class 4 Community Engagement & Student Action Considerations : Building Toward Capstone

    15. Class 4 Additional Readings

    16. AOG Book Chapter 1. Seven Ages of Globalization. (Intended for Class Use Only. Please do not circulate).

    1. Class 5 Learning Goals & Desired Results

    2. Class 5 Concepts & Definition

    3. Class 5 Summary

    4. Class 5 Chapter 1. Human beings as “social animals”

    5. Class 5 Chapter 2. Politics

    6. Class 5 Chapter 3. Property and Economy

    7. Class 5 Chapter 4. Religion, Culture, Ethics

    8. Class 5 Chapter 5. International Relations

    9. Class 5 Check Your Facts : Review Questions

    10. Class 5 Check Your Facts : Fill-in-the-Blank

    11. Class 5 Data Activity

    12. Class 5 Journal Prompts

    13. Class 5 Community Engagement & Student Action Considerations: Building Toward Capstone

    14. Class 5 Additional Readings

    15. AOG Book Chapter 1. Seven Ages of Globalization. (Intended for Class Use Only. Please do not circulate).

About this course

  • Free
  • 28 Lessons (customizable ~3 to 5 hours per week)
  • 14+ years (high school / secondary school)
  • Beta Launch : September 21, 2024 & Full Launch: 2025

  • Lecture videos with storytelling from UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Cultural engagement, geospatial activities & community projects

  • Live sessions with world leaders & learners around the world via UN at Your Doorstep

Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs

Course Instructor

Jeffrey D. Sachs

Course Instructor

World-renowned economics professor, bestselling author, innovative educator, and global leader in sustainable development. Amongst other, Professor Sachs is Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University; President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network; SDG Advocate for UN Secretary General António Guterres www.jeffsachs.org

Join the journey today

Enroll