(Recorded Course) The History of the End of the World with Kevin O’Brien

From Biblical times to today, come and take a deeper look at the historical and cultural effects of the idea of “the End of the World,” and learn how the history of “apocalypticism” has shaped present day cults, conspiracy theories, politicians, and beliefs.

How to get the most out of The History of the End of the World with Kevin O’Brien:

  • Watch each Recorded class session.
  • Complete all quizzes and assignments.
  • The reading for each class can be found in the module.
  • Repeat for each class until course is completed.
  • Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records. Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping.

Total classes: 6

Duration: 55 minutes per class

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade.

Suggested credit: 1/2 semester History or Theology 

Instructor: Kevin O’Brien

Instructor email: kevin@classeswithkevin.com

Course description: Both in the Old and New Testament the image of the End of Time (the Apocalypse, the Millenium) has influenced world history and culture…sometimes in good ways and sometimes in bad. In this course, we will examine the historical and cultural effects of the idea of the End of the World from Biblical times to the present day. Indeed, the idea of an imminent “millennium” is one of the most influential forces in today’s political struggles. Our goal is to have a better understanding of how the history of “apocalypticism” has shaped present day cults, conspiracy theories, politicians, and beliefs.

Course outline: 

  1. What is the End of the Age? Old and New Testament Visions of the Apocalypse.

  2. The Expectation of the Second Coming in the Middle Ages.

  3. The Modern Millennium - The Cattle Killings

  4. The Modern Millennium - The Millerites and Others

  5. “Apocalypse Now” - Right Now! Present Day Cults, Sects and Conspiracy Theories inspired by the End of the World

  6. Review

Course materials: A History of the End of the World by Jonathan Kirsch. ISBN-10 : 0061349879 / ISBN-13 : 978-0061349874 (https://amzn.to/2Ne9J81)

An answer key is not provided for this course.

Homework: Plan on about an hour’s worth of reading or research outside of class for each class. We will have frequent quizzes and a final essay as well. 

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2022 Homeschool Connections and Kevin O’Brien.  All rights reserved. This course is designed by Kevin O’Brien.

  • This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws.