Some subjects come alive when they’re taught by someone who has spent a lifetime studying them. Historian and author Dr. Thomas Milton Kemnitz brings that depth of knowledge to his courses at Royal Fireworks Online Learning. With a doctorate in history from the University of Sussex and a long career researching and writing about the ancient world, Dr. Kemnitz guides students beyond surface facts to a deeper understanding of the cultures, ideas, and artistic traditions that shaped Western civilization.

This upcoming school year, students have the opportunity to explore two rich areas of the humanities with Dr. Kemnitz: the rise and fall of ancient Rome and the artistic traditions that have defined Western culture for centuries. By exploring these ancient worlds, students discover the roots of Western civilization, including its government, legal traditions, literature, and the art and architecture that have shaped cultural expression for centuries.

The History of Ancient Rome
Student Ages: 11–18
Class Meetings: Mondays, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 14 – December 14, 2026; January 11 – May 10, 2027
Cost: $700 per semester/$1,250 for the full year

Course Highlights:
– Follow Rome’s transformation from a small village into the dominant power of the Western world.
– Study the assassination of Julius Caesar and the fall of the Roman Republic.
– Examine how Augustus established the Pax Romana and structured the Roman Empire.
– Explore the economic, political, and cultural forces that led to the Empire’s decline.
– Learn through the extensive Royal Fireworks archive of museum and archaeological site photography.
– Read and discuss translations of ancient historical texts.
– Complete short weekly responses and a longer research paper each semester.

Art History: Western Art from the Ancient Greeks to the Present
Student Ages: 12–18
Class Meetings: Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 14 – December 14, 2026; January 11 – May 10, 2027
Cost: $700 per semester/$1,250 for the full year

Course Highlights:
– Explore the major artists and artistic movements that shaped Western culture.
– Study painting alongside sculpture, architecture, and other artistic traditions.
– Examine the work of masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Picasso.
– Learn how artistic styles evolved across historical periods.
– Engage in discussions of significant works of art.
– Complete a paper or project each semester exploring an artist, movement, or artistic idea.

Installment Pay Option: We offer installment payment plans at no additional cost. For more information and to enroll, visit the Online Learning page.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance in selecting a course, feel free to call us at (845) 726-4444. We’re here to help! Our phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Happy learning!
The Royal Fireworks Team