Who can take this course: Freshman and Sophomores. This is the prerequisite course for all other Social Studies courses.
Length of course: Two Semesters
Guiding Philosophy/Purpose:
The foundational skills of a historian and social scientist are essential to success in all other academic subjects. To read sources critically, to analyze visual evidence, and to construct persuasive arguments in writing and in speech are core skills in social studies and in life. These skill are honed as students examine the historical evidence of World History over the last 10,000 years - from the birth of civilization in the ancient world to the present. Students leave World History better readers, writers, and critical thinkers, but also better able to make sense of politics, culture, and economics in the 21st century by studying the past.
Topics Covered:
The birth of ancient civilizations in the Middle East, India, China, and Egypt. The rise of classical empires like Greece, Rome, and Han China. The formation of the world's religions: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Islam. The rise of Europe from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Age of Exploration. The Age of Revolutions, like the Industrial and French Revolutions. Colonization and Imperialism across the globe. The world wars and their aftermath. The Cold War Era and ongoing globalization in the present.
Benefits of taking World History:
Students will grasp a "big picture" narrative of world history to better understand contemporary global issues. They will be better prepared to make informed, articulate, and engaged arguments about those issues by understanding their historical roots and practicing key academic reading, speaking, and writing skills.
Top three reasons to take World History:
1. Become a better reader, writer, and speaker to benefit you in all subjects
2. Discover that historical truth is a matter of interpretation and persuasive use of evidence, not just facts in a textbook
3. Understand the issues our world faces today, the roots of those issues, and how we might solve them
Favorite course activities:
1. Participating in fun debates, simulations, and trials rooted in historical research and issues.
2. Interpreting art and propaganda as a way to uncover the truth about history and how visuals can persuade the mind.
3. Discussing current events that are directly connected to the historical issues throughout the course |
