Ancient History 2 (Global History I) - Ancient World to the Industrial Era
Course Description:
Ancient History (Global History 1) is a course that cultivates an understanding of world history from humanity's earliest beginnings in the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras to the beginnings of the Industrial Age of the 1750s. Students will develop and use the necessary skills and methods used by historians by analyzing primary and secondary sources, implimenting historical arguments, discover the connections within history, and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change.
This course will examine World History through the lens of one or more themes in each unit: Humans and the Environment, Cultural Developments and Interactions, Governance, Economic Systems, Social Interactions and Organizations, and Technology and Innovation. Students will trace these themes throughout the year, emphasizing their interconnectedness and effect on shaping changes throughout World History. This course aims to cultivate well-rounded, informed, and socially aware historians by equipping them with the needed skills to navigate a complex, interconnected world.
Essential Questions:
1. Throughout history, how have societies evolved and interacted to lead to our current interconnected world?
2. What are universal themes found throughout history - how do these themes reflect the human experience?
3. How do geography, culture, and individual agency shape and mold historical events?
Key Topics:
1. Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, early China, etc.
2. Classical Civilizations: Greece, Rome, Byzantine, Ottomans, etc.
3. Medieval World: Feudalism, Crusades, the Silk Road, Japan, India, etc.
4. Age of Exploration: Impact on indigenous peoples, global trade, etc.
5. The Renaissance and Scientific Revolution: Art, science, culture, etc.
6. Enlightenment and Revolution: Influence on modern political thought
7. Imperialism and Colonization: Global consequences, resistance, and change
8. Industrial Revolution: Transformations in nature, society, and economics
Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Investigate and develop an understanding of the key concepts, people, groups, and events in this course's scope and sequence. Develop and apply historical thinking and reasoning skills to studying World History. Develop knowledge of historical content through the application of thematic learning objectives. It builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage.
1. Analyze and interpret historical events, primary sources, and cultural artifacts.
2. Explain the significance of key historical figures, movements, and periods.
3. Recognize the impact of globalization on contemporary society.
4. Develop strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills.
5. Formulate connections between past and present, fostering a global perspective.
Areas for Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning Growth:
1. Empathy: Students will develop empathy and perspective-taking by learning about various cultures, points of view, and diverse societies.
2. Effective Communication and teamwork: Learned through collaboration and class discussions.
3. Time and Self-Management: The development of EF skills through independent research, assignments, and projects.
4. Decision-Making: The examination of historical strategies will foster effective decision-making skills.
