Medieval History (Global History II) - Early Modern to Today
Course Description:
This course will serve as a college-level survey of the history of the modern world. Students will cultivate an understanding of World History by delving into the profound changes occurring due to the Industrial Age that shaped the contemporary world. Students will further investigate how events from the past historical events led to the complex world we live in today.
Students will 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. We will trace these themes throughout the year, emphasizing their interconnectedness and effect on shaping changes throughout World History. Students will become empowered, informed global citizens capable of understanding, critically assessing, and participating in the complex dynamics of the modern world. It encourages social-emotional growth and the development of essential executive functioning skills for success in an interconnected global society.
Essential Questions:
1. How have world events and movements influenced the development of today's world?
2. How do historical conflicts, revolutions, and innovations impact the decisions made by contemporary leaders?
3. How do innovations affect how we produce, exchange, and consume goods and services?
3. How does history inform our understanding of contemporary global issues and our role in a rapidly changing world?
Key Topics:
1. The World in 1750 CE - Powerful Eurasian States, Coastal African Kingdoms, European Maritime Empires, and the interaction between them all.
2. The Enlightenment and Age of Revolutions
3. Unresolved Global Conflicts: World Wars and Their Impact: Causes, consequences, and the birth of the United Nations.
4. Decolonization and the Rise of Nationalism: Independence movements and their impact.
5. The Cold War: Superpower rivalry, proxy conflicts, and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
6. Tension Between Traditional Cultures and Modernization
7. The Global Economy: Economic systems, globalization, and the digital age.
8. Contemporary Global Challenges: Climate change, terrorism, and human rights.
9. Emerging Global Powers: The Rise of China and India.
10. Digital Age and Social Media: The influence of technology on society and politics.
Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
Students will 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. Explore and interpret a variety of primary sources and secondary texts related to World History.
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.
