Download Old World History Course - West Perry School District

Old World History
Mrs. Henry
West Perry Middle School
8th Grade
Welcome to Old World History, ca 5,000 BC to AD 476. In this course we will use one main
textbook, Message of Ancient Days. In addition we will be using multiple online resources,
books, and historical magazines.
This course is split into 7 units, each lasting 3 ½- 5 weeks. They are broken down as follows:
Unit One: Archaeology
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Unit Essential Question: How do historians learn about the past?
This unit includes research, making of a ancient artifact replica, and finally an
archaeological dig simulation.
Unit Two: Mesopotamia
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Big Idea: The land of Mesopotamia and its’ available resources enabled the
world’s first civilizations to develop here.
Students will be exposed to the world’s first writing system- cuneiform; as well
as the world’s first written legal code- Hammurabi’s Code.
Unit Three: Egypt
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Big Idea: Egypt achieved many accomplishments such as great architecture,
hieroglyphics, medicine, religious beliefs, and military conquests due to its
location along the Nile River.
Students will complete a unit end project consisting of research about the Valley
of the Kings and/or the Egyptian’s beliefs in the afterlife.
Unit Four: India
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Big Idea: India achieved many accomplishments such as religions, trade, cities,
music, dance, and architecture due to its’ location along the Indus River.
Students will research the two main belief systems of India, Hinduism and
Buddhism.
Students will be exposed to India’s caste system and how it still affects live in
India today.
Unit Five: China
 Big Idea: China achieved many accomplishments such as feudalism, military
conquest, architecture, printing, religion and philosophy, medicine, and the
process for making silk, making China one of the greatest ancient civilizations.
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Students will be introduced to what a philosophy is while analyzing ancient
China’s leading philosophers. They will also take an in-depth look at China’s
feudal system.
Unit Six: Greece
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Big Idea: Ancient Greece contributed many elements to our culture such as
architecture, democracy, arts, theatre, literature, philosophy, warfare, and the
Olympic Games.
Students will understand the important role that Greek culture had in it’s
influence over own government and culture. Students will complete an end unit
project encompassing Greek philosophers, historical buildings, and/or
mythology.
Unit Seven: Rome
 Big Idea: The Roman Empire achieved many accomplishments in architecture,
religion, military conquests, legal system, entertainment, and the economy.
 Students will understand the influence the early Roman government had on our
country. Students will explore Roman culture by researching the founding of
Rome, Roman life, Bath Houses, the Coliseum, and the different emperors.
Class Policies:
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Every student must have a folder with pockets to store their papers and a notebook for
their journal.
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Each unit will include vocabulary and map quizzes, homework, final unit exams miniprojects and/or large scale projects.
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Tests are worth 50-100 points. Quizzes from 30-50 points. Homework from 10-30
points. Projects from 30-100 points.
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Plagiarism will result in a “0.” Students must use proper MLA citation formatting.
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Class Participation is required. Students will be given time to collaborate with others
before class discussions.
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If students are (lawfully) absent they have 2 days to complete all assignments.
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Late homework will result in a “0.” If it is turned in the day after students will receive ½
credit.
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Late mini and large-scale projects will result in loss of points, from 10-50.
Please come to class prepared and
never settle for less than your best!