Download World History in Large U.S. School Districts

World History in Large U.S. School Districts
Finding out what kinds of social studies courses, specifically world history
courses, schools throughout American offer is a challenging process. Many schools lack
adequate websites, let alone offer information on their social studies department. The
following list contains schools that are among the 100 largest school districts in the
country. The usefulness of this approach is that large school districts often have more
detailed websites than smaller ones and often display what kind of courses they offer. Of
course there are downsides to this approach as well because it only includes large school
districts that have any social studies/world history information posted online. This
approach ignores smaller school districts entirely as well as large school districts that do
not have easily accessible information available on course offerings.
However, the list below highlights what kind of world history courses are offered
at the nation’s largest schools, which are likely to have a larger percentage of students
enrolled in those courses. Although schools do not post enrollment figures for specific
courses, this approach allows us to infer that a significant number of students in large
school districts are taking world history courses.
Where necessary, links are provided for the school districts home page and the
page containing course information. In addition, some schools are listed without a
description or lists of courses offered but are provided with a link to relevant curriculum
information as well as a link to their homepage.
Long Beach Unified School District, California
Long Beach Unified School District Home
Modern World History Curriculum Information-MWH
Book used: Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction, Beck et al. 2006.
2 semester course taken in 10th grade and is required for graduation.
Atlantic World History Curriculum Information-AWH
Book used: Colonial America in an Atlantic World, Prentice Hall 2002.
This course is an elective and not required for graduation. It is offered through grade 9-12.
Economics Curriculum Information-Economics
Book used: Economics: Principals in Action, Prentice Hall 2006.
This is a one semester course offered in 12th grade and is required for graduation.
Ancient World History: Curriculum Information-Ancient World History
Book used: World History-Ancient Civilizations, McDougal Littell 2006
This is a year long mandatory course taken in 6th grade.
Medieval History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times Curriculum
Information-Medieval History
Book used: World History-Medieval and Early Modern Times, McDougal Littell 2006
This is a year long mandatory course taken in 7th grade.
Elk Grove Unified School District, California
Elk Grove Unified School District Home
Elk Grove Unified School District Curriculum Guide
Cultural Studies
This course explores a number of topics such as the histories of African Americans,
Latinos, Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, Native Americans, and women in the United States.
Racism, prejudice, stereotyping, and other forms of discrimination will also be examined.
Students will become aware of minority struggles and contributions of minority groups to
American life. A major part of the course will consist of films,
field trips, guest speakers, and special cultural activities.
AP Human Geography
This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that
have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will
use spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its
environmental consequences. Students will also learn about the methods and tools
geographers use in their science and practice.
Adopted curricular materials: An Introduction to Human Geography, Prentice Hall
Geography, World
This course introduces students to the world’s geographic regions and allows them to
relate that knowledge to events in today’s rapidly changing world. Contemporary issues
confronting the world today, such as world trade, problems of developing nations,
urbanization, environmental pollution, and conservation of the world’s resources are
addressed. Students develop certain basic geography skills. These include map reading
and place name identification along with the interpretation of charts and diagrams. As
students gain a global perspective of geography, they become increasingly aware of their
role as a global citizen today.
Adopted curricular materials: World Geography & Cultures, Glencoe
World Geography
This course explores contemporary issues confronting the world today, such as world
trade; problems of developing nations, urbanization, environmental pollution, and
conservation of the world’s resources are addressed. This World Geography A course is
designed to present the world’s geographic regions and to relate that knowledge to events
in today’s rapidly changing world. Students develop certain basic geography skills. These
include map reading and place name identification along with the interpretation of charts
and diagrams. As students gain a global perspective of geography, they become
increasingly aware of their role as a global citizen today.
Adopted curricular materials: World Geography & Cultures, Glencoe
Honors World Geography
This course provides the same curricular focus as the two-semester college preparatory
World Geography course. The increased academic rigor of this course is based on
additional reading and writing assignments that will challenge the students in using
complex critical thinking skills. As in all honors classes, excellent attendance and
participation is mandatory. Students may be placed in this course based upon a process
which includes submitting a letter of intent, a writing sample or project, a parent
permission response, and an application, as well as attendance at a student/parent meeting.
Adopted curricular materials: World Geography & Cultures, Glencoe
World History
This course explores how the connection between the past and the future will continue to
form our lives. In World History, students again recognize the growing interdependence
of people and cultures throughout the world. Students examine major turning points in
the shaping of the modern world from the late eighteenth century to the present.
Literature is incorporated to shed light on the life and times of the people and helps
explain how and why things turned out as they did in the world today.
Adopted curricular materials: Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction,
McDougal Littell
AP World History
This course traces the development of world history from the emergence of cities to the
present, focusing on the period after 1000 A.D. and emphasizing the analytical and
writing skills necessary for success in a college level history course. To this end, the
course devotes considerable time to the critical evaluation of primary and secondary
sources, analysis of change and continuity over time, and the historical process and
contacts between people in different society. In assigned reading and class discussions,
there will be an emphasis on critical thinking.
Adopted curricular materials: Earth & Its People, McDougal Littell
Honors World History
Honors World History uses the same curriculum focus as college prep World History.
However, due to the increased rigor of this course based on reading and writing
assignments, as well as required enrichment projects, students may elect to sign up for
this academic challenge.
Adopted curricular materials: Modern World History: Patterns of
Interaction, McDougal Littell
International Relations
This course provides students the opportunity to examine the workings and the issues of
the United States in regard to post-World War II international relations. The course will
focus on national security issues, such as the cold war and nuclear proliferation.
Development of foreign policy and U.S. treaties will be explored for the pertinence to
national security. Students will work cooperatively to research, develop, present and
predict possible scenarios based on historical and current events that will aide in a better
understanding of international concerns of the future.
Fresno Unified School District, California
Fresno Unified School District Home
Fresno Unified School District Curriculum Guide
District of Columbia Public Schools, District of Columbia
District of Columbia Public Schools Home
District of Columbia Public Schools Learning Standards
Howard County Public Schools, Maryland
Howard County Public Schools Home
Howard County Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum
Montgomery Public Schools, Maryland
Montgomery Public Schools Home
Grade 11 Social Studies Curriculum Guide
Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland
Baltimore County Public Schools Home
Baltimore Public Country Schools Curriculum Guide
Human Geography
The concern of geographers for observing, categorizing, and explaining relationships is
the focus of this course. The course addresses the question, “How do people interact with
their physical environment, shaping that environment to meet their needs?" Special
emphasis is placed upon the factors that determine the spatial patterns of human
development.
Human Geography: Advanced Placement
This course is designed to prepare students to take an advanced placement examination
for college credit. Students will conduct in-depth analysis of the causes and consequences
of human interactions with their physical surroundings. Course content will be based on
demands of the examination
World History Grade 10
Significant episodes from global history are investigated including global and regional
development; the growth of historical ties of interdependence; the expansion of Europe
and its domination of the world in the modern era; the development of Africa and Asia in
the modern era; and the development of global networks of political, economic, and
social interdependence in the contemporary world. Historical themes are used to provide
a structure of study. References to a variety of perspectives and resources help students
develop a comprehensive view of global development.
World History Grade 10: Gifted and Talented
This course is an in-depth study of ancient and medieval history; modern and
contemporary European history; China as a non-western culture undergoing profound
change; and contemporary political, economic, and social examples of global systems.
Special emphasis is placed on interregional relationships. Students will apply historical
methodology toward issues and problems of the past.
World History Grade 10: Advanced Placement
This course requires students to analyze and interpret global history through periodization
and themes such as interaction, continuity and change, impacts of technology and
demography, social and gender structures, cultural and intellectual developments, and
functions and structures of states.
Knox Country Schools, Tennessee
Knox Country Schools Home
Knox Country Schools Social Studies Curriculum
Austin Independent School District, Texas
Austin Independent School District Home
Austin Independent Schools Curriculum Guide
Dallas Independent School District, Texas
Dallas Independent School District Home
Academic Curriculum Guides for Grades 9-12
North East Independent School District, Texas
North East Independent School District Home
North East Independent School District Social Studies Curriculum
Plano Independent School District, Texas
Plano Independent School District Home
Plano Independent School District Curriculum Guide
World Geography Studies
World Geography Studies focuses on the relationships among people, places, and
environments that result in patterns on the Earth’s surface. Students use the tools and
methods of geography to study the principal regions in the world—the Americas; Europe
and Eurasia; North Africa and the Middle East; Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia, Australia and
Antarctica.
World Geography Studies (Pre-AP)
Pre-AP World Geography Studies includes content of the standard world geography
course. The content is presented in greater depth. Students research and analyze
geographic questions. Students are required to participate in extended reading, writing,
and research projects that integrate topics from art, music, history, literature, and science.
AP Human Geography
This is a college-level course introducing students to the systematic study of processes
and patterns that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of the earth’s
surface. Students employ landscape analysis and spatial concepts to analyze social
organization and its environment consequences. Students also learn about the tools and
methods geographers use in their science and practice.
World History Studies
World History Studies focuses on the development of human society from prehistoric to
modern times. Emphasis is placed on major events, world leaders, economic and political
institutions, technological innovations, and the philosophical and religious beliefs that
have shaped the modern world. The course employs an interdisciplinary approach to
deepen students’ understanding of the world’s people, today and in the past.
World History Studies (Pre-AP)
Pre-AP World History Studies includes content of the standard world history course. The
content is presented in greater depth and the students use the tools and methods of
historians to analyze issues in world history. Students participate in extended reading,
writing, and research topics that integrate the social sciences, art, music, literature, and
science.
AP World History
AP World History is a college-level survey of world history from early times to the
present. The course emphasizes intellectual, cultural, political-diplomatic, and social
economic history. The content is presented in depth and at an accelerated rate. It includes
the methods of historical analysis, college-level reading, document analysis, and
interdisciplinary research and writing projects.
Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia
Virginia Beach City Public Schools Home
Virginia Beach City Public Schools Curriculum Guide
World Geography
This course examines the environmental and cultural patterns of the major world regions.
Students examine demographic and economic data and investigate the causes, effects,
and possible solutions to current international conflicts, problems, and environmental
concerns. Map skills are extended as students use an atlas and varied types of maps in
regional studies, build spatial perceptions, and develop a mental map of the world.
World History and Geography (prehistory to 1500 A.D.)
This course examines the development of human societies from prehistory to 1500 A.D.
Students will explore the historic, economic, and cultural contributions of ancient and
classical civilizations, both Western and non-Western. Basic historical concepts such as
conflict, change, and diversity will be investigated. Emphasis is also placed on evaluating
sources of information, recognizing cause and effect relationships, and developing a
sense of time and chronology.
World History and Geography (1500 A.D. to the present)
This course examines the development of Western and non-Western civilizations from
1500 A.D. to the present. Emphasis is placed on identifying the significant individuals,
events, and ideas that shaped the development of various cultures. Historical concepts,
political and economic systems, and cultural and historical differences are identified and
examined. Emphasis is also placed on refining student skills in historical investigation
and research, oral and written communication, and analysis of data and sources.
AP Human Geography
Geography provides students with a systematic study of the ways people interact with
their physical environment. Using the tools and methods of geographers, students study
cultural patterns and processes, analyze demographic and economic information, and
apply geographic knowledge and perspectives to understanding current world issues.
Chesterfield County Public Schools, Virginia
Chesterfield County Public Schools Home
Chesterfield County Public Schools Curriculum Guide
World History/Geography to 1500 A.D. World History
This program will build on the basic historical, geographic, political, and economic
concepts presented in the K-8 program. The diversity of culture and the evolution of
human history will be explored chronologically from the beginning of time until the
Renaissance in Europe. Geographical concepts will be included within the context of
world historical events.
World History/Geography to 1500 A.D. Honors
This program will build on the basic historical, geographic, political, and economic
concepts presented to them in the K-8 program. The diversity of culture and the evolution
of human history will be explored chronologically and geographically from the beginning
of time until the Renaissance in Europe. Geographical concepts will be incorporated
within the context of world historical events. Students will examine the development of
the world's major political, economic, and legal systems; artistic and literary movements;
technological changes; trade patterns; religions; and the influential people of history.
Special emphasis will be given to the five themes of geography as they relate to regional
conflicts, humanity's relationships with the environment, and the foundation of
democratic principles, such as citizenship..
World History/Geography to 1500 A.D. to the Present
Students in World History/Geography 1500 A.D. to the Present will build on the basic
historic, geographical, political, and economic concepts presented to them in the first year
of the program. The diversity of culture and the evolution of human history will be
explored chronologically and geographically from the Renaissance to the present.
World History/Geography 1500 A.D. to the Present Honors
Students in this course will build on the basic historical, geographic, political, and
economic concepts presented to them in the first year of the program. The diversity of
culture and the evolution of human history will be explored chronologically and
geographically from the Renaissance to the present. Geographical concepts will be
incorporated within the context of world historical events. Students will examine the
development of the world's major political, economic, and legal systems; artistic and
literary movements; technological changes; trade patterns; religions; and the influential
people of history. Special emphasis will be given to the five themes of geography as they
relate to regional conflicts, humanity's relationships with the environment, and the
foundation of democratic principles, such as citizenship. Hands-on activities and the use
of available technology will be an integral part of this course. Students will critique
analytical essays and continue to learn the research writing process. This course stresses
complex critical thinking and problem solving.
United States Military and Diplomacy
This elective course is designed to teach students about the history of the United States,
the development of its military and the US role as a modern nation with global influence.
The course will span the period from the French and Indian War to the present. It will
include the viewpoint of the common citizen rather than just the most influential figures
of the day. For example, the course will explore what life was like for the common foot
soldier who served on the front lines, and how the role of women and minorities in the
military has changed throughout our history.
AP World History
This course provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous course of western and
non-western history. While there are AP counterparts in Chesterfield to US/VA History
and US/VA Government, there is none for world history. This provides sophomores an
opportunity to gain university credit and an introduction to the AP curriculum. The
course is a survey of history from 12,000 BC to the present. In keeping with the global
trend at both the university and secondary levels, there is an emphasis on the history of
all continents and peoples. Although Europe is still an important component of the course,
more focus is placed on the non-Western world.
Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies is an component of the Social Studies program for students of
Hispanic background living in America. The course will attempt to help the students
better understand the continent of their origin as well as gain an understanding of their
cultural patterns.
Ancient and Modern Cultures
This course is an introduction to archeology (the study of past cultures using material
remains such as artifacts and structures as the primary evidence) as well as cultural
anthropology (the comparative study of human cultural and biological variety worldwide
and through time.) The goals of the course are to examine the diversity of human cultural
forms in areas such as subsistence (making a living), social and personal identity,
language use, emotions, social inequality, family and kinship, and gender. Students will
locate and identify selected famous archeological sites from various historical periods.
All websites active as of December 2010.