Download File - Social Studies

Syllabus
Curriculum Summary for World History
Academic Year 2015-2016
Department: Social Studies
Teacher: Mr. Laine Sambrooks
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.coachsambrooks.org
Text: Stearns, World Civilizations: The Global Experience, AP* Edition 7e ©2014
On-Line Book Site: Myhistorylab.com
IPad Apps Needed:
· Dropbox account
· Pearson eText
Class Readings: May be iBook or paper copy
·
Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand
·
Guns, Germs, & Steel: The fates of Human Societies, Jared Diamond
Course Description:
The World History is a senior level course that begins with pre-history and concludes in modern
era. The emphasis of the course is on world civilizations, political institutions, religions and the
transition from the past to the present. Students will utilize different historical methods to
interpret the past, including points of view and historical context. The study of world history will
enable them to further understand contemporary world problems and to become a more active
member in the emerging global community.
Skill Development Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to1. Read, take notes on, analyze and synthesize readings from the textbook on a nightly basis.
2. Participate in class discussions.
3. Development of map skills and understanding of world regions
4. Develop presentation skills through modern software applications.
5. Write thematic essays addressing issues of change, continuity and comparisons of people and
groups over time.
6. Conduct independent online research for daily class assignments and assigned papers and
readings.
Grading:
 There are weekly quizzes and bi-weekly test.
 Each test is worth 100 Points
 They are tested on their understanding of the concepts and their relationship to the topics
covered in class.
 A review will be given before each exam.
 The Semester final is worth 20%, while each quarter is worth 40% of the final grade.
 There is usually 1 major essay a Semester. The paper is usually 1000 to 1500 words in
length
Course Outline:
The World History course is divided into six units. In each unit the major developments,
interactions, and transformations among different cultures and civilizations will be examined.
Quarter 1
PART 1:
Pre-History From 2.5 million BCE to 1000 BCE
Themes: Technology, Civilization, Social Interaction, Cultural Diffusion
Chapters 1
2 Weeks (Aug 17 – Sept 3)
Topics for Discussion
1. The emergence of humans upon the changing face of the Earth.
2. The evolution of technology and the emergence of cultural evolution.
3. The spread of farming techniques.
4. Basic comparative features of early civilizations; Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, China.
5. Interactions between nomadic peoples and civilizations
5. The idea of civilization.
6. The development of urban settlements marked by complex social elements
PART II:
THE CLASSICAL PERIOD, 1000 B.C.E - 500 C.E.: UNITING LARGE REGIONS 1000
BCE – 500 CE
Themes: States, Civilizations, Culture, Technology, Agricultural
Chapters 2-5
4 Weeks (Sept 8 – Oct 2)
Topics for Discussion
1. Formation of unique regional civilizations in China, India, the Mediterranean, the Middle
East, East Africa, and Mesoamerica.
2. The synergetic relationship between civilizations
3. The evolving relationship between nomadic and civilized peoples.
4. The rise of states and empires
5. The role of iron in the transformations of the classical period.
6. Rise of patriarchal culture
Quarter 1- 2
PART III:
THE POSTCLASSICAL PERIOD, 500-1450
Themes: Islam, Dynasties, Kingdoms, Empire, Religion
Chapters 6-15
8 Weeks (Oct 5- Dec 11)
Topics for Discussion
1 The Rise of Islam: Mohamed’s Life and Message
2. From Tribal life to Arab Empire – how and why.
3. The impact of Islam on India
4. The Decline of the Abbasid Empire
5. The spread of Islam to Southeast Asia
6. The African Kingdoms rise.
7. Byzantium and Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe.
8. The Rise of the Russian State.
9. Rise of Western Culture
10. Basis of Mesoamerican civilization
11. The changing balance of power: the rise of the West.
Quarter 3
PART IV:
THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD: THE WORLD SHRINKS 1450-1750
Themes: Economies, Slavery, Westernization
Chapters 16-22
4 Weeks (Jan 6 – Feb 5)
Topics for Discussion
1. The World Economy
2. The Transformation of the West
3. Russia and Westernization
4. Africa and the Slave Trade
6. Muslim: Ottomans and others.
7. Chinese’s engagement with the West
PART V:
THE DAWN OF THE INDUSTRIAL AGE, 1750-1914
Themes: Industrialization, Imperialism
Chapters 17, 19 and 20
4 Weeks (Feb 8 – Mar 4)
Topics for Discussion
1. The Emergence of Industrial Society in the West
2. Industrialization and Imperialism: The Making of the European Global Order
3. The Consolidation of Latin America, 1830-1920
4. The Crisis in the Non-Western Civilizations- Ottomans, Islamist and Quing China.
5. Russia and Japan: Industrialization outside the West
Quarter 3, 4
PART VI:
THE NEWEST STAGE OF WORLD HISTORY: 1914-PRESENT
Themes: Communism, Global Conflict, Technology, Genocide, Democracy, Depression,
Global Politics, terrorism
Chapters 28-36
8 Weeks (Mar 7- May 6)
Topics for Discussion
1. Descent into the Abyss: World War I and the Crisis of the European Global Order
2. The World between the Wars: Revolution, Depression, and Authoritarian Response
3. A Second Global Conflict and the End of the European World Order
4 Western Societies and Eastern Europe in the Decades of the Cold War
5. Latin America: Revolution and Reaction in the 21st Century
6. Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in the Era of Independence
7. Power, Politics, and Conflict in World History, 1990-2010
8. Globalization and Resistance