Ms. K. Peters
Western Civilization 40S
Course Outline
History of Western Civilization
UNIT 1: An Introduction to Western Civilization
(1 week)

Human Origins

The Agricultural Revolution

The Birth of Civilization
UNIT 2: Pre-Modern Western Civilization
(1 week)

Development of Ancient Greece

Legacy of Ancient Greece on Western Society

Development of Ancient Rome

Legacy of Ancient Rome on Western Society
UNIT 3: The Middle Ages
(2 weeks)

Rise of Christendom

Introduction of Feudalism

Life During the Middle Ages

Social, Political, and Economic Impact of Feudalism

The Plague

Decline of Feudalism
UNIT 4: The Renaissance, Reformation, and Absolutism v. Representative Government
(4 weeks)

Birth of the Renaissance

Social, Economic, and Political Impact of the Renaissance

Italian v. Northern Renaissance

Challenges to the Church

Spread of Protestantism

Social, Economic, and Political Impact of the Reformation

Rise of Absolute Rulers

Growth of Representative Government

Exploration and Discovery

Slavery
K.Peters - History 40SW
UNIT 5: Age of Reason, and the Political, Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions
(4 weeks)

Scientific Revolution

Age of Enlightenment

Revolution in England

American Revolution

French Revolution

Industrial Revolution
UNIT 6: Major Movements and Events of the Nineteenth Century; 1815 to 1919
(4 weeks)

Rise of Nationalism

Unification in Europe

New Imperialism

World War I
Unit 7: The Twentieth Century
(3 weeks)

Age of Anxiety

Rise of Dictators

The Great Depression

World War II

The Cold War
K.Peters - History 40SW
Supplies
Beers, Burton F., World History: Patterns of Civilization. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey:
Prentice Hall, 1991.
2 Blue or black pens (no gel pens)
A red pen
A pencil and eraser
A set of colouring pencils
A highlighter
A ruler
A binder
White-out
Notebook Expectations
Students are expected to keep their binder neat and organized. Each piece of
paper must have the date written neatly in the top right hand corner. Titles should
appear centered on the top line and should be underlined (preferably in red).
Assignments that are to be handed in should be done in blue or black pen, however,
rough copies can be done in pencil. Map work is to be completed in pencil and always
coloured appropriately. Specific map expectations will be discussed.
Assignments
When an assignment is handed out, the due date will also be given and recorded
in the agenda book. LATE ASSIGNMENTS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. All assignments
must be completed in order to receive a grade in this course. If you are absent the day
of a test or a quiz you will be required to write the test upon your return to school at an
appropriate time designated by the teacher.
Evaluation
Demonstrate and Communicate Knowledge and Understanding of Historical
Elements
As students acquire historical knowledge and understanding, they:
1. make informed and defensible judgements about the historical
significance of people and events in the past
2. select, evaluate and interpret primary and secondary source evidence
in order to retell and explain the past as objectively and accurately as
possible
3. observe and explain continuity and change over time
4. analyze the multiple causes and consequences of historical events
and developments
5. take a historical perspective in order to interpret the past as it may
have been experienced by the people who lived in it
6. consider the moral dimension of events in the past and the value
judgements that may influence historical
Term Grade 70% + Final Exam 30% = 100%
K.Peters - History 40SW