World History Studies
Course Objectives: World History Studies is the only course offering students an overview of
the entire history of humankind. The major emphasis is on the study of significant people,
events, and issues from the earliest times to the present. Traditional historical points of reference
in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in western
civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. Students evaluate the causes
and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the
17th century. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and
identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems. Students analyze the process by
which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents
that influenced that process. Students trace the historical development of important legal and
political concepts. Students examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical
traditions. Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and
technology and the growth of industrial economies, and they use the process of historical inquiry
to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence.
Methods of Instruction: The class will be conducted in a lecture, project, and group discussion
manner. Journal assignments will be given daily. Topics for journaling will include prior
knowledge of the subject, previous topics discussed in class, and current events. Completing the
assignments and being prepared to discuss the material in class is essential for your success in
this course.
Students will be expected to take notes on all lectures, projects, and classroom discussions. You
will be allowed to use those notes when taking your tests, providing you follow the guidelines.
Any deviation from these guidelines will be considered an incident of academic dishonesty
(Cheating). Guidelines for notes: All of your notes must be handwritten on regular notebook
paper. You may NOT copy or type these notes unless you have a physical challenge supported
by a medical doctor.
There will be no late work accepted. If you know you will be absent, the assignment that is due
will be accepted early. If you are absent due to illness or school related activity, it is your
responsibility to find out what information was covered during the absence. Assignments missed
due to absences are due promptly upon return to class.
THE INSTRUCTOR MAY MAKE CHANGES TO THIS SYLLABUS AS IT IS DEEMED
NECESSARY.
First Semester Calendar
Specific assignments will be added weekly.
August 22- September 9
Early Civilizations (8000BC – 500BC): Students will work toward understanding how the
development of farming led to the establishment of early river valley civilizations as well as the beginnings
of civilizations. Additionally, students learn about the beginnings of different forms of governments, laws,
origins of major religions and philosophies, and the technological and scientific advances made by early
civilizations.
September 12- September 16
Celebrate Freedom Week: Students will meet state and federal mandates regarding the
Celebration of Celebrate Freedom Week (the week of September 17) and Constitution Day (September
17). Lessons address specific requirements in the mandates; the performance indicator for the unit
addresses specific student expectations from the course that provide a Government focus through which
to view Celebrate Freedom and Constitution Day.
The students will receive instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of
Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical contexts. The study
of the Declaration of Independence must include the study of the relationship of the ideas expressed in
that document to subsequent American history, including the relationship of its ideas to the rich diversity
of our people as a nation of immigrants, the American Revolution, the formulation of the U.S. Constitution,
and the abolitionist movement, which led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the women's suffrage
movement.
Each school district shall require that, during Celebrate Freedom Week or other week of instruction
prescribed under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, students in Grades 3-12 study and recite the
following text: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the
Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their
just Powers from the Consent of the Governed."
September 19- October 7
Classical Civilizations, 500 BC – 600 AD: The students will learn how the history, geography,
government, culture, and scientific developments affected societies of various regions during the classical
era and the historical events of classical civilizations including Greece, Rome, Persia, India, and China.
Students also learn that classical civilizations made long lasting contributions that continue to influence
our contemporary world.
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October 10- October 21
Diffusion of Ideas and Systems, 600 – 1450 The Middle Ages in Europe: The students
will learn the causes and effects of the spread of Christianity and the formation of Medieval Europe after
the fall of Rome. They will understand how after the collapse of empires, new political, social and
economic systems evolved, such as feudalism and manorialism. They will explore the impact and
development of various religions, their historical relevance, philosophical traditions and the interactions
between them.
October 24- November 11
Diffusion of Ideas and Systems, 600 – 1450 The Middle Ages in Africa and Asia:
The students will learn that with the collapse of an empire, new political, economic, and social systems
evolve. The students will understand the development and impact of various religions including Islam,
their historical relevance, philosophical traditions and the interactions between them as well as the
political, economic and cultural developments in Africa and Asia.
November 14- December 9
Renaissance and Reformation, 1450 - 1750: The students will learn about characteristics, the
major causes and describe the major effects of the Renaissance and Reformation era. Students gain a
greater understanding of the political, intellectual, artistic, economic, and religious impact as well as the
importance of the development of exploration, expansion, and trade.
December 12- December 16
The students will review material and complete the semester test.