World History

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to 9th grade World History. In this class we will examine the most important people, ideas and events that have shaped our world from the time of Ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. Some of what we will study will include:

• Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages

• The Renaissance

• The Protestant Reformation and Religious Wars

• Exploration and Colonization

• The Age of Reason and Enlightenment

• The French Revolution and Napoleon

• The Industrial Revolution

• Liberals and Conservatives in the 19th Century

• The Dawn of the 20th Century: Modernity, Anxiety, and Imperialism

• WWI and the Russian Revolution

• Europe Between the Wars

• WWII

We will accomplish at least three things in this class:

First, you will continue to develop your skills at communicating your ideas effectively, both in speaking and in writing. These skills are essential for both for being successful academically and also in any future career you pursue. Since this is a college prep class we will put extra attention to make sure you are academically prepared for college or university history or social studies classes, such as political science, economics, psychology, sociology, etc.

Secondly, we will continue to develop your ability to research and investigate events, weigh competing claims to truth, evaluate arguments, think deeply and analytically, and invent solutions to problems. These skills will also help you be successful both in school and in other areas of your life.

Finally, we will examine how human beings have dealt with the key challenges of the past and how well (or poorly) people responded to those challenges. Our purpose is to learn from past to help you as a citizen deal with the challenges of the future. When should we go to war? What is fair in society? Who is responsible for the welfare of the nation? How should citizens deal with unjust laws? These questions have continued from the past through the present, and you should expect to deal with them in the future.