SOCIAL
STUDIES 8
Grade 8 students will examine issues related to contact between societies with differing worldviews. They will explore elements of worldviews and how these views are expressed by people living in different times and in different places. Through this inquiry, students will reflect on their own worldviews and assess the influence that the past has had on the present. Examples will be drawn from Japan, Renaissance Europe and Spanish and Aztec societies.
September: This month, we will begin with defining worldview, and what comprises one's worldview! We will consider Canadian worldviews and how it may clash with other worldviews that exist in Canada. We will closely look at perspective and how multiple perspectives are important to consider when studying historical issues. We will also begin exploring the Renaissance and consider early foundation worldviews that shaped the formation of Canada today.
October: Students will continue to study Renaissance Europe and the change in society that came from the development of new and changing ideas. After studying Feudalism, and doing very well on their first assignment, we take a look at the Black Plague and questing the way of life during this dark time. Specifically, students will analyze the city-states that started the domino of societal development; Venice, Florence, and Genoa. Students will engage in a friendly rivalry in which they battle for the strongest and most successful city-state in Europe
November: We begin November by finishing up our discussion on Italian City-States. After the fall break, students are introduced to the idea of Humanism, where they uncover why humans matter and why our voices, discoveries, and knowledge are important. Through this, we examine the changes that took place as new Art, Technology, and Innovations were introduced to society and how it aided in developing a very changing Italian identity.
December: We begin December by introducing and working through the Protestant Reformation. We will begin to look at Religious Reformers across Europe and how they impacted society. As well, we look at the development of National Identity. We also begin to prepare for our Social Studies essay and work through the writing process!