Social Studies
World Geography and Ancient Civilizations II 

Students will understand:

• the roles of geography and climate in the shaping and development of the societies and the lives of people in South and Central Asia

• how the belief systems of Hinduism and Buddhism emerged in ancient Southeast Asia and affected the region's history and current society

• how the technological advances of the Iron Age brought political, economic, and social changes to South and Central Asia

• the roles of leadership and statecraft in establishing stability and sustaining relationships with foreign powers 

• the roles of the labor and talents of common people in the success of the ancient societies of Central and South Asia

Students will understand:

• that the early development and preservation of writing, as well as troves of art and artifacts discovered through archaeology offer a window into the perspectives and values of elites and commoners alike

• that a common foundation of culture developed across the region that included written languages, diversity of beliefs and centralized imperial bureaucracies with legal codes

• that the art forms of East Asia were shaped by indigenous ideas and external influences and provide evidence of cultural diffusion and syncretism

• that East Asian societies became adept at cultural borrowing and adaptation through trade and tribute systems, diplomatic or religious missions, warfare, and other forms of contact with neighboring regions

Students will understand:

• that in the 1st century CE, Eurasia became connected through trade networks known as the Silk Routes, and long-distance trade was motivated initially by elite desires for luxury goods not available locally

• that along with trade in products, intangible ideas spread on the Silk Routes as well

• that the mixing of peoples in Silk Road oases and ports led to a cosmopolitan acceptance of differences

Students will understand:

• the rise of the Roman Republic, its government, including separation of powers, rule of law, representative government, and the notion of civic duty.

• the influence of Julius Caesar and Augustus in Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire and explain the reasons for the growth and long life of the Roman Empire
• the contribution of the Romans to architecture, engineering, and technology 
• the similarities and differences of life in Athens and Sparta, including the status and role of women and enslaved people in the two city-states
• how the geographical location of ancient Athens and other city-states such as Corinth and Sparta contributed to their role in maritime trade, colonies in the Mediterranean, and the expansion of their cultural influence