World History is a required year long course for high school students. This course will specifically focus on the development of the modern world by examining the late medieval period through present times. World History students will develop knowledge of cultural and technological changes, political and social revolutions, and the positive and negative impacts due to the interactions between various groups of peoples and nations.
In order to investigate and draw conclusions about world history, students will think critically and creatively, collaborate, and communicate while evaluating multiple sources of evidence. As part of this process, students will apply disciplinary and technological tools to answer questions, create and defend arguments, and solve problems.
Content Area: Social Studies
Grades(s): 9-12
Course Number: 8153
Duration: Yearlong
Course Type: Required/1 Credit
NCAA Approval:
The study of world history begins with a brief review of areas of wealth including African cultures, the Islamic world, and Chinese dynasties. The links among regions through travel are emphasized, which illustrates inter-regional connections in the period of accelerated exchange. The rebirth of education, arts, and sciences, along with major shifts in perspectives of culture, government and the Church, shaped the Western world. Students will examine how the accelerated exchanges occurring before the Renaissance and Reformation challenged old ideas and created new solutions for an emerging modern world.
Topic I: Seeds for Development
The rebirth of education, arts, and sciences, along with major shifts in perspectives of culture, government, exploration and the Church, shaped the Western world. This exchange expanded inter-regional systems of trade and communication, cultural interrelations, and learning. During this period, great empires in the old and new world developed, expanded and collapsed.
Topic I: Renaissance
Topic II: Reformation
Topic III: Scientific Revolution
Topic IV: The Age of Discovery
The Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution brought radical change to all aspects of peoples’ lives. Ideas from classical governments, along with new ways of thinking resulting from the Renaissance and Reformation, caused individuals to view their relationship with government in new ways. These revelations led to political, social, and cultural revolutions in Europe, and the Americas including changing ideas about class, race and identity.
Topic I: Absolutism
Topic II: The Age of Enlightenment
Topic III: Political Revolutions
The conditions and developments of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries significantly influence today’s world. Imperialism, nationalism, and economic transformations contributed to the first World War. Economic collapse of the 1930s enabled the rise of totalitarianism which sparked World War II.
Topic I: Industrialization
Topic II: Imperialism
Topic III: World War I
Topic IV: Inter-War Period
Topic V: World War II
The polarization which followed the world wars resulted in competition and conflict between the United States and Soviet Union. Technology played a vital role in conflicts and cooperation as well as the increasing globalization of the world. These developments greatly impacted cultural diffusion along with the movement and displacement of peoples.
Topic I: Cold War
Topic II: Globalization and Cultural Diffusion