Course Overview

In this 7th-grade social studies course, students will embark on a journey through the Eastern Hemisphere, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and contemporary issues that have shaped this region. From the early river civilizations of Mesopotamia to the present day, students will examine the impacts of geography, culture, political systems, trade, and international cooperation. Through a combination of historical analysis, critical thinking, and engaging activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of the Eastern Hemisphere's past and its relevance to the world today.  Students will explore the birth of civilization in Mesopotamia, including the development of Early River Valley civilizations focusing on geography, agriculture, social structure, religious beliefs, technological advancements, and written language.  Students will examine the diverse cultures, religions, and geographical features of Africa and Southwest Asia in order to develop a deeper understanding of the region's complex history, cultural diversity, and belief systems.  Students will delve into the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, exploring their democratic systems, cultural achievements, and lasting contributions to the modern world.  Students will investigate the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance in Europe, examining key events, societal structures, and cultural developments.  Students will also explore the history of trade in East and South Asia by analyzing the impacts of the Silk Road and how the East India Trading Company impacted the history of the region.  Students will compare and contrast the economic and political systems of Russia and Central Asia, examining the influence of geography, historical events, and governance structures.  Finally, students will examine and evaluate the most important turning points in modern Asian history.  Throughout the course, students will engage in various activities, such as readings, discussions, research projects, map analysis, simulations, and presentations. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation of knowledge about the Eastern Hemisphere, enabling them to critically analyze historical events, understand cultural diversity, and make connections between the past and present.

Structure of Units

Units 1 and 7 are shorter units with only one focused concept.  For Units 2-6, there are two mini-units based on subthemes within the larger unit.  These are designed to give the teacher more flexibility and focus for the units.  In schools where social studies is taught half of the time, teachers are encouraged to at least complete one of the mini-units, and if time permits then the second mini-unit should be taught.  The mini-units that are bolded below are the ones that should be taught.  The unbolded units should be taught if time allows.  If time does not allow, it is important to spend a day introducing the concepts or a very quick overview of the mini-unit that will not be fully taught.