Global Studies 8

8th grade features geography as the lead discipline with a strong secondary emphasis on contemporary world history. Content drawn from citizenship and government, and economics, enriches the study of world regional geography, and further develops the interdisciplinary "studies" approach. The Global Studies benchmarks pertain to four themes (listed below), offering students additional opportunities for integrated learning experiences.

Students in Global Studies explore the regions of the world using geographic information from print and electronic sources. They analyze important trends in the modern world such as demographic change, shifting trade patterns and intensified cultural interactions due to globalization. Students participate in civic discussion on contemporary issues, conduct historical inquiry and study events over the last half century that have shaped the contemporary world. They analyze connections between revolutions, independence movements and social transformations and understand reasons for the creation of modern nation states. They learn that governments are based on different political philosophies and serve various purposes. By learning economic principles of trade and the factors that affect economic growth, students understand why there are different standards of living in countries around the world.

Note: The geography benchmarks in grade eight are sequenced by region. However, the Global Studies benchmarks may be arranged in any order for instruction. Benchmarks from all four strands (disciplines) can be integrated into one seamless course arranged according to region, chronology, theme or other organizing framework determined by the school district.

The following regions are addressed by the geography benchmarks:

1. North America

2. Europe and Russia

3. Southwest Asia and North Africa

4. East Asia and Southeast Asia

5. South Asia and Central Asia

6. Africa South of the Sahara

7. Australia/Oceania

Each Global Studies benchmark relates to one of four themes (or a skills category):

1. Cultural Characteristics, Technology, and Ideas

2. Economic Development and Trade

3. Population and Migration

4. Human Interaction with the Environment

5. (Skills such as civic skills, economic reasoning skills, geographic inquiry and geospatial technology skills, historical inquiry)