Students will focus heavily on the discipline of geography to understand the emergence, expansion, and decline of civilizations and societies in the ancient world. Students will take a systematic look at the history and culture of various world regions including the development of economic, political and social systems through the lens of change and continuity. As students examine the various factors that shaped the development of civilizations, societies, and regions in the ancient world, they will examine both similarities and differences among these areas. A conscious effort should be made to integrate various civilizations, societies, and regions from every continent throughout the semester/year. During this study, students will learn to recognize and interpret the “lessons of history;” those transferable understandings that are supported throughout time by recurring themes and issues. The standards are organized around five strands and these strands should not be taught in isolation, but woven together in an integrated study that helps students better understand the ancient world.