COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed as a survey of the history of the world from the earliest recorded times through the present day.  In contrast to a traditional college-prep world history class, this class will be structured at a much faster pace, and will included an equal emphasis on the west as compared to the rest of the world.

 

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:

I believe that through effort on my behalf in planning, presentation, rapport, and creation of a non-threatening learning environment; I can turn all of my students into active enthusiastic learners.

  • My students' initiative toward learning will help them to reach my high expectations, and heightened their own personal expectations for themselves.
  • My expectations will require my students to learn not only the subject matter, but also how to present their own ideas orally and written to myself and others.
  • My students will understand that everything that we do in class has a purpose and will be an important tool or knowledge they will draw on for the rest of their lives.

COARSE OUTLINE OF PERIODS:

  • Foundations: Circa 8000 B.C.E. - 600 C.E. (2 weeks)
  • 600 C.E. - 1450                                         (4 weeks)
  • 1450 - 1750                                              (3 weeks)
  • 1750 - 1914                                              (3 weeks)
  • 1914 - the present                                    (5 weeks)

SIX MAJOR THEMES:

1. The dynamics of change and continuity across the world history periods covered in this course, and the causes and processes involved in major changes in these dynamics.

2. Patterns and effects of interaction among societies and regions: trade, war diplomacy, and international organizations.

3. The effects of technology, economics, and demography on people and the environment.

4. Systems of social structure and gender structure (comparing major features within and among societies, and assessing change and continuity).

5. Cultural, intellectual, and religious developments, including interactions among and with in societies

6. Changes in functions and structures of states and in attitudes toward states and political identities (political culture), including the emergence of the nation-state (types of political organization).