Social Studies I - Ancient to Early Modern World History Description & Syllabus
Course Objective
The Social Studies I curriculum presents to students an approach to understanding the Western and non-Western experience. The fundamental question of the course is “What does it mean to be human?” Students will be gradually introduced to the humanities through the study of world history, literature, philosophy, religion, and art from the origins of humanity to the early modern age. This program will require critical thinking, cultural analysis, good literary interpretation skills, and proficient writing and reading skills. This course attempts to lead students to an understanding and appreciation of our past global heritage through the study of the great ideas of humanity.
Curriculum Units
Unit 1: Early Human/River Civilizations
Unit 2: Classical Civilizations
Unit 3: World Religions
Unit 4: Medieval World, Renaissance, and Reformation
Unit 5: Age of Exploration, Scientific Revolution, & Enlightenment
Core Values
- Respect, Integrity, Safety, Engagement, Unity & Pride
Belief Statement
We believe:
- All students deserve a safe, nurturing and respectful environment in which to learn
- All students are empowered to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a global society
- All students should graduate career and/or college ready through multiple pathways of learning
- Meaningful and varied assessments inform high quality instruction
- Positive peer and adult relationships foster student success
- Resiliency and perseverance in the face of obstacles are keys to student success
Academic Expectations
- Students will be thoughtful communicators who read, write, listen and speak effectively in preparation for careers and/or post-secondary education
- Students will be responsible users of technology and media
- Students will demonstrate continuous effort towards proficiency in all requirements for graduation
- Students will assume responsibility for their actions
- Students will demonstrate respect and responsibility for the well-being and welfare of others within a diverse school community
- Students will contribute to the well-being of the wider community through service
- Students will recognize their importance as participating members of American society within a global context
- Determine how to think and act like an historian
- Assess and evaluate the democracy of Ancient Athens
- Read and interpret samples of literature such as the epic of Gilgamesh and the Ramayana to find how these pieces reflect the cultural values and belief systems of their civilization
- Socratic seminar on monotheistic faiths and violence to gain new perspectives on modern issues
- Take and defend a position on the merits of enlightenment ideas
Assessment
The students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the following skills during the year: map reading, comprehension and interpretation of historical documents, historical analysis and writing, research skills, and public speaking.
The following assessments will be used: essay writing, cooperative learning activities, debates, Socratic seminars, teacher-made tests and quizzes, group discussions, and blogs to assess reading and writing.
Grading is tabulated by total points earned. Quizzes, homework assignments, in-class assignments will earned fewer points than extended writing tasks, common tasks, and tests. You will be told the value of each assignment before grading.
In general, assignments will be worth:
Tests - 80 -120 points
Essays/Projects - 80 - 100 points
Quizzes - 10 -25 points
Homework/Class Assignments - 5-20 points
Class Participation - 5-10 points
Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements
Students will receive many opportunities to fulfill their PBGR requirements throughout this class. The various tasks assigned in this class will meet many of the Lincoln High School mission statement indicators but ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all PBGR requirements are met.
Standards
The course utilizes the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Rhode Island Grade Span Expectations (GSEs) for Government and Civics and Historical Perspectives. The curriculum will also support the Historical Thinking Standards of Chronological Thinking, Historical Comprehension, Historical Analysis & Interpretation, Historical Research Capabilities, and Historical Issues Analysis and Decision-Making.
Remind Notification Message
Period D - @bcadee
Period F - @dc746c
Period G - @a8h2hc
E-mail: [email protected]