PreAP World History/World History
Course Description
PreAP World History
Course Description: The Pre- Advanced Placement World History course is the equivalent of a freshman college survey course in World History studies. Students who take this course will prepare and develop the skills and knowledge to help them understand the basic concepts and requirements of future Advanced Placement courses in the area of Social Studies.
The course will provide a basic description of the development of civilization based upon events and movements in Pre-historical times to the present. The goals of the course according to and abiding the course requirements through the AP College Board are as follows: a) develop an understanding of the principal themes in World History, b) develop an ability to analyze historical evidence through Primary Sources, c) and develop an ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing. The study of World History introduces students to cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live.
Students will be required to put forth the effort necessary to act as historians as reading, research and writing are essential parts of this course. Students will also develop: a) the ability to analyze historical evidence to determine reliability and relevance in history; b) identify POV (point of view) and the nature of bias in written historical documents; c) and the knowledge to recognize the necessity of objectivity and substantiation in historical documents. The basic methods used in the study of history include the ability to formulate generalizations, interpret and use data and to analyze evidence from comparative writings or sources throughout history. This is done primarily through reading, research, lecture, presentation and discussion. This course is most challenging yet stimulating, especially when compared with most high school courses. The volume of material involved in a history survey course is substantial and the student can expect to do a great deal of reading not only in text but also from outside sources and research.
Objectives – After completing the World History class, students should be able to do the following:
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Comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and integrate source material critically as historical evidence.
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Explain different approaches to, and interpretations of, historical events and topics.
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Place events in their historical context.
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Explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change.
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Present arguments that are clear, coherent, relevant, and well substantiated.
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Write essays and research papers in the proper historical method.
Major Topics Covered -
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Ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China
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Classical civilizations such as Greece and Rome
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The Rise of Islam
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Explore the beginnings of African and Asian civilizations
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The Middle Ages
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The European Renaissance and Protestant Reformation
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The Age of Absolute Monarchs
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The Age of Reason
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The effects of colonialism and imperialism on Africa, S.E. Asia, and India
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Major Political Revolutions including the Glorious, American, French, and Russian
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World War One
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The Rise of Single Party States
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World War Two
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Cold War
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War on Terrorism
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Globalization
Regular World History
Course Description – The regular World History course will cover major elements of human history from Early Mesopotamia to the Cold War with a particular emphasis on political, social, economic, religious, and military methods. Throughout the course students will discover how to view history analytically and understand the significance of the discipline of history and opposed to just learning “dates and names.” Students in the World History class can expect to participate in college level work which will further prepare them for advanced history courses.
Objectives – After completing the World History class, students should be able to do the following:
o Comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and integrate source material critically as historical evidence.
o Explain different approaches to, and interpretations of, historical events and topics.
o Place events in their historical context.
o Explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change.
o Present arguments that are clear, coherent, relevant, and well substantiated.
o Write essays and research papers in the proper historical method.
Major Topics Covered -
o Ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China
o Classical civilizations such as Greece and Rome
o The Rise of Islam
o Explore the beginnings of African and Asian civilizations
o The Middle Ages
o The European Renaissance and Protestant Reformation
o The Age of Absolute Monarchs
o The Age of Reason
o The effects of colonialism and imperialism on Africa, S.E. Asia, and India
o Major Political Revolutions including the Glorious, American, French, and Russian
o World War One
o The Rise of Single Party States
o World War Two
o Modern Era Events