WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS 500/510 (SLE A2, C5, C7)
Course Description
This course will cover the events and personlaities that shaped the history of Europe from ancient to early modern times. Through an examination of the development of nation-states, evolutionary and revolutionary movements and global conflict, students will understand the relevance of the past to the present. The successful completion of a performance-based common task will be required of all students. Students registered for the 500 section of this course will be responsible for primary and secondary source reading and an in-depth analysis of historical events. Students registered for the 510 section of this course will have additional opportunities to strengthen their reading, comprehension, writing, organization and study skills. Additionally, the 510 section of this course will introduce students to primary and
secondary source materials.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to introduce students to the history of Europe and European interaction with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. By focusing on this record of human experience students will evaluate how individuals and societies resolved their problems, as well as examine the consequences of the decisions and choices made. In doing so, students can confront today's problems and choices with a deeper understanding of their alternatives and the likely consequences. This course is also designed to enhance student thinking, writing and reading skills.
Performance Indicators
The students will:
o Understanding the terminology and concepts basic to the study of history.
o Describe, analyze, and evaluate the history of ancient Greece and its impact on western civilization.
o Describe, analyze and evaluate the history of ancient Rome from approximately 700 B.C. to 50 A.D. explaining its impact on western civilization.
o Describe, analyze and evaluate the history of Europe during the Middle Ages.
o Analyze the historical developments of the Renaissance.
o Analyze the historical developments of the Reformation.
o Evaluate the rise and impact of European nation-states and the decline of feudalism.
o Analyze the political and economic changes of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
o Analyze the impact of European expansion into the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
o Analyze and explain the causes and effects of the French Revolution.
o Analyze and explain the effects of the Industrial Revolution.
o Understand the political, physical and cultural geography of the regions studied in this class.
Standards Alignment
(National Standards for History)
1. Chronological Thinking
2. Historical Comprehension
3. Historical Analysis and Interpretation
4. Historical Research Capabilities
5. Historical Issues-Analysis and Decision-Making
Technology Standards Alignment
Technology productivity tools (3A, 3B)
Technology communication tools (4A, 4B)
Technology research tools (5A, 5B, 5C)
Student Assessment
Skill and content- based quiz, test, semester and final exam.
Group activities
Writing assignments
Critical thinking exercises
Reading and comprehension assignments.
Student Activities
o Assess the influence of geography on economic, social, and political development.
o Evaluate the role of religion in society; compare and contrast the role of religion throughout time.
o Compare and contrast Athenian democracy to American democracy.
o Compare and contrast medieval responses to the plaque to modern responses to AIDS.
o Evaluate the influence of the Enlightenment on political ideas in the United States.
o Compare the role the Roman Catholic Church played as a religious, social, legal, and economic force in medieval society
with that of governments in modern societies.
o Evaluate/analyze primary sources for meaning, bias, and evidence.
o Using a historical and physical geography atlas evaluate the impact of geography on political and social decisions.
o Feudal simulation.
Mission and Student Expectations Alignment
Academic Expectations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Civic Expectations (7, 9)
Social Expectations (10, 11)
Applied Learning Alignment
Problem Solving (A1)
Information Tools and Techniques (C1, C2, C3)
Learning and Self-management Tools and Techniques (D1)
Tools and Techniques for Working With Others (E1)
ELA Grade Span Expectations |
Mathematics Grade Span Expectations |
W1, W3, W6, W8, W9, W14 OC1, OC2 R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R14, R15, R16 |
M(DSP)10-1 M(DSP)10-3 |
Portfolio Worthy Tasks
A Renaissance Restaurant (A1)
Renaissance Museum (A1, A2, A4)
Middle Ages Project (A1, A2)
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