World History B

In this course, the student will learn, practice, and apply the fundamental skills and strategies that will help them grow into critical explorers of historical context. The course focuses on several overarching themes, including human-environment interaction, development and interactions of societies, conflict, the expansion of belief systems, and ideas that would transform societies. Each unit’s theme is reflected in a unit-level essential question. These include questions such as “What are the enduring long-term effects of colonization on the colonized?,” “Are revolutions inevitable?,” “How has technology changed the world?,” “How does war transform societies?,” and “How has global interdependence shaped the world?” Essential questions throughout the instruction reinforce the unit-level essential question and connect to the specific learning goals of the lesson. World History instruction closely aligns with state and national standards. Daily instruction supports student learning of core historical content as well as critical thinking and literacy skills. Instruction is presented in two modes: Peer Model, in which the student views a video of a peer learning how to use and apply the target skill or concept; and 21st Century Skills, in which the student gains proficiency in the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to succeed in life and work. Text assets are used frequently throughout the course to provide the student with experience in reading and interpreting primary and secondary source documents. Excerpts may include scholarly papers as well as magazine and newspaper articles. The student puts an inquiry-based approach into practice by working directly with these assets through the lens of unit and lesson themes as well as specific learning goals. Check-In and Practice activities allow the student to confirm understanding, resolve misconceptions, and apply their learning to new situations. Together the course elements ensure the student grows as a critical thinker and interpreter of the multiple stories of history and masters the skills to succeed in life and work.