MS World History Ancient

The World History 1 course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the ancient world to the Medieval era. Topics include the following:
– Complex societies developed independently in different cradles of civilization, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and Mesoamerica.
– Ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundations for Western civilization.
– The modern world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam have their roots in ancient and medieval civilizations.
– China introduced the world to new technologies—for example, silk making, paper, gunpowder, and new philosophies, such as Confucianism and Daoism.
– Mesoamerica and South America were home to developed civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca before the arrival of European conquerors.
– The African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai dominated West Africa during Europe’s medieval period.
Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, evaluating and using primary and secondary sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like ecotourism, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.