MS World History Modern
The World History 2 course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the Renaissance to modern day. Topics include the following:
– The Renaissance marked a renewed interest in the past as well as exploration of philosophy and artistic styles.
– The Protestant Reformation and the Counter- Reformation transformed European religion and politics.
– Interest in Asian trade and the development of new technologies sparked European exploration and colonization.
– During the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Western scientists and thinkers applied reason and systematic study to seek to understand the physical world, human nature, and society.
– World War I was shaped by new technologies such as tanks, machine guns, and poison gas.
– World War II was a global effort to stop German expansionism in Europe and Japanese expansionism in Asia.
– After World War II, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union helped shape events in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
– The dissolution of colonial empires after World War II included conflicts in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
– The early twenty- first century has been shaped by globalization, migration, terrorism, regional conflict, eradication of disease, and climate change.
Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, analyzing visual sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like chronological thinking, fact versus opinion, analyzing continuity and change, cultural diffusion and economic specialization, 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.
