World+History+I

World History I     “To study without thinking is futile; to think without studying is dangerous.” -Confucius The goal of our study this year is not the mundane memorization of names and dates. Our goal is to bring history alive in every possible way. Through our yearlong survey of world civilizations, you will:
 * Engage with the material both independently and collaboratively with classmates. We will participate in a combination of individual work, group work, simulations and debates that take us back to different times and places in world history (For example, if you were a Mongol warrior, how would you rule the vast expanse of China that you have just conquered?? You will get a chance to simulate such a situation!).
 * Act as historians by analyzing primary source materials (For example, read excerpts containing John Locke’s idea natural rights and recognize how they influenced our very own Declaration of Independence!) and determining cause and effect relationships (Why did the balance of power in the world shift around the year 1300? You will answer this “big” question!).
 * Become more informed “citizens of the world” through improvement of geography and mapping skills. We’re not just talking labeling places… what else can go on a map? Think outside the box!
 * Utilize technologies that are crucial to being successful in the 21st century. These include (but are certainly not limited to): wiki spaces, PowerPoint, podcasting, and more!
 * Be assessed in a variety of different ways (homework, quizzes, tests, essays, projects, debates, simulations, and more).

Most importantly: as much as possible, we will make personal connections to the topics that we are studying. By doing this, history transforms from a mere statement of facts to something about which you develop opinions and a deeper understanding (and maybe even enjoy!!).