World Civilizations

This two-trimester course is designed to acquaint students with a variety of cultures in the ancient and medieval periods. Students will focus on developing grade level reading, test taking, and study skills as they learn about the history and culture of Ancient Near East, Greece, Rome and medieval Africa, Japan, and Europe. Students will also practice the skills of historical inquiry using primary sources and secondary sources to enrich their study. Special attention will be given to concepts of cultural universals, historical bias, and patterns of cultural development. Notebook management and structured short-term research projects are emphasized. Students also work on a variety of projects that develop productive group skills and a variety of creative presentation methods. Students should expect regular out of class assignments.