4th hour - World History
Relevance: World History is a core academic course for graduation. Through the study of World History, a student will gain an understanding of continuity and change within and across eras of time. Through this historical development, students will gain a perspective of our place as Americans in world history and the increasingly importance of diverse global connections among world societies. It is important for students to understand where we have been in order to better understand and appreciate where we are going. This understanding between the past and future develops and appreciation for traditions and values which have shaped our world. Knowledge of the sacrifices, hardships, and triumphs by others and the results, will help to develop a reasonable sense of global responsibilities necessary to build and keep a bright future for generations to come. A student will continue to develop their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that will provide leverage and value in other academic disciplines and provide enduring skills for life beyond high school.

Content: This semester-long course focuses on a general overview of world history from the Renaissance to the rise of the modern world. The course explores the differing cultural/historical backgrounds of various geographical areas of the world. We will analyze ancient history, as well as the foundation of world religions and beliefs, exploration, intellectual revolutions, violent evolutions, industrial revolutions, nationalism/imperialism through the world wars, cold war, the quest of countries seeking independence and changes in current global patterns. This course is designed to help students examine who we were in the past and how that past has shaped us into the global nation we are now. Much of the work will be done in class. Students will also be responsible for the creation of various projects. Every student has the opportunity to excel in this course, however expectations are very high. Students will be expected to be active participants in their learning by expressing their views and ideas.