World History (Period 1)

MODERN WORLD HISTORY

Course Description:

MODERN WORLD HISTORY completes the progression of ancient and medieval history that began at the junior high school level.  Our program links past and present to give students a broad view of the development of Western and non-Western societies so they may confidently challenge the future.  Much of the focus of the curriculum is post 1900. Students study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present, including the cause and course of the two world wars. Students trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. They draw from prior knowledge that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high price, remain vulnerable, and are not practiced everywhere in the world. Students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students consider multiple accounts of events in order to understand international relations from a variety of perspectives.

Modern World History is organized around three goals:

• Establishing knowledge and cultural understanding of the period and countries of focus. 

• Establishing democratic understanding and the civic values needed to live in a pluralistic world. 

• Developing an eagerness for skills attainment and social participation. 

The course covers the following topics:

• Rise of Democracy

• Industrial Revolution

• Age of Imperialism

• World War I

• Totalitarianism

• World War II

• Cold War

• Post World War II

Prerequisites:

This course satisfies the San Marino High School graduation requirement as well as the entrance requirement for colleges and universities.