Middle School Social Studies
Program Overview
In social studies, students enhance their awareness and understanding of people and global issues by exploring the history of humankind from our earliest ancestors through the twenty-first century. It is organized as a four-year odyssey through the history of humankind, experienced in the context of current events and the great ideas and achievements of civilization.
5th Grade: "The Beginnings of Mankind"
Goals and Objectives
Students will gain an understanding of the time-line of early humankind, and be able to discuss the parameters of human survival and the consequences of agriculture as a cultural event. In the context of hope, students will see the opportunity afforded mankind and our early failings and successes.
The importance of the 'input' skills of observation, reading (reflectively), and listening are stressed. Likewise, the expressive skills of speaking and presenting are developed in the context of analysis and understanding. This includes working on narrative skills in our interpretation of history.
Content
The course will cover the following units: World creation and evolution, agriculture and the emergence of mankind, early civilizations, Egypt, and early India, China, and Olmec civilizations. We conclude with a study of the Persian, Greek and Roman Empires.
6th Grade: "Emergence and Growth"
Goals and Objectives
Students see how the modern world is built upon the foundation of ancient times. They compare the role of government and religion in various cultures, and they see the parallel between various civil societies. The culmination for the students is the rebirth of intellectual thought and inquiry during the Renaissance.
Students develop an understanding of frameworks available for academic study. Analytical skills are refined along with presentation graphics and public speaking.
Content
The course will cover the following units: Rise of Christianity, Byzantine Empire, Islam, Mongol Empire, Rise of Trade in Africa and Asia, Inca and Mayan civilizations, Middle Ages in Europe, Renaissance and Reformation.
7th Grade: "Exploration and Independence"
Goals and Objectives
Students will gain an understanding of both the importance of trade, and the rights of the individual. Revolution is studied in the context of the origin of the United States. Students see the U. S. Constitution as a document that addresses many of the injustices of the past.
Students discuss the significance of precedence and typologies as a means of understanding history. Levels of understanding and meaning are discussed in the context of current world events.
Content
The course will cover the following units: Reformation, World Exploration, Counter Reformation, Settlement of North America, American Revolution, U. S. Constitution, Early Years of the United States, and the American Civil War.
8th Grade: "20th Century"
Goals and Objectives
Students gain an understanding of international interaction and interdependence in the twentieth century. Students will look for hope for today in the reality of our recent history. Additionally, we will discuss what service we can or will be to others.
Skills of argument are developed through effective presentation and the use of precedence. Students will be introduced to the power of the metaphor.
Content
The course will cover the following units: World events of the late 19th century, America at the turn of the 20th century, World War I, Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Vietnam War, and the Post Cold War World.