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Comparative Civilizations XII

This course will provide you with an interesting and in depth coverage of societies and civilizations up to the 16th century. Among the ancient civilizations which will be examined are the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Africans, Chinese, Japanese, the Mayas, the Aztecs, the Incas and the Europeans of the Early, High and Late Middle Ages. The aim of the course will be to provide an overall comparison of the following civilizations following a thorough examination of their political, religious, economic, and social structures. Because history involves much more than remembering historical dates and events, being able to interpret creatively is critical. Therefore, this course will not only broaden your knowledge of the past and the world around you, but will help you to develop skills that will be critical for your success in any future studies and careers.

World History to the 16th Century

COURSE OUTLINE

TopicOutlineChapterMonthLessons
The Near East This unit first traces the development of the earliest human societies from the time of the Neanderthals, through the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages. The second half of the unit explores the nature of Egyptian society, including a look at how religious beliefs shaped the government and inspired the building of enormous pyramids. Chapters 1 & 2 Sept 10 – Oct 22 14 Lessons
The Mediterranean This unit will focus on two great empires of southern Europe, the Greeks and the Romans. The ancient Greeks gave the world some of the most magnificent works of art and architecture. They also invented a democratic system of government to which we still look for inspiration today. The Roman Empire was the greatest empire of the ancient world, stretching from Britain to Asia Minor and across North Africa. Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6 Oct 24 – Dec 20 20 Lessons
The Islamic Middle East & Africa This unit examines Islamic culture and society from Muhammad’s
epiphany and journey to Mecca, through to the expansion of the Islamic Empire at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The second half of the unit surveys several of the historic African kingdoms. The chapter introduces important cities, leaders and innovations.		 Chapters 7 & 8 January - February 13 Lessons
Asia This unit examines the rich and complex civilizations which emerged in Asia. Chinese and Japanese cultures evolved into vast empires with extensive trading networks through which goods, ideas, belief systems and innovations were exchanged Chapters 10 & 11 March  - April 17 Lessons
The Americas Chapters 12, 13, 14 May 11 Lessons

Vital Information

  • Each unit will contain a major test and a number of short quizzes. It is your responsibility to ensure that all assigned readings in the text are read to better prepare yourself for tests and quizzes. Specific reading assignments will be assigned from class to class
  • Each unit will also contain a number of minor and major assignments, both homework and in class. Late assignments, without a reasonable excuse, will be deducted by 50%.
  • A World History Handbook will be provided for you at the beginning of various units. The purpose of the handbook is to make the task of comparing various civilizations easier. It will be your responsibility to complete each handbook as the unit draws to a close. (Specific due dates will be provided) The completed handbook will be submitted to your teacher to be evaluated and will be used as part of the 15% final evaluation.


Student Evaluation:

World History Handbook15 %
Homework & Assignments 25 %
Tests & Quizzes 30 %
Term Exam 30 %
TOTAL 100 %

*Your final grade will be an average of Terms 1 & 2