World History/Civilizations is studied in the sixth grade to give students a better understanding of Western Cultures and Western Civilization in the context of the varied cultures and civilizations of the world.

Overview and Survey of World History/Civilizations should provide for a study of selected world cultures, past and present as they relate to the development of the Western World. Content should provide a basis for students to compare and evaluate patterns of culture for diversity and commonality of human experience and behavior. The course will examine; ancient civilizations, development of cultures in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, classical Europe, and Latin America; the role of religions in shaping cultures and the development of modern societies; the interaction of cultures with the natural environment; the connections among civilizations from earliest times to the present.

I. Citizenship and Government

Compare and contrast civic responsibility and the political structures in various societies, cultures, and civilizations

Examine various political and economic systems and the ways in which theses systems reach decisions, and impact their people (i.e., dictatorships republic, monarchy, democracy, capitalism, socialism, feudalism)

Describe the citizen’s role within various forms of government

Compare the way in which change may take place within the United States with that of other cultures and civilizations

Examine behavior which encourages democratic processes, equality, and freedom

II. Historical Perspectives

Examine the effect of historical events, personalities, and decisions on world cultures and civilizations

Identify major historical events and personalities from cultures and civilizations and describe their significance

List the causes of major historical events or conflicts (military, political, or social) affecting the development of Western Europe and their influence on the development of American Culture

III. Geographic Relationships

Explain the relationship between physical and cultural features in the world.

Identify the physical features (land and water forms, climate, natural vegetation, etc.) that influence Development

Identify cultural characteristics of regions (language, nationality, religion, etc.) and their influence on development

Make inferences or draw conclusions as to why geography was and is important to how cultures develop (i.c., place geography, continents and oceans, climate, latitude/longitude, and physical geography)

Identify ways in which people have used and adapted to their environments

IV. Economics

Demonstrate the influence of physical and cultural factors upon the economic systems found in various cultures and civilization

Describe and analyze major economic and political systems and their impact on their cultures and civilizations

Examine various political and economic systems and the ways in which theses systems reach decisions, and impact their people (i.e., dictatorships republic, monarchy, democracy, capitalism, socialism, feudalism)

Explain how specialization and trade influence the ways people earn income

Describe how economic factors (i.e., supply, demand, etc.) impact cultures and their relationships to each other

V. World Cultures

Begin to develop an understanding that all cultures share common elements regardless of their diversity

Analyze specific contributions from past civilizations and their influence on Western civilizations

Examine various political and economic systems and the ways in which theses systems reach decisions

Evaluate various world cultures using information on customs, religion, and ethnic qualities

VI. Individuals and Society

Begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between individual and group behavior

Identify different social groups in various cultures and civilizations, and how individuals behaved in these groups

Identify social groups to which people belong and explain their importance in society

Explain the effects of individuals’ behavior on society

Examine how social groups are influenced by the behavior of members

Evaluate behavior which encourages democratic processes, equality, and freedom.

Examine various political and economic systems and the ways in which theses systems impact social groups within them

VII. Current Events

Examine factors from past and current events that may influence present or future conditions in various cultures and civilization

Discover and evaluate current issues that affect the world

Examine current events that may have been influenced by events in the near and distant past

Determine the issues and developments from the past and current events that may influence future conditions in various cultures

VIII. Inquiry Skills

Using data available from various sources, form conclusions, make decisions, and present findings related to various cultures and civilizations.

Interpret information about cultures and civilizations presented in graphs, charts, maps, time lines, polls, and pictures

Record information and develop note-taking and outlining systems

Analyze and evaluate data using a variety of social studies skills such as graphs, maps, charts, geographical terms

Prepare and present oral and written reports on specific people, events, or characteristics of cultures, civilizations, or areas of the world

Distinguish fact form opinion in data sources

Identify cause and effect relationships

IX. Civic Ideals and Practice

Develop a commitment to effective and responsible participation in functioning of school and community organizations.

Compare and contrast ideas about personal responsibility and community service in various cultures and civilization

Examine and observe school, community, and national rules and regulations

Work within a group toward certain goals

Accept responsibility for individual actions in the school and community