Social Studies Curriculum

Overview:
Students will study geography and history of selected major groups in Europe, Asia, and Africa in ancient times. They will learn about social, political, and economic systems, and how humankind has developed these systems in order to meet particular needs. Students will learn that earlier civilizations and historical events are dependent and diverse. They also will learn that events of the past can influence contemporary cultures, and that some concerns and some ethical values have not changed over time.

Students will explore:
• Early Human
• The Development of Societies
• The Beginning of Civilization in the Near East and Africa
• The Foundations Of Western Ideas
• West meets East

Students will journey through:
• Mesopotamia
• Ancient Egypt/ Kush
• Ancient Israelites
• Ancient India
• Ancient China
• Minoan, Mycenaen, and Classical Greece
• Ancient Rome

Students will examine and discuss current events through the use of online periodicals and current event links.
Students will also:
• Learn basic concepts and skills related to World Geography
• Learn basic concepts about political, economic, and social systems, and how they interact within society
• Learn that religion and other cultures/ ethical values often have significant impact on the lives of people and societies
• Learn and/ or refine research and critical thinking skills
• Develop and/ or refine effective communication skills as individuals and through collaborative and cooperative efforts

Resources:
• Textbook: Message of Ancient Days Houghton Mifflin, 1991
• Teacher’s Curriculum Institute (TCI)
• D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths
• “Julius Caesar” Reader’s Theatre from Shake Hands with Shakespeare
• “The Trial of Socrates” from Interact Curriculum
• Internet and other technology
• Field trips- Rosicrucian Egyptian and Asian Art
• Docent visits to Jordan- Early Humans