Freshman Year
Western Civilizations with World Background
This course is a survey of Western civilization from its very beginnings in the river valleys over 5,000 years ago to approximately 1600 C.E. Regardless of which country one’s ancestors are from, we are all products of the ideas, values and institutions of Western Civilization- they are our cultural roots. Socrates advised, “know thyself,” therefore in this course we will deal with significant political, economic, social and cultural developments of the major historical periods. Only by understanding the past can mankind assess both the perils and opportunities of the present.
We will explore world history through both a study of cultures and a “historical timeline.” Although we begin in the Middle East, as the “birthplace of civilization”, the course quickly moves to the study of Greece, the “birthplace” of Western Civilizations. Throughout the course, attention will be given to the progress and development of Jewish life in each civilization. The course also delves into Judeo-Christian heritage, the origins of Christianity and the development of church government and dogma. Throughout each major historical period, the culture of the time will be discussed, such as literature, drama, art, government and social values/customs. This will be accomplished by various PBL (project-based learning) assignments incorporating several other disciplines including English, Art History, Talmud and Science, as well as using primary and secondary sources in supplemental readings. Interpretation and analysis of these materials will enhance students’ understanding of various cultures. Regularly written assignments in conjunction with the projects and analyses will develop writing skills. Throughout the year there will be mini-papers and essays based on various sources studied. Many of the units covered will culminate in class debates.
The specific objectives for this course include:
-developing critical thinking skills
-establishing the significance of a geographic region or specific time period
-developing research questions and then a specific topic related to those questions
-development of inferential skills
-introducing DBQ questions: use of primary sources in answering specific questions.
-learning to work as part of a team in group research assignments.
History provides us with the means of profiting from human experience. Students will investigate the development of the past and its relationship to the present and the future.
Honors Class
Chronological study is similar to that of the other Western Civilizations Survey Courses, with amore in-depth study of the Jewish History component. Students will regularly be required to write essays based on specific historical sources. A research paper will be assigned, with instructor approval for all topics. The mechanics of “how to” write a research paper will be reviewed, demonstrated and explained. At the completion of the course, students will be able to critically assess each of the major historical periods.