[SS] Social Studies 7 Semester A (1 of 2) : Extended Campus (SM)

Video Transcript: Course Intro

Welcome to Medieval and Early Modern Times. This is a course that will take you on a historical journey to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from about the first to the fifteenth century. After reviewing the ancient world and the ways in which archaeologists and historians uncover the past, you’ll study the history and geography of great civilizations that were developing at the same time throughout the world during medieval and early modern times.

In this course, you’ll study the influence of ancient Rome as well as explore the rise of Christianity and Islam. In addition, you’ll explore the history and geography of great civilizations in Asia, Africa, and South America.

You’ll begin by exploring the geography and people who helped Rome grow from a group of villages to a mighty republic. A video explains the structure of the Roman Republic and an early form of checks and balances. You will also learn about internal reforms that contributed to the rise of Julius Caesar.

Next, you’ll learn about the artists, historians, and philosophers that influenced Roman culture. You’ll visit places that were central to public life in the empire. Then you’ll explore the polytheistic (many gods) Roman religious beliefs, as well as see the role Judaism and Christianity played in ancient Rome. You’ll then analyze the factors that led to the division of Rome, the fall of the western empire, and the rise of the Byzantine Empire. 

The course then explores the spread of Islam throughout Arabia. It examines how the faith divided after the death of Muhammad. You’ll discover the golden age of Islam that began during the Abbasid caliphate. You’ll learn about the contributions of the Fatimid caliphate and the Muslim explorer Ibn Battuta. Next, you’ll learn about the Crusades begun by Western Christians and the Muslim recapture of parts of the Holy Land under the leadership of Saladin.

Then, you’ll learn how new kingdoms emerged throughout Europe. Later, you’ll study the spread of Christianity after the fall of the Roman Empire. Next, the course investigates the importance of Charlemagne in building the Holy Roman Empire. You’ll then read about the causes and effects of the Crusades. You’ll also explore the conflicts that shaped medieval Christianity. These include the Schism of 1054, the Investiture Controversy, new Catholic orders, and the Great Schism. Next, you’ll analyze factors that promoted the growth of towns, and learn about medieval art and architecture. You’ll also read about the growth of universities. This section concludes with the bubonic plague and its impact on the global population.

Next, you’ll learn about the development of the empire of Ghana in West Africa. Then you’ll investigate how the empire of Mali grew after the fall of Ghana. You’ll also learn about the importance of the ruler Mansa Musa.

From there, the discussion moves to the Olmec and Maya civilizations of Mesoamerica. You’ll then explore the achievements of the Chavin and Inca people in South America. Finally, you’ll analyze the factors that contributed to the growth and fall of the mysterious city of Teotihuacan. You’ll do the same for the Toltec and Aztec societies.

Next, you’ll read about the geography and climate of China. And you will explore the rise of the Han dynasty. The unit also describes the rise of Confucianism and Buddhism.

The class continues by discussing the Tang and Sung dynasties and their various reforms. You’ll explore the changes and achievements of the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Finally, you’ll study cultural developments that occurred in Japan. 

Throughout the course, you will examine and analyze readings, biographies, videos, and other materials that paint a picture of historical topics. Discussions with your peers will help you to think creatively and critically about topics. The projects that span the course are designed to develop and sharpen your writing skills.

Course Syllabus

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