Commentary on Proposed SS Curriculum -- History

History: (focus on world history from early civilizations through medieval times in Europe, Asia, and Africa)

I have found that, especially in the early months of the 6th grade year, students are not consistently capable of the sort of abstract thinking that allows them to understand the very early historical periods.  To them this history is hardly removed from the fantasy literature that so many of them become fascinated by.  I have had very good success in trying to work this curriculum "backwards" beginning with the most recent historical and cultural material -- and then moving further and further into the earlier history.  Doing this allows me to tie each successive part of the "story" to student's own experience and/or previous knowledge...  Hence, when I do discuss the middle ages or the rise of Islam, it isn't some sort of "disconnected" bit of information with no meaning in their world.

Following that scheme, this part of the social studies curriculum would (chronologically) be presented like this:

1 ) Discuss and establish student understanding of the modern characteristics (Geography, Government, Culture, Economic system, Religion, History, Key figures) of life in China, Japan, Europe and Africa and their roots in earlier civilizations.  Note:  this work can be accomplished fairly quickly and does not have to be done "in depth."  Students just need some sort of world view and context for the deeper history to follow.

2)  Compare the characteristics (Geography, Government, Culture, Economic system, Religion, History, Key figures) of medieval life in China, Japan, Europe and Africa and their impact on later civilizations, with emphasis on the following:

China:

Tang dynasty
Mongol Empire
Ming Dynasty

Africa:

·         Empire of Ghana

·         European slave trade

Japan:

·         feudal society and the influence of China on its culture

·         role of Shinto and Buddhism

Europe:

·         Feudalism

·         Limited monarchy - Magna Carta

·         The role of the Roman Catholic Church

·         Crusades

·         Black Plague

 

3)  Describe the Byzantine Empire and the rise of Islam and Arab world, with emphasis on:
Geography
History of the Byzantine Empire and connections to Rome
Division of the Christian church into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox church
Dessert life on the Arabian peninsula 
Teachings of Muhammad and Islam
Spread of Islam  

4)  Compare the characteristics of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and their enduring impact on later civilizations, with emphasis on the following:
Geography
Government
Culture
Economic system
Religion – especially role in the spread of Christianity
Technology
Art and architecture
History 
Key figures

5)  Compare the early river civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Indus Valley and China) with emphasis on:
Geography especially the impact/importance of river valleys
Government
Culture
Economic system
Religion
Technology
Agricultural practices
History
Key Figures

6)  Describe the early cultural development of humankind from the Paleolithic Era to the revolution of agriculture including:

• Hunter-gatherer life

• Technology (tools, use of fire)
• Development of cultural features among prehistoric peoples, especially religion
• Domestication of animals and plants
• Development of farming
• How communities emerged and what life was like in early villages