Unit 1: Europe in the Medieval Times
Students will study the development of feudalism in Western Europe and determine how effective it was in establishing order. We will explore what life was like in towns, and we will also learn the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in medieval Europe. Tracing the events that contributed to the decline of feudalism, students will then study the rise of democratic thought. Finally, we will investigate how the Byzantine Empire developed and formed its own distinctive church.
Students will study the development of feudalism in Western Europe and determine how effective it was in establishing order. We will explore what life was like in towns, and we will also learn the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in medieval Europe. Tracing the events that contributed to the decline of feudalism, students will then study the rise of democratic thought. Finally, we will investigate how the Byzantine Empire developed and formed its own distinctive church.
Unit 2: Islam in Medieval Times
The unit will commence with an exploration of the origins and spread of Islam. Delving into the beliefs and practices, we will learn what shaped Muslims’ lives. We will study the important innovations and adaptations medieval Muslims made, and finally, we will analyze the impact of the Crusades upon the lives of Christians, Muslims and Jews.
The unit will commence with an exploration of the origins and spread of Islam. Delving into the beliefs and practices, we will learn what shaped Muslims’ lives. We will study the important innovations and adaptations medieval Muslims made, and finally, we will analyze the impact of the Crusades upon the lives of Christians, Muslims and Jews.
Unit 3: Imperial China
By studying the political development of imperial China, students will learn about the method of selecting officials, which led to the best leaders for China. We will also gain insight into how the Chinese improved their economy during the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as investigate how medieval Chinese discoveries and inventions influenced the modern world. In contemplating how foreign-contact policies of three medieval Chinese dynasties affected China, students with explore the nature of China’s contact with the Outside World.
By studying the political development of imperial China, students will learn about the method of selecting officials, which led to the best leaders for China. We will also gain insight into how the Chinese improved their economy during the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as investigate how medieval Chinese discoveries and inventions influenced the modern world. In contemplating how foreign-contact policies of three medieval Chinese dynasties affected China, students with explore the nature of China’s contact with the Outside World.
Unit 4: Global Issues & Social Justice
The final unit will consist of an examination of the concept of human rights. Through inquiry and critical analysis, we will address whether universal rights are really “universal”. Students will conduct an independent study and produce a documentary based on their research on the violation of a human right in a particular country of their choice.
The final unit will consist of an examination of the concept of human rights. Through inquiry and critical analysis, we will address whether universal rights are really “universal”. Students will conduct an independent study and produce a documentary based on their research on the violation of a human right in a particular country of their choice.
Resources
Alavosus, Laura, ed. History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. Palo Alto: Teachers' Curriculum Institute, 2011.
Variety of books, articles, print and online.
Alavosus, Laura, ed. History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. Palo Alto: Teachers' Curriculum Institute, 2011.
Variety of books, articles, print and online.