World History 9: Development of World Civilizations

In Grade 9 Social Studies, we examine the development of early human societies. In the first semester, we start with a brief unit exploring how history is written, by whom, and why that matters. Then we examine the social, political, economic, and cultural systems of the kingdoms of Nubia and Aksum in northeast Africa, the Qin and Han Dynasties in China, the Roman Republic in the Mediterranean, and indigenous societies in Central/South America and Pacific. In the second semester, we explore the changes that occurred as those global regions became increasingly interconnected through the spread of religious beliefs, trade networks and the exchange of knowledge/ideas, new technological innovations, and war/conquest. 

Students work on a range of skills, including analytical writing, research, and effective public speaking (both in oral presentations and seminar discussions).