Ancient History Syllabus (Prehistoric Times to 1500 CE)

Teacher: Mr. Adam Rogers

Email: rogersa@henrykl2.net

Location: Room 21 (B Building)

Course Overview:

Ancient History explores the creation and diffusion of world civilizations from prehistory to the 1500's. Attention will be given to the major social, cultural, religious, and political trends within each civilization.

The course will begin with the birth of civilization in the Near East, and the outward diffusion and transformation of that civilization. The course will then focus on the rise of civilization in India and China before the Sixth Century C.E.

We will then discuss the rise and fall of the Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman civilizations, with particular emphasis on the role of the Roman Empire and its spread of Hellenistic Culture and Christianity throughout Europe.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, we will discuss the role of the Byzantine Empire in preserving and transforming Roman Civilization in contrast to the rise of Islamic Civilizations in the late Fifth Century C.E.

The course then covers the fransition of Europe through the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages. After an emphasis on Europe, attention shifts to first East Asia, then Africa, and finally the Americas.

The course will then conclude with a focus on the beginnings of the Modern Age of Europe. Specific areas of interest will be on the contact between European and non-European peoples, the Italian and Northern Renaissance, and the Refonnation. Other topics that will be discussed are:the origin and diffusion of civilizations; the emergence and character of the 1najor religious

and philosophical traditions; the frequent clash of systems of thought and how they expanded, spread, and were transformed; the rise and fall of empires; technological innovations and the diffusion of technologies; population growth and its consequences; the development and spread of

. commerce; and the origins and ever-greater importance of cities.

Course Objectives

A chronological survey of world civilizations from prehistory to 1500 C.E; with particular focus on the interactions between these civilizations.

- Ari introduction to major historical time periods with an emphasis on political, sodal, cultural, ecorioinic, and.geographic·feature·s of each.

- An introduction to history as a field of study.

- An appreciation for the relevance of ancient history and the foundation it has provided for 1nodern day societies.

- An introduction to using the internet for historical research.

Course Requirements

- In order to ensure success in this class, students MUST take careful )

notes from the instructor (especially during PowerPoint presentations and lectures).

- · Students will be expected to engage in class discussions.

- Students will be expected to read and interpret primary sources from the time period (provided by the instructor).

- Informal Writing: Students will be expected to write sho1i responses to primary sources, videos, and works of fiction.

- Formal Writing: Students will be required to write one formal research paper over a topic of their choice that has been pre-approved by the instructor,

- Tests: There will be four tests throughout the semester. Make-up tests will be taken before or after school.

- Quizzes: Quizzes may be announced or unannounced over in-class discussions, primary sources, or other sources that have been covered in class.

- Map Quizzes: Map quizzes will be given throughout the semester occasionally. The students-will be asked to identify specific locations of civilizations and important geograp - Mid-Term Exam: The midterm will consist of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and free response·questions. The exam will cover material covered in the first half of the class.

- Final Exam.: The final exam will consist of multiple choice, short response, fill in the blank, and essay questions. The _final exam will ONLY consist of material from the second half of the semester.

Course Description

ERA 1: Hmnan Origins and Early Civilizations: Prehistory to 1000 BCE

ERA 2: Early Civilizations arid the Rise of Religious Traditions: 1000 BCE- 500CE

ERA 3: The Classical Civilizations of Greece and Rome: 1000-500 BCE

ERA 4: Post-Classical Civilizations: 300-1000 CE

ERA 5: Regional Interactions: 1000-1500 CE

There will be five main areas of emphasis we will cover within each civilization we discuss:

1. Culture: The similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes, values, and traditions.

2. Economy: Stude'nts wUl understand how the explosion of population growth and technological advances affected the production, distribution, and consumption of goods in ancient history. Also how these factors contributed to major historical events·.•

3. Geography: enables the students to see, understand and appreciate the web of relationships between people, places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential elements of geography: world in spatial tenns; places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography.

4. Government: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

5. History: History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which infonned decisions in contemporary life can be based

Grading Scale Grade Percentages

A: 90.:.100

B: 80-89 C:70-79 D:60-69

F: 59 or below

Exams: 35%

Quizzes: 15%

Assignments: 30%

Notes: 10%

Participation:10%_

Class Rules:

1. Be respectful to yourself, your classmates, and your teacher at ALL times.

2. Follow all the conduct rules listed in your Herny County High School Student Handbook

3. Come to class prepared

4. Cellphones are NOT permitted at any time except when teachers directly says you may use them

5. No technology (AirPods, Laptops, Tablets, etc.) during class time except when teacher permits

Keep in Mind

Effort will go a long way in my class! We (including myself) may not know all of the answers, but it is the effm t we put towards finding the answers that counts!

Henry County High School

Adam Rogers

Ancient History and Spanish

Classroom Library Link

Syllabus/Major learning

Resources to assist with learning