Draft - Contemporary World Issues
Senior Social Studies Elective
(Updated 3/27/00)
I. The student examines and understands major ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points, chronology, and cause-and-effect relationships. This class focuses on the years 1945 to the present.
- 1. Defines major political, economic and social issues in the world.
- Political institutions
- Democracies
- Socialism
- Communism
- Dictatorships / Military rule
- Economic institutions
- Capitalism
- Laissez faire
- Central planning
- 2. Examines world organizations and agencies
- United Nations
- Government / Non-governmental agencies
- Social / Economic and financial institutions
- Alliances
- 3. Recognizes cause and effect of themes and events in the world
- Exploration / Colonization
- Imperialism / Wars
- Revolutions (political, economic, and social)
- Freedom / Human rights
- Agricultural / Industrial / Service sectors
- Political events throughout the world
2. The student applies the methods of social science investigation to compare and contrast historic events.
- 1. Investigate topics using current technology, the library, classroom and community resources, and a variety of news sources
- 2. Separate fact from opinion; understand bias and propaganda
- 3. Evaluate information and concisely summarize the findings
- 4. Develop logical thinking skills and an ability to argue both sides of an issue.
3. The student understands the origin and impact of ideas and technological developments on history and social change.
- 1. Compares and analyzes how ideas have interrelated with each other in
the areas of trade, religion, politics, economic systems and cultural differences
- Ideas and inventions
- Independent invention
- Cultural diffusion
- Conquest and forced adoption
- Governmental / non-governmental agencies
- Treaties / Agreements
- Military pacts
- Agencies
- Financial / Social institutions
- 2. Examines the impact of ideas and technology and how this has changed society and culture