Middle School Social Studies

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COURSE DESCRIPTION TEXTBOOKS
6th Grade Social Studies World History and Geography: Early Civilizations Through the Fall of the 
Western Roman Empire 
Sixth grade students will study the beginnings of early civilizations through the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Students will analyze the cultural, economic, geographical, historical, and political foundations for early civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, India, China, Greece, and Rome. The sixth grade will conclude with the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire. This course will also teach students about the historical context of ancient and major world religions and will follow a common template for major world religions so as to not promote any religion. Major world religions are introduced in either 6th or 7th grade. This course will be the students’ first concentrated survey of world history and geography and is designed to help students think like historians, focusing on historical concepts in order to build a foundational understanding of the world. Appropriate primary sources have been embedded in the standards in order to deepen the understanding of world history and geography. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of government, including the beginning of democratic practices. HMH Ancient Civilizations
7th Grade Social Studies World History and Geography: The Middle Ages to the Exploration of the
Americas
Seventh grade students will explore the cultural, economic, geographical, historical, and political changes of Western Civilization in Europe as well as the geographic regions of East Asia, West Africa, and Southwest Asia and Northern Africa. Students will compare and contrast the history and geography of civilizations that were developing concurrently throughout Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia during the 15th to 18th centuries. Students will examine the growth in economic interactions among civilizations as well as the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. Students will describe the indigenous populations of the Americas and the long-term impact of European exploration in the New World. Finally, students will analyze the influence of geography on the development of civilizations as they continue their study of world history and geography. This course will also teach students about the historical context of ancient and major world religions and will follow a common template for major world religions so as to not promote any religion. Major world religions are introduced in either 6th or 7th grade. This course is a continuation of the 6th grade survey of world history and geography and is designed to help students think like historians, focusing on historical concepts in order to build a foundational understanding of the world. Appropriate primary sources have been embedded in the standards in order to deepen the understanding of world history and geography. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of government, including the beginning of democratic practices. HMH World Civilizations
8th Grade Social Studies United States History and Geography: Colonization of North America to 
Reconstruction 
Eighth grade students will study the European settlement of North America and the role geographic features played in the early settlement of Thirteen Colonies. Students will examine the development and maturation of the Thirteen Colonies and the political, cultural, and economic influences that led to the American Revolution. Students will analyze the major events and outcomes of the American Revolution as well as the individuals who played influential roles in the development of the new nation. Students will follow the development of the United States and its government, continuing through the early 19th century. Students will analyze the impact of the expansion and sectionalism of the U.S., including implications on domestic and foreign policy. Students will also study policies that affected American Indians and African Americans. Finally, students will examine the major events and issues leading up to the Civil War, individuals and events that were significant during the war, and the resulting era of Reconstruction. This course will place Tennessee history, government, and geography in context with U.S. history in order to illustrate the role our state has played in American history. This course is the first of a two year survey of U.S. history and geography and picks up where 7th grade finishes their study of world history. This course is designed to help students think like historians, focusing on historical concepts in order for students to build an understanding of the history of the U.S. Appropriate primary sources have been embedded in the standards in order to enhance students’ understanding of the content. HMH United States History: Beginnings to 1877