Introduction

World History and the Jewish Experience will meld Jewish history into a general history framework. This course will cover political, social, economic, intellectual and spiritual history of the Western and non-Western world from ancient times through the present. There will be considerable emphasis on the Jewish experience during these eras. Students will devote attention to the fundamentals of historical inquiry, including the mastery of basic chronology, research skills, and the critical analysis of evidence. As students progress through the course they will continue to hone skills previously developed and continue to develop a critical approach to historical evidence, with special attention to primary sources.

The following are the units will be covered.

Ancient Civilzations
Greece
Rome
Islamic Empire
MIddle Ages
Renaissance
Reformation
Age of Exploration
Scientific Revolution
Enlightenment
Age of Revolutions
Nationalism
World War I
Russian Revolution
Interwar Period
World War II
Postwar World
Modern Era

Expanding their ability to understand the chronological relationships between geography and history, resulting in an understanding of differences in lifestyle, cultures, and patterns of social interaction that every educated person should know to be an informed citizen of the world.
Studying history using a mixed chronological and thematic approach to encourage students to see cause and affect relationships over time and across civilizations.
Exploring the history of the Jewish people to better understand our history, culture, and traditions.
Understanding similarities and differences between and among civilizations, as well as recognizing major turning points in World History.
Developing the ability to understand the difference between original and secondary sources, separating propaganda from neutral statements and using all of the above in an intellectual context.
Developing and honing various skills needed in school and throughout life (ex. note taking, writing, supporting arguments, oral presentations, interpretation, cooperation, interpersonal skills).
Encouraging understanding and tolerance for other views and cultures.
Stimulating curiosity to learn more.

How and why does the status of the Jew change over time?
How does the Jew respond to, interact with, resist, adapt to, escape the society in which he lives?
How do the religious, political, and social experiences of the Jewish community parallel and deviate from the experience of its surrounding non-Jewish communities?

Stay tuned for a list of resources. For additional resources, please see the resources section of the website.

World History Units

Resources

Resources for Teaching

Resources for Parents

World History and the Jews