8 History

The ancient to the modern world

The course provides a study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period, c.650– 1750 AD (CE). This was when major civilisations around the world came into contact with each other. Social, economic, religious and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed. It was the period when the modern world began to take shape    

Key inquiry questions.

• How did societies change from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern age?

• What key beliefs and values emerged and how did they influence societies?

• What were the causes and effects of contact between societies in this period?

• Which significant people, groups and ideas from this period have influenced the world today?

 Overview - The ancient to the modern world

 1. Depth study - The Vikings

• The way of life in Viking society

• The  weapons, shipbuilding and trade that led to Viking expansion.

• Viking conquests and relationships with subject peoples, including the perspectives of monks, changes in the way of life of the English, and the Norman invasion

• The role of significant individuals including Erik the Red.

 2. Depth study - The Angkor empire 

• The way of life in the Khmer Empire.

• The trade and agriculture that led to the rise of Angkor.

• Cultural achievements, including water management and the temples of Angkor

• The decline of Angkor, including overuse of water resources and ongoing war.

3. Depth study -The Black Death 

• The Black Death in Asia, Europe and Africa.

• Living conditions and religious beliefs in the 14th century, including life expectancy, medical knowledge and beliefs about the power of God

• The role of expanding trade between Europe and Asia in the Black Death.

• Causes and symptoms of the Black Death and the responses of different groups.

• The immediate- and long-term effects of the Black Death.

 4. The Big History Project

• Evidence: How do we know what we know?

• Continuity and Change: How have things changed or continued over time?

• Cause and Effect: What caused an event or series of events, and what are the lasting effects?

• Significance: How significant was an event, what was its legacy?  

• Perspectives: What were the perspectives of people in the past and how do perspectives on the past differ today?

• Empathy: What was life really like for individuals?

• Contestability: When aspects of history are up for debate due to a lack of evidence different opinions.