World History is a College Preparatory Course for sophomores, which acts as a continuation of the narrative of historical geography begun in the Freshman year social studies course.  World History continues to examine the effect of geography on the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present. Students trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. Major themes throughout the year-long course include: the Age of Exploration, the rise of democratic ideas, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World War I and its consequences, Totalitarianism with an emphasis on Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, the causes and consequences of World War II, the Cold War, and the post-colonial contemporary world with a focus on the rise of nationalism and terrorism. Students will develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students analyze primary and secondary sources in order to consider multiple accounts of events and understand international relations from a variety of perspectives. UC A-G approved – a History/Social Studies. NCAA approved.

Prerequisite: World Geography (P)

Level: 10

Credit: 10