World History, 500 A.D. through the French    Revolution
Grade 8

 Students will study the development of world civilizations from the fall of the Roman Empire through the French Revolution. Major empires and political entities of this period will include the Ottoman Empire, the Moghul Empire, the Chinese dynasties, the Byzantine Empire, and the major nation states that emerged in Europe. Major areas of study will include the Middle Ages in Europe, Asia, and Africa; Renaissance, Reformation, and European Exploration; Age of Discovery; the Enlightenment; and the French Revolution. Students will be assessed using homework assignments, tests, quizzes, essay writing, oral presentations, and projects. Materials to be used include textbooks, maps, supplemental readings, workbooks, videos, and computer software. Students will be able to show important concepts in world history through the use of maps, relating geography to content and time lines. Students will also be able to explain  causes and results of major events, outline main features of world history, relate the past to the present, draw conclusions about major events of world history, and identify and explain important values that have influenced world history.