North Carolina Standard Course of Study

World History

World History at the ninth grade level is a survey course that gives students the opportunity to explore recurring themes of human experience common to civilizations around the globe from ancient to contemporary times.2 An historical approach will be at the center of the course. The application of the themes of geography and an analysis of the cultural traits of civilizations will help students understand how people shape their world and how their world shapes them. As students examine the historical roots of significant events, ideas, movements, and phenomena, they encounter the contributions and patterns of living in civilizations around the world. Students broaden their historical perspectives as they explore ways societies have dealt with continuity and change, exemplified by issues such as war and peace, internal stability and strife, and the development of institutions. To become informed citizens, students require knowledge of the civilizations that have shaped the development of the United States. World History provides the foundation that enables students to acquire this knowledge which will be used in the study of Civics and Economics and United States History. Historical Tools and Practices - The learner will identify, evaluate, and use the methods and tools valued by historians, compare the views of historians, and trace the themes of history.

Emerging Civilizations - The learner will analyze the development of early civilizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Monarchies and Empires - The learner will investigate significant events, people, and conditions in the growth of monarchical and imperial systems of government.

Revolution and Nationalism - The learner will assess the causes and effects of movements seeking change, and will evaluate the sources and consequences of nationalism.

Global Wars - The learner will analyze the causes and results of twentieth century conflicts among nations.

Patterns of Social Order - The learner will investigate social and economic organization in various societies throughout time in order to understand the shifts in power and status that have occurred.

Technology and Changing Global Connections - The learner will consider the short- and long-term consequences of the development of new technology.

Patterns of History - The learner will assess the influence of ideals, values, beliefs, and traditions on current global events and issues.

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United States History

The study of United States History in the eleventh grade is designed as a survey course and a continuation of the Civics and Economics curriculum. After the study of Civics and Economics, this survey course will begin with the national period and the administration of George Washington. Throughout the competency goals, there will be some overlap of time periods to allow for teacher flexibility and to address the complexity of the issues and events. The overall curriculum continues to current times.

The focus of this course provides students with a framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact these issues have had on American society. This course goes beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to make historical assessments and evaluations.
 

The New Nation (1789-1820) - The learner will identify, investigate, and assess the effectiveness of the institutions of the emerging republic.

Expansion and Reform (1801-1850) - The learner will assess the competing forces of expansionism, nationalism, and sectionalism.

Crisis, Civil War, and Reconstruction (1848-1877) - The learner will analyze the issues that led to the Civil War, the effects of the war, and the impact of Reconstruction on the nation.

The Great West and the Rise of the Debtor (1860s-1896) - The learner will evaluate the great westward movement and assess the impact of the agricultural revolution on the nation.

Becoming an Industrial Society (1877-1900) - The learner will describe innovations in technology and business practices and assess their impact on economic, political, and social life in America.

The emergence of the United States in World Affairs (1890-1914) - The learner will analyze causes and effects of the United States emergence as a world power.

The Progressive Movement in the United States (1890-1914) - The learner will analyze the economic, political, and social reforms of the Progressive Period.

The Great War and Its Aftermath (1914-1930) - The learner will analyze United States involvement in World War I and the war's influence on international affairs during the 1920's.

Prosperity and Depression (1919-1939) - The learner will appraise the economic, social, and political changes of the decades of "The Twenties" and "The Thirties."

World War II and the Beginning of the Cold War (1930s-1963) - The learner will analyze United States involvement in World War II and the war's influence on international affairs in following decades.

Recovery, Prosperity, and Turmoil (1945-1980) - The learner will trace economic, political, and social developments and assess their significance for the lives of Americans during this time period.

The United States since the Vietnam War (1973-present) - The learner will identify and analyze trends in domestic and foreign affairs of the United States during this time period.

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Civics and Economics

Through the study of Civics and Economics, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world. Students will need a practical understanding of these systems of civics and economics that affect their lives as consumers and citizens. Furthermore, this course serves as a foundation for United States History. It is recommended that this tenth grade course, Civics and Economics, directly precede the eleventh grade United States History survey course to maintain continuity and build historical perspective.

As informed decision-makers, students will apply acquired knowledge to real life experiences. When studying the legal and political systems, students will become aware of their rights and responsibilities and put this information into practice. The economic, legal, and political systems are balanced for presentation and, like other social studies subjects, this course lends itself to interdisciplinary teaching. The goals and objectives are drawn from disciplines of political science, history, economics, geography, and jurisprudence.

The learner will investigate the foundations of the American political system and explore basic values and principles of American democracy.

The learner will analyze how the government established by the United States Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy.

The learner will analyze how state and local government is established by the North Carolina Constitution.

The learner will explore active roles as a citizen at the local, state, and national levels of government.

The learner will explain how the political and legal systems provide a means to balance competing interests and resolve conflicts.

The learner will explain why laws are needed and how they are enacted, implemented, and enforced at the national, state, and local levels.

The learner will investigate how and why individuals and groups make economic choices.

The learner will analyze features of the economic system of the United States.

The learner will analyze factors influencing the United States economy.

The learner will develop, defend, and evaluate positions on issues regarding the personal responsibilities of citizens in the American constitutional democracy.