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Allison Stilwell

7th Grade Social Studies- World Geography, History and Culture

Expanded Write Up- Alternatives to Democracy- Before Democracy, there were several other kinds of governments and ways of ruling. Each had pros and cons, and each influenced society in many different ways. The biggest examples of other governments are monarchy, communist, fascist, military dictatorship, totalitarianism and many more. All have influenced the world and has shaped how other countries run their own countries, whether they follow the example of those countries or not. Students would be interested in learning about other governments because they have only experienced capitalist democracy and it will give insight into other ways of doing things, while also showing the importance of democracy.

Highlighted Individuals:

Karl Marx- While he was not a political leader, his political ideology influenced many world leaders and got the world thinking about a new politics that theoretically was better for people everywhere. Students would be interested in him because his political standings are very different from anything they have probably heard before and it will give them a new perspective on other political ideals.

Adolf Hitler- Hitler was a Fascist leader of Nazi Germany who brainwashed the people of Germany and became a military dictator. He lead Germany in World War II and started the genocide of the Jewish people. He is important because he shows the obvious cons to other kinds of governments that are around the world today. Students will want to learn about someone so prominent in history, and teaches them the signs of possibly dangerous world leaders.

Queen Elizabeth I- The Queen of England from 1559-1603. She was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty, and was a big influence in English monarchy. She ruled bravely and sacrificed for her country. By not getting married, she remained in power of England which kept her country the most powerful in the world at that time. She was a powerful ruler, and students will learn benefits of other kinds of governments, as well learn about English history, and learn about a prominent world leader and how she influenced the world.

Core Texts:

The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx. Reading his political ideologies straight from his own book will be the best way to understand the concept of communism. As a class, you can connect it to other communist countries in history and discuss if Karl Marx would agree with the way their political system is run.

One of Hitler's Speeches- Nothing will read more fascists than reading one of Hitler’s war speeches. Students will be able to see how he controlled people, and how governments can cause more harm than good in some instances.

Queen Elizabeth’s Speech Addressing the Spanish Armada- In this speech, students can see the importance she had on all of Europe at the time, as well as the power she had as ruler. She was a strong ruler, and this speech will highlight those traits. It shows positive portrayal of monarchy and Queen Elizabeth. It will also teach them about the Spanish Armada and the Royal Navy.

Condensed Write-Up 1- Influence of Science on Society- Advancements in science have shaped history and the world into what is is today, and it is important for students to understand the importance of those advancements and how they affected history.

Highlighted Individuals

Louis Pasteur: Discovered the cure for several diseases and vaccinations, making it possible for people to live longer.

Johann Gutenberg- Inventor of the printing press. One of the biggest inventions in history because books no longer had to be hand written, allowing books, newspapers, and pamphlets to travel faster making people everywhere more educated on religion, other cultures, science, art and many other things.

Galileo Galilei- Discovered the Earth revolves around the Sun, and that the Earth is not the center of universe. This discovery lend to more exploring and interest into space and changed the perspective of life for the world.

Core Texts:

Science textbooks that go over Space and the plants and compare it to what people thought it looked like before Galileo's discovery.

Old Copies of Science Experiments- They can see how people were working hard to advance in science and technology just like we are today.

Old Medical Journals- So students can see the kind of things they did and did not know and have a better idea of when medical advancements happened.

Condensed Write Up 2- The Power of Exploration- Explorers have made huge impacts in history and have been able to expand the world and culture of the world.

Highlighted Individuals:

Christopher Columbus- First person to land in America. He opened up the whole other side of the world to the America’s. Vasco De Gama- First person to sail to India which opened up trade with Europe and India.

Ferdinand Magellan- First person to sail all the way around the world, which proved that travel around the world can be done, and lead to more exploration.

Core Texts-

Christopher Columbus Travel Diary- You can show the students first hand the shock and surprise of the possibly of new land, even though he thought it was India.

Posters Advertising the New World- Can see from society’s perspective of how big of a deal is was and discuss why people would want to go to the New World.

East Indian Trading Company Map- Can see the trade routes and what was traded and how they affected Europe and Asia.

Condensed Writing 3- Different Roles of Religion- How religion has changed people, politics and affected the world.

Highlighted Individuals-

Martin Luther- Started the Protestant Reformation, which changed Christianity forever and caused tension in the church and the monarchy.

Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso- Dalai Lama from Tibet who uses his religious influence to fight for Tibetan Independence.

Henry VIII- Changed the national religion of England so that he can divorce his wife. He used religion for a political/personal gain.

Core Texts

Ninety-five Theses by Martin Luther- Luther wrote it in opposition of the Catholic Church, which was the first time anyone wrote anything like it. It changed Christianity, and it would be beneficial for students to read so they can see how it changed religion.

Old Catholic Sermon- Can hear what religion used to be like and what was expected of people as opposed to religion today.

Siddhartha- A book about a man in search of Nirvana. It will help the students understand the peaceful nature of Buddhism and why it is important to keep in mind when learning about the Dalai Lama.

Condensed Writing 4- Influence of Art on Society- Art of all kinds have been how we have created culture, expressed ourselves, and entertained ourselves. It influenced a lot of history as well as society.

Highlighted Individuals-

William Shakespeare- Shakespeare’s writing was revolutionary because it made subtle hints to currents events, as well as was comic and was the first person who made theatre accessible to all.

Monet- Started the Impressionist movement with painting, and created a whole new type of painting that had never been done before.

The Beatles- The greatest band of all time. They single handedly started a whole new genre of music, and changed the pop culture of the entire world.

Core Text

A Midsummer Night’s Dream- He makes several references to Queen Elizabeth, who was ruling at this time. It will give students an idea of why he was so influential at the time.

Macbeth- Also makes references to current events going on at the time the play was written that you could go over with students.

Lyrics to a Beatles Song- Can talk about how those lyrics would have affected people during the 60s and connect it to current events.

Condensed Writing 5- Civil Wars- A lot of students at this age do not seem to realize that there are other Civil Wars other than the American Civil War. They are important to know about because they can piece together other historical events and can help put the puzzle together.

Highlighted Individuals-

Oliver Cromwell- Was the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom who was a military leader during the English Civil War.

Henry VII of England- King of England after the English Civil War and restored peace and the monarchy of the United Kingdom

Ferdinand II- Ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He started a civil war by imposing Catholicism onto his people, creating tension and no religious freedom for his people.

Core Texts Puritan Bible- To give students an idea of how strict Cromwell was and why he was not in power very long for forcing his religion on his subjects.

Shakespeare’s Henry VI- It gives students an idea of how the monarchy was run at the time of Henry VII’s rule

Map of the Holy Roman Empire- To give students a visual of how big it was, and how many people were involved in the civil war of the Holy Roman Empire.