How will we study AP World History?

History is the lie commonly agreed upon. Voltaire

How do we know the “truth”?

History is the study of the human past History is the study of the human past. Based on careful analysis of surviving texts (primary and secondary documents) and artifacts (objects made by humans), the historian attempts to reconstruct past events and processes which have created the current world. Historiography It is the principles, theory, and history of historical writing.

But every historian views the world through a cultural lens. Historians, through careful analysis, attempt to reconstruct the past. But every historian views the world through a cultural lens.

The philosopher, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), stated that individuals could never see things objectively as “things-in-themselves” because individuals always understood the world through a culturally formed point of view.

What is culture and how does it relate to the study of AP World History? Culture ( working definition): It is a particular society at a particular time and place AND all the knowledge and values shared by that society. Culture is learned. It is the framework through which individuals view their world.

By studying civilizations and societies, particularly paying attention to cases where societies have come into contact with others, world historians focus on the world as a whole and how diverse societies fit into that whole.

World Historians try to move beyond the narrow confines of one perspective.

Questions to consider: Therefore, an element of historical writing is interpretative. Questions to consider: Whose perspective is voiced? Whose perspective is ignored? What sources are chosen? What elements are emphasized (political, social, economic)?

Even so… How are we, as a class, going to approach the daunting and challenging task of studying human history?

I mean… how does a learner remain calm and balanced in the midst of so much content?

We can do this!!! We will divide the history of the world through a process known as PERIODIZATION!

What is periodization? Definition: Periodization This is a way to subdivide the continuous flow of world history into categories of time and common themes. Periodization allows students of world history to create a framework for understanding the past as well as the flow and sequence of events.

AP World History

AP World History Modern

A note about historical dating: World historians use BCE and CE as opposed to BC and AD. BC (Before Christ) and AD (anno Domini or “in the year of the Lord”) are Christian terms. BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) are terms that remind students of the global context and many diverse cultures of the World History curriculum.

Problems can occur… All systems of periodization are more or less arbitrary. Labels assigned to time periods are continually challenged and redefined.

Our study of history is also divided thematically! And another thing… Our study of history is also divided thematically!

Themes of History

Themes of History Development and transformation of Social structures Gender roles and relations Family and kinship Racial and ethnic constructions Social and economic classes

Politics: state-building, expansion, and conflict Themes of History Politics: state-building, expansion, and conflict Political structures and forms of governance Empires Nations and nationalism Revolts and revolutions Regional, transregional, and global structures and organizations

Interaction between humans and the environment Themes of History Interaction between humans and the environment Demography and disease Migration Patterns of settlement Technology

Themes of History Development and interaction of Cultures Religions Belief systems, philosophies, and ideologies Science and technology The arts and architecture

Themes of History Creation, expansion, and interaction of Economic systems Agricultural and pastoral production Trade and commerce Labor systems Industrialization

Technology and Innovation Themes of History Technology and Innovation Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.

But never forget… The Underlying Principles of World History History is interconnected. Current events have historical roots. To understand the present, the past MUST be examined.

Let our journey begin!