Social Studies

Unit 1 - Geography of the Eastern Hemisphere

• The diverse geography of the Eastern Hemisphere has influenced human culture and settlement patterns in distinct ways. Human communities in the Eastern Hemisphere have adapted or modified the physical environment.

Unit 2 - First Humans, The Neolithic Revolution, and the Early River Valley Civilizations

• This unit of social studies focuses on the first humans through the Neolithic revolution in the Eastern Hemisphere. These first humans modified their physical environment and adapted to their environment to survive. The complex societies that developed in the Eastern Hemisphere during this time. Their differences and similarities are also a  center of focus throughout the unit. 

Unit 3 - Comparative World Religions 

• This unit of social studies focuses on comparative world religions from the time frame of 2000 B.C.E. through 630 C.E. It focuses on the major religions and belief systems that developed in the Eastern Hemisphere during this time. Important similarities and differences between these belief systems is all a major area of focus. 

Unit 4 - Comparative Classic Civilization in the Eastern Hemisphere

• (ca. 600 B.C.E.—ca. 500 C.E.): As complex societies and civilizations change over time, their political and economic structures evolve. A golden age may be indicated when there is an extended period of time that is peaceful, prosperous, and demonstrates great cultural achievements

Unit 5- The Mediterranean World and Interactions across the Eastern Hemisphere

• Students will explore how The Mediterranean world was reshaped with the fall of the Roman Empire. They will study three distinct cultural regions: feudal Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic caliphates. They will discover how regions interacted with each other and clashed over control of holy lands.

Unit 1:Early Encounters

• The physical environment and natural resources of North America influenced the development of the first human settlements and the culture of Native Americans. Native American societies varied across North America.

Unit 2: Road to Independence

• Growing tensions over political power and economic issues sparked a movement for independence from Great Britain. New York played a critical role in the course and outcome of the American Revolution.

Unit 3: A New Nation

• The newly independent states faced political and economic struggles under the Articles of Confederation. These challenges resulted in a Constitutional Convention, a debate over ratification, and the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights.
• The United States Constitution serves as the foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a living document that can respond to political and social changes. The New York Constitution also has been changed over time

Unit 4: A Nation Grows

• Driven by political and economic motives, the United States expanded its physical boundaries to the Pacific Ocean between 1800 and 1860. This settlement displaced Native Americans as the frontier was pushed westward.
• Social, political, and economic inequalities sparked various reform movements and resistance efforts. Influenced by the Second Great Awakening, New York played a key role in major reform efforts.

Unit 5: A Nation Divided

• Westward expansion, the industrialization of the North, and the increase of slavery in the South contributed to the growth of sectionalism. Constitutional conflicts between advocates of states’ rights and supporters of federal power increased tensions in the nation; attempts to compromise ultimately failed to keep the nation together, leading to the Civil War.