Prerequisite: 8th Grade Placement Process
Grade Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Honors Global Issues establishes a strong foundation for success in subsequent social studies courses while simultaneously cultivating informed and active global citizens. The course promotes student understanding of an interconnected world by blending elements of world history, current geopolitical issues, critical thinking, and literacy. Each unit is centered on a modern global challenge and the corresponding study of key historical events that helps deepen understanding by evaluating multiple perspectives, examining causation, and analyzing change and continuity over time. Issues and historical topics addressed include: resource scarcity and the development of early civilizations, cultural diversity and key historical episodes of cultural diffusion, refugee crises and pivotal instances of forced migration, climate change and the Industrial Revolution, supranational cooperation and 20th century wars. Honors Global Issues students will extend their course work through additional writing, reading, and social studies skill development. The Honors course will prepare students for movement into AP Social Studies courses through the focus on advanced literacy skills.