8th Grade Social Studies Syllabus
Chapter #2: Introduction to World Cultures and Geography
Elements of Culture, 5 Themes of Geography, Maps and Globes
Chapter #16: The Americas 1500 BC – 1600 AD
The First Americans, Life in the Americas
Chapter #17: Imperial China
China Reunites, Chinese Society, The Mongols in China, The Ming Dynasty
Chapter #18: Civilizations of Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia
History and Culture, Early Japan, Medieval Japan, Southeast Asia: History and Culture
Chapter #19: Medieval Europe
The Early Middle Ages, Feudalism and the Rise of Towns, Kingdoms and Crusades, Culture and the Church, The Late Middle Ages
Chapter #20: Renaissance and Reformation 1350-1650
Renaissance Begins, New Ideas and Art, The Reformation, Catholics and Protestants
Chapter #21: Age of Exploration and Trade 1400-1700
Age of Exploration, Spain’s Conquest in the Americas, Exploration and Worldwide Trade
Chapter #22: Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment 1500-1800
Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment
Chapter #23: Political and Industrial Revolution 1775-1850
American Revolution, French Revolution, Nationalism, Industrial Revolution, Society and Industry
Chapter #24: Imperialism and World War I 1850-1921
New Imperialism, Nationalism in China and Japan, World War I Begins, World War 1 Brings Change
Chapter #25: World War II and the Cold War 1920-1990
Rise of Dictators, World War II Begins, Allies Win the War, The Cold War, End of Empire
Chapter #26: Building Today’s World 1948- Present
Challenges in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, End of the Cold War, The World Enters a New Century
· Students will complete geography skills in each chapter.
· Students will learn physical and political geography from past and present.
· Students will have access to geographic maps from the book.