world history themes….. world historythemes 2009-20102 world history themes themes help us to...

World History

Themes….

World History Themes 2009-2010 2

World History Themes

Themes help us to better focus on the key features of each society and event we read and learn about.

Remember: Things don’t happen in a vacuum. Events are CAUSED by something. People are who they are because of their HISTORY!



1. Continuity and Change History is the story of CHANGE. Some changes

happen quickly: a Revolution, for example. Others happen more slowly such as the spread of Democratic Ideas which may take decades.

Despite the eventuality of change there are enduring traditions and concerns linking people across time and space.



2. Geography and History Geography influences where people settle, how

they live and how goods and ideas travel. Think of environmental issues Think of the fact that control of certain

geographical features can determine the outcome of wars.



3. Political and Social Systems Monarchs, presidents, dictators, tribal councils

—each society has a form of government. WHY?.....because they want to ensure order and guard against outside threats

Legal systems Social classes The most basic unit of all: THE FAMILY.

• Why is the family so important? What purpose does the family as a unit serve?



4. Religions and Value Systems What do I mean by “Value System”?

A value system is a set of consistent ethic values (more specifically the personal and cultural values) and measures used for the purpose of ethical or ideological integrity. A well defined value system is a moral code.

• Continue next slide………………….



Religious symbols:



Religion exerts a powerful influence and impact on the world. Belief in one God has guided the histories of

Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. Buddhism and Hinduism has shaped many

Asian cultures. Nonreligious values, such as Greek ideals of

beauty and individuality, have had a wide influence.



5. Economics and Technology: Who controls vital resources? What work do

people do and how ae they paid? Economic questions such as these are often closely linked to technology.

From Stone Age farming tools to the printing press to the steam engine to the computer, technology has transformed the world again and again.



6. Diversity: The diversity of the world’s cultures is reflected

in many ways, including language, ethnic background, customs, beliefs, and clothing.

Such diversity has enriched the human experience.

Yet, cultural and ethnic differences are often at the source of bitter conflict.



7. Global interaction: Different parts of the world interact in different

ways—through migration, trade, warfare, or the exchange of ideas.

When people traveled by oxcart or sailing ship, this process was slow. Today, communications networks can link people of the world instantly.



8. Art and literature: People have created art and/or literature since

time began. Think: Stone Age cave paintings……………………



….such paintings express….

……………….the values and lives of the people who created them. In the Middle Ages, Europeans built soaring cathedrals to the glory of God. Today, novelists and filmmakers from Nigeria to Brazil vividly depict the challenges of modern life.



9. The Individual: Everyone who has ever lived and everyone who

is living is part of the human story. Yet some people have such an impact on events that we remember them long after they die. For good or ill, individuals have had and will continue to have a lasting influence on our world.

world history themes….. world historythemes 2009-20102 world history themes themes help us to...

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