World History since the Fifteenth Century, Grade 12 (College Preparation)

Unit 1: Historical Inquiry: Skills and Careers

Applying in everyday contexts the transferable skills developed through historical investigation, and identifying careers in which the skills of the historian are useful. (The historical inquiry process and the concepts of historical thinking, A1, are woven into every content investigation across strands B–E rather than taught as separate skills.)

• Transferable skills from historical investigation
• Applying skills and work habits
• Analysing current issues as an informed citizen
• Careers where the historian's skills are useful

Unit 2: The World, 1450–1650

Key aspects of social, economic, and political systems in some societies in different regions of the world between 1450 and 1650, and how they affected people's lives; how various factors affected interactions between groups and how those interactions affected people; and how institutions and achievements contributed to identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• Roles of groups and daily life
• Science and technology and its impact
• Economic systems and people's lives
• Comparing political systems

• Conflicts and their impact on people
• Developments in warfare
• Cooperation and people's lives
• Religion as a shaping force
• Exploration and colonialism and people's lives

• Factors affecting rights and obligations
• Artistic achievements and identity
• Significant individuals and heritage

Unit 3: The World, 1650–1789

The impact of key social, economic, and political developments in different regions of the world between 1650 and 1789; the interactions between groups and the forces that affected them; and how political, cultural, and religious developments contributed to identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• Social issues and their impact
• Science and technology and its impact
• The economic effects of colonialism
• How political systems changed

• Conflicts and their impact
• Relationships between groups
• Roles in the slave trade
• Consequences of colonization for Indigenous people

• Religion and identity
• Art reflecting society
• Political figures and identity

Unit 4: The World, 1789–1900

The impact of key social, economic, and political developments in different regions between 1789 and 1900, with a particular emphasis on the Industrial Revolution; how war, revolution, reform, and other forces affected societies; and how nationalism, immigration, and key figures affected the development of identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• The Industrial Revolution and its consequences
• Science and technology and its significance
• Political events and their impact

• Rebellions and revolutions
• Issues underlying wars
• Reform movements and their goals
• Religion and spirituality
• Gender roles and relations

• The impact of nationalism
• Immigration trends and their significance
• Individuals in the arts and identity
• Political figures and identity

Unit 5: The World since 1900

Key aspects of dominant social, economic, and political systems in different regions of the world since 1900; interactions between various groups and the forces that affected them; and key changes in and contributions to identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• Social trends and their impact
• Science and technology and its impact
• Economic systems and their impact
• Forms of government and ideologies

• Global and regional conflicts
• Individuals and groups in conflict
• Interactions between diverse groups
• Colonization, decolonization, and globalization

• Contributions to human rights
• The changing roles and status of women
• Cultural trends and heritage