Individuals and Societies (World Studies Department)

World Studies Department at Newport Mill MS


Advanced World Studies 6

The social studies program in middle school builds chronological and thematic understanding of world and United States history, while also developing the social studies strands of geography, economics, political systems, and culture. Each social studies unit is organized around a historical era and a social studies strand. A mix of modern content and the lessons of history provide the background knowledge and thinking skills that prepare students for high school instruction and their responsibilities as citizens, including meaningfully evaluating financial decisions. This course provides enriched opportunities for learning about ancient world history. Building on the current four units of Grade 6 world studies, students will deepen their understanding of the rich cultures and history from the earliest human settlements to great civilizations of the year 1000 CE. Students are challenged to analyze archaeological evidence, ask questions to further their knowledge, and understand history as an ongoing investigation. Teachers will implement the curriculum in Grade 6 as follows:

  • UNIT 1: PATTERNS OF SETTLEMENT IN THE ANCIENT AND MODERN WORLDS
  • UNIT 2: CITIZENSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN CLASSICAL AND MODERN TIMES
  • UNIT 3: THE IMPACT OF ECONOMICS IN ANCIENT AND MODERN CHINA
  • UNIT 4: CULTURAL SYSTEMS: THE FIRST MILLENNIUM AND TODAY

Advanced World Studies 7

The social studies program in middle school builds chronological and thematic understanding of world and United States history, while also developing the social studies strands of geography, economics, political systems, and culture. Each social studies unit is organized around a historical era and a social studies strand. A mix of modern content and the lessons of history provide the background knowledge and thinking skills that prepare students for high school instruction and their responsibilities as citizens, including meaningfully evaluating financial decisions. This course extends the content and concepts contained in the four units of World Studies 7. Through the study of world civilizations and global interactions from 1000 CE to 1450 CE, students learn about political, economic, and social systems today. Analysis of primary source texts and visuals is a central method for learning about the past and the challenges of historical interpretation. Teachers will implement the curriculum in Grade 7 as follows:

  • UNIT 1: THE FOUNDATION OF MODERN POLITICAL SYSTEMS IN EUROPE
  • UNIT 2: THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE IN AFRICA
  • UNIT 3: GEOGRAPHY SHAPES LATIN AMERICA PAST AND PRESENT
  • UNIT 4: THE IMPACT OF ECONOMICS: ONE WORLD PAST AND PRESENT

Advanced US History 8

The social studies program in middle school builds chronological and thematic understanding of world and United States history, while developing the social studies strands of geography, economics, political systems, and culture. Each social studies unit is organized around a historical era and a social studies strand. A mix of modern content and the lessons of history provide the background knowledge and thinking skills that prepare students for high school instruction and their duties as citizens. In Grades 6 and 7, the focus of study is on ancient world history and culture from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In Grade 8 students learn about the founding and early development of our nation from the Revolution through Reconstruction. At all grade levels, students build understanding of the modern world by applying concepts of geography, economics, political systems, and culture to present-day scenarios. Teachers will implement the curriculum in Grade 8 as follows:

  • UNIT 1: DEMOCRACY: POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE PEOPLE 1763–1783
  • UNIT 2: CREATING A NATIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM AND CULTURE 1783–1815
  • UNIT 3: GEOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC CHANGE SHAPE THE NATION 1815–1850
  • UNIT 4: A NATION DIVIDED AND REBUILT 1840–1877

In addition to the MCPS course of study, students deepen their understanding of key concepts and events through reading, writing, document analysis, and historical thinking. These skills will be applied in each unit and students will be expected to show progress in skill development and historical knowledge in exams and historical document-based projects.


Current students and parents may access complete course overviews via Edline.