Comparative Cultures 12

Comparative Cultures 12 examines the development of civilizations throughout time and across diverse landscapes. We begin with human evolution and examine how prehistoric humans transitioned from nomadic, hunter-gatherer groups to settled, agricultural societies that eventually developed into the world's first civilizations. We cover the following units in this course:
  • UNIT 1: The Origins of Culture & Civilization
  • UNIT 2: River Valley Civilizations (Mesopotamia & Egypt)
  • UNIT 3: Meso-American Civilizations (Maya & Aztec)
  • UNIT 4: African Civilizations (Axum, Great Zimbabwe, etc.)
  • UNIT 5: Mediterranean Civilizations (Greece & Rome)

As we complete each of these units, we will explore the following big ideas:
  • BIG IDEA 1: Understanding the diversity and complexity of one culture helps us understand other cultures.
  • BIG IDEA 2: Beliefs, social organization, and language influence artistic expression.
  • BIG IDEA 3: Geography affects where and how complex societies develop.
  • BIG IDEA 4: Value and belief systems shape structures of power within a culture.

Throughout the year students will also continue to develop their abilities within the Social Studies Curricular Competencies.

Assessment

Course marks in CC12 are growth-oriented and holistic. Your final mark will be based on the best evidence of your understanding rather than an average of all your marks from the whole course. 

To help us focus on learning and self-improvement in this course, I will not be using traditional percentages or letter grades. Instead, I will use standards-based assessment (SBA) to provide clear feedback to you on what you do well and where you can improve. SBA allows us to properly engage in the learning process because it encourages a growth mindset, early struggles aren't punished and improvement is rewarded. 

You will receive a percentage and letter grade on your report cards.

Required Materials:

  • The unit reading package (hard copies are provided in class and electronic copies are provided for at-home use)
  • ​Organized binder
  • Agenda or other system for keeping track of assignments
  • Lined paper
  • Blue or black pen for written assignments
  • Pencil & eraser for rough work, mapping, etc.
  • Earbuds or headphones (if available)
  • Teams, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Office Lens downloaded onto any devices you use for your school work.
  • Laptop or cell phone (if available to bring to school)