Emerging Europe

WORLD STUDIES

UNIT 1: EMERGING EUROPE

In this opening unit students will examine the factors that led to the emergence of modern Europe. Students will discuss how the end of feudalism in Europe and the Crusades also led to the rise of Humanism. Humanism sparked a questioning spirit throughout Europe that led to the development of the Renaissance and the Reformation. The political, economic, and cultural changes that were brought on by these periods left a lasting impact on history. Furthermore, in this unit students be able to explain the methods of and motivations for exploration and how the conquests resulted in increased global interactions

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

How did ancient Greece and Rome influence modern culture?
Are the arts a reflection of society or a force for change?
What spurs change?
What are the consequences to challenging authority?
Is it better for leaders to be feared or loved?
To what extent can one question religion without losing faith?
What are the consequences of globalization?
To what extent are cultures ethnocentric?

VIDEOS

Essential Questions

Videos

Would you have the guts to challenge the world's most powerful organization....on your own?

Ancient Greek & Roman Art

Is art merely a reflection of culture or is it an agent for change?
How does the art of ancient Greece and Rome reflect cultural diffusion?
Roman leaders used art as propaganda. Do the countries and leaders of today continue to do the same?

Crash Course: The Roman Empire. Or Republic. Or...Which was it?

To what extent does the United States reflect ancient Rome?
How was George Washington influenced by Cincinnatus?

Crash Course: Florence & The Renaissance

What is humanism?
What role did economic changes play in the development of art during the Renaissance?
Why did the Renaissance begin in Florence, Italy?
Was the Renaissance more of an evolution than a revolution?

School of Athens Explained

How does Raphael's The School of Athens reflect the themes of humanism?
How is the artwork emblematic of the Renaissance?

Machiavelli's Political Theory

Are Machiavelli's views on politics and governance consistent with today's leaders?
How were Machiavelli's views a departure from the past?
Can political leaders be "nice"?