The seventh-grade social studies course provides students with an opportunity to explore, from both a contemporary and a historical perspective, issues of tolerance and intolerance as they are evidenced in significant world events of the twentieth century. Topics include the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Indian Independence, the Holocaust, and Apartheid.

We begin with a brief review of world geography and an introduction to the concept of document-driven expository writing in the social sciences. Throughout middle and high school, students are assessed on their knowledge of historical concepts and their ability to interpret provided documents through Document Based Question Essays (DBQs). We will start building a strong foundation of skills and tools for students to draw from as they progress through the course with multiple guided DBQ experiences. As we learn about twentieth-century world events, students will consider their varied causes and effects while pursuing questions such as: What happens when people are seen as “other”? When our beliefs are different, is there a way to find agreement? What does it mean to be responsible for one’s actions? How can one person peacefully make a change for the good of their society? Students will address these questions through the lenses of geography and the cultural, political, and economic factors influencing individual and national choices while critically examining maps, artwork, writings, recordings, film, and other primary sources from specific time periods. As students evaluate what it means to be members of our global community, they will also increase their analytical and critical thinking skills and expand their writing skills.