Students will survey the past to understand people and their achievements from the late Renaissance to the modern era, including Western Civilizations, as well as those of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Topics include the Reformation, the Age of Discovery, the Industrial Revolution, World War I and II, the Cold War era, and contemporary times. Emphasis is placed on similarities, differences, changes, and why they occur in societies. Students will read about the personalities of well-known historical leaders and study the lives of everyday people. Students will use a variety of resources to analyze events including art, music, literature, and technology. This course is based on Standards of Learning from the Virginia Department of Education and prepares students for an SOL test on World History and Geography 1500 to Present.

*Students may select either this course or World History and Geography to 1500 to fulfill their World History requirement. Only one of the two courses is required.