Course Overview

Honors World History 1450 to Present B is the second half of the honors-level sequence, focusing on the major global transformations from the 18th century to the present. Students examine revolutions, wars, industrialization, and globalization while analyzing how human-environment interaction, belief systems, conflict, and interdependence shaped the modern world. Instruction aligns with state and national standards and challenges students with the depth of inquiry, critical analysis, and source interpretation expected in an honors course.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Analyze the effects of war and revolution on societies across the world.
• Investigate the rise of industrialization, nationalism, and imperialism.
• Examine the World Wars, the Cold War, and decolonization in a global context.
• Explore the impact of global interdependence on politics, economics, and culture.
• Consider essential questions such as:
  • How does war transform societies?
  • How has global interdependence shaped the world?

Instructional Approach

The course emphasizes inquiry-based honors-level learning, supported by:

• Peer Model activities, demonstrating historical reasoning and application of skills.
• 21st Century skills integration, preparing students to apply historical knowledge to real-world challenges.
• Extensive use of primary and secondary sources, including scholarly works, excerpts, and contemporary articles.
• Check-In and Practice activities to reinforce understanding, clarify misconceptions, and extend learning to new contexts.

Outcome

By the end of Honors World History 1450 to Present B, students will:

• Understand how global events and interactions from the 18th century onward shaped the modern world.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in historical reasoning, comparative analysis, and critical interpretation.
• Complete the Honors World History 1450 to Present sequence, preparing them for advanced coursework in history, political science, global studies, and related fields.