Course Description

This course investigates the major trends in Western civilisation and world history from the sixteenth century to the present. Students will learn about the interaction between the emerging West and other regions of the world and about the development of modern social, political, and economic systems. The skills and knowledge developed in this course will enable students to understand and appreciate both the character of historical change and the historical roots of contemporary issues.

How This Course Supports the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

One of the strongest themes found in the teachings of the Catholic Church concerns social justice. This theme encourages the examination of a number of issues in this course. The respect for human rights includes the respect for individual rights, indigenous people’s rights, labour rights, women’s rights, and cultural group rights and the liberation of the oppressed. The teachings of Christ concerning the need for community are reflected in the West and its relationship to the wider world in its constant struggle to define and redefine that community. This course presents students with historic issues faced by the West and interprets them in light of the Gospel teachings. Students recognise that there are certain Gospel values such as social justice values that transcend history and are still relevant for the future. Students recognise that the story of the West and the World is not simply about dates, events, and personalities, but also involves the struggle to incorporate values in the face of rapid changes and challenges.

Unit: Titles and Time

Unit 1	Foundations and Institutions Challenged 1600–1715	20 hours
Unit 2	Tradition, Absolutism, and Revolution 1715–1815	25 hours
* Unit 3	The Promethean Spirit Unleashed 1815–1914	29 hours
Unit 4	1914 to the present – Century of Extremes	29 hours
Unit 5	The Course Culminating Activity – The West and the World Conference	7 hours