Ancient History: 9-12

Course Description:  Ancient History

Ancient History- Using the current six content standards and four process standards found within the Tennessee Social Studies Curriculum Framework, this course will focus on the history of times long past.  Tennessee teachers are working to create an Ancient History curriculum framework that will serve as a measure guiding students toward an understanding of the relationships among persons and places, and an overall era's relationship with those proceeding and preceding it in the history of our world before the Renaissance.

Ancient History Standards Era 1: The Beginnings of Human Society

Standard Number: 1.0 Culture

Culture encompasses similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes, values, and tradition. Students will explore these elements of society to develop an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

1.1 understand the relationship between physical environments and culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.2 understand how language, art, music, belief systems, traditions, science, technology, values and behaviors contribute to the development and transmission of culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.3 understand the role that diverse cultures and historical experiences had on the development of the world.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 2.0 Economics

Standard: Globalization of the economy, the explosion of population growth, technological changes and international competition compel students to understand, both personally and globally, production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students will examine and analyze economic concepts such as basic needs versus wants, using versus saving money, and policy-making versus decision-making.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

2.1 understand economic connections, conflicts, and interdependence.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.2 understand the changes that occur in the nature, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.3 recognize the importance of technologies on economic development.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 3.0 Geography

Standard: Geography enables the students to see, understand and appreciate the web of relationships between people, places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential elements of geography: world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

3.1 understand the importance of physical geographic features on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

3.2 understand human geographic interactions and their impact on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 4.0 Governance and Civics

Standard: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

4.1 explain the development of a people’s need to belong and organize into a system of governance.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

4.2 identify how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control resources, rights, and privileges.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 5.0 History

Standard: History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decisions in contemporary life can be based.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

5.1. understand the processes that gave rise to the earliest human civilizations.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

5.2 understand the chronological flow of historical eras and events in Ancient History.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

5.3 understand how historical information is collected, recorded, interpreted, transmitted, and disseminated across various historical eras.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 6.0 Individuals, Groups, and Interactions

Standard: Personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups, and institutions. Central to this development are exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups work independently and cooperatively.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

6.1 understand the extent to which individuals, groups and institutions interact to produce continuity and change throughout world history.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to


Ancient History Standards Era 2: Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples (4000-1000 BCE)

Standard Number: 1.0 Culture

Culture encompasses similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes, values, and tradition. Students will explore these elements of society to develop an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

1.1 understand the relationship between physical environments and culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.2 understand how language, art, music, belief systems, traditions, science, technology, values and behaviors contribute to the development and transmission of culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.4 understand the role that diverse cultures and historical experiences had on the development of the world.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 2.0 Economics

Standard: Globalization of the economy, the explosion of population growth, technological changes and international competition compel students to understand, both personally and globally, production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students will examine and analyze economic concepts such as basic needs versus wants, using versus saving money, and policy-making versus decision-making.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

2.1 understand economic connections, conflicts, and interdependence.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.2 understand the changes that occur in the nature, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.3 recognize the importance of technologies on economic development.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 3.0 Geography

Standard: Geography enables the students to see, understand and appreciate the web of relationships between people, places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential elements of geography: world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

3.1 understand the importance of physical geographic features on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

3.2 understand human geographic interactions and their impact on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 4.0 Governance and Civics

Standard: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

4.1 explain the development of a people’s need to belong and organize into a system of governance.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

4.2 identify how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control resources, rights, and privileges.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 5.0 History

Standard: History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decisions in contemporary life can be based.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

5.1 understand the chronological flow of historical eras and events in Ancient History.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

5.2 understand how historical information is collected, recorded, interpreted, transmitted, and disseminated across various historical eras.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 6.0 Individuals, Groups, and Interactions

Standard: Personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups, and institutions. Central to this development are exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups work independently and cooperatively.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

6.1 understand the extent to which individuals, groups and institutions interact to produce continuity and change throughout world history.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to


Ancient History Standards Era 3: Classical Traditions, Major Religions, and Giant Empires (1000 BCE-300 AD)

Standard Number: 1.0 Culture

Culture encompasses similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes, values, and tradition. Students will explore these elements of society to develop an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

1.1 understand the relationship between physical environments and culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.2 recognize how cultural and individual’s perceptions affect places and regions.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.3 understand how language, art, music, belief systems, traditions, science, technology, values and behaviors contribute to the development and transmission of culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.4 understand the role that diverse cultures and historical experiences had on the development of the world.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 2.0 Economics

Standard: Globalization of the economy, the explosion of population growth, technological changes and international competition compel students to understand, both personally and globally, production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students will examine and analyze economic concepts such as basic needs versus wants, using versus saving money, and policy-making versus decision-making.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

2.1 understand economic connections, conflicts, and interdependence.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.2 understand the changes that occur in the nature, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.3 recognize the importance of technologies on economic development.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

Standard Number: 3.0 Geography

Standard: Geography enables the students to see, understand and appreciate the web of relationships between people, places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential elements of geography: world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

3.1 understand the importance of physical geographic features on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

3.2 understand human geographic interactions and their impact on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 4.0 Governance and Civics

Standard: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

4.1 explain the development of a people’s need to belong and organize into a system of governance.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

4.2 identify how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control resources, rights, and privileges.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 5.0 History

Standard: History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decisions in contemporary life can be based.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

5.1 understand the chronological flow of historical eras and events in Ancient History.

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

5.3 understand how historical information is collected, recorded, interpreted, transmitted, and disseminated across various historical eras.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 6.0 Individuals, Groups, and Interactions

Standard: Personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups, and institutions. Central to this development are exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups work independently and cooperatively.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

6.1 understand the extent to which individuals, groups and institutions interact to produce continuity and change throughout world history.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to


 Ancient History Standards Era 4: Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter (300AD-1000 AD)

Standard Number: 1.0 Culture

Culture encompasses similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes, values, and tradition. Students will explore these elements of society to develop an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

1.2 understand how language, art, music, belief systems, traditions, science, technology, values and behaviors contribute to the development and transmission of culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

1.3 understand the role that diverse cultures and historical experiences had on the development of the world.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 2.0 Economics

Standard: Globalization of the economy, the explosion of population growth, technological changes and international competition compel students to understand, both personally and globally, production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students will examine and analyze economic concepts such as basic needs versus wants, using versus saving money, and policy-making versus decision-making.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators: 

2.1 understand the changes that occur in the nature, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

2.2 recognize the importance of technologies on economic development.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

Standard Number: 3.0 Geography

Standard: Geography enables the students to see, understand and appreciate the web of relationships between people, places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential elements of geography: world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

3.1 understand the importance of physical geographic features on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

3.2 understand human geographic interactions and their impact on world historic events.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 4.0 Governance and Civics

Standard: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

4.1 explain the development of a people’s need to belong and organize into a system of governance.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

4.2 identify how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control resources, rights, and privileges.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

Standard Number: 5.0 History

Standard: History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decisions in contemporary life can be based.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

5.1 understand the chronological flow of historical eras and events in Ancient History.

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to

5.3 understand how historical information is collected, recorded, interpreted, transmitted, and disseminated across various historical eras.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

Standard Number: 6.0 Individuals, Groups, and Interactions

Standard: Personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups, and institutions. Central to this development are exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups work independently and cooperatively.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

Performance Indicators:

6.1 understand the extent to which individuals, groups and institutions interact to produce continuity and change throughout world history.

At Level 1, the student is able to

At Level 2, the student is able to

At Level 3, the student is able to