These standards will enable students to explore the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from ancient times until 1500 a.d. (c.e.) in terms of the impact on Western civilization.
The study of history rests on knowledge of dates, names, places, events, and ideas. Historical understanding, however, requires students to engage in historical thinking, raise questions, and marshal evidence in support of their answers. Students engaged in historical thinking draw upon chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research, and decision making. These skills are developed through the study of significant historical substance from the era or society being studied.