Disciplines/Subjects: Advanced World History
Key Themes: In this unit, we discuss issues regarding the rise and fall of political systems and the role that individuals, structures, and political, economic, social, and environmental factors can play in this process.
The topic is embedded within our larger unit of land empires in the 1450 - 1750 period and represents a good opportunity for a deep dive into historiographical skills and some local Beijing history. We start with a survey of how historians can present explanations for how and why "events happen" and the implications these hold in terms of our understanding of human agency and historical determinism. From there, we explore issues in late Ming history such as corruption, the "Little Ice Age", rebellions, and geopolitical challenges. In the end, learners need to make a sophisticated argument that balances their new historical thinking skills and use of historical sources.
The summative assessment for the unit is for learners to write an academic essay that can expertly analyze and evaluate the causes of the event in the case study.
Habits of mind: Strive for excellence, Continuous learning, Curiosity
Transferable skills: Argumentative writing skills, Source analysis skills
Content Knowledge: Causation and historiography, Topics in late Ming and early Qing history