The following chart provides an outline of Unit Two:
 
  Major Concept
change

Related Concepts
belief systems, worldview, paradigm, paradigm shift, technology

Topics
Topic One: Geographical Orientation
Topic Two: Worldview
Topic Three: The Concept of Change
Topic Four: The Roman Empire and Why it Failed
Topic Five: Migration Contributed to the Fall of the Roman Society
Topic Six: The Growth of Catholicism
Topic Seven: Development of the Medieval Worldview - Feudalism 83
Topic Eight: The Medieval Worldview
Topic Nine: Development of Urban Society
Topic Ten: Environmental and Technological Change
Topic Eleven: The Growth of a New Worldview

Glossary of Terms

Belief System A set of values and beliefs that guide the actions of individuals and societies.

Change Differences and/or adaptations that are quantitative and/or qualitative, verifiable and take place over time. Change can be described in terms of adaptation, growth, progress, revolution, transition, and evaluation.

Paradigm A set or pattern of ideas, beliefs and values used by individuals and societies as a means of making sense of reality.

Paradigm Shift A change, usually gradual, from one paradigm to another.

Worldview A distinctive way of looking at reality that creates a context for living.

Sanction A penalty, specified or in the form of moral pressure, that acts to ensure compliance or conformity.

Resources

All units are resource-based; teachers and students are encouraged to use a variety of resources and sources throughout. The accompanying bibliography contains annotations of current, useful resources including print, video, Internet sites, and other media selections. Teachers are encouraged to assess their current resource collection, identifying those that are still useful, and to acquire small quantities of each title, rather than class sets, in order to provide students with a broad range of perspectives and information. The bibliography that accompanies this curriculum guide includes detailed annotations that will assist in making resource selections appropriate to the abilities and needs of the students.

The following list of resource titles provides a starting point for developing a Unit Two resource collection that is current and relevant, and that addresses students' various learning styles and abilities.

Print Resources

The Ancients
Kingfisher Book of the Ancient World
Legacies Series
Medieval Times to Today
The Medievals
Pathways: Civilizations Through Time
Roots of Society (previously listed resource)
World Civilizations: A Comparative Study

The following print resources are listed for Middle Level English Language Arts (grades 6-9) and offer opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction.

The Beduins' Gazelle
Catherine, Called Birdy
The Forestwife
The Ramsay Scallop

Non-Print Resources

Culture Change - Faces of Culture Series (video)
The Future of Humanity - Faces of Culture Series (video)
Nature of Anthropology - Faces of Culture Series (video)
Roots of Society (kit - previously listed resource)

Internet Sites

Teachers are advised to check the bibliography for Internet site addresses that support this unit. As well, many general interest sites are listed in Social Studies: An Information Bulletin for the Renewed Middle Level Curricula (Grades 7-9), March 1999, pp. 19-20. Due to the unstable nature of Internet sites, teachers are advised to access Saskatchewan Education's Web site at http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/curr inst/social/socialsciences.html for the most current listings. See pages 378-381 in this curriculum guide for information about locating and evaluating Internet sites.

Incorporating Current Events

Incorporating current events enhances students' understanding of the concepts under study and extends their learning experiences by relating the events to real life and making them relevant. Sources for current event stories include newspapers, news magazines, daily and weekly television and radio newscasts and documentaries, and the Internet. Many Canadian daily newspapers are available on-line and are a reliable source of current events. Select articles and news items to support the objectives and concepts as often as possible, and encourage students to contribute also. See pages 346-350 in this curriculum guide for some current event activities.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

This unit may be adapted for interdisciplinary study. See page 336 in this curriculum guide for information about developing interdisciplinary units of study. The following are some suggestions for connecting this unit to English Language Arts (ELA).

• To integrate ELA and Social Studies, have students read historical novels, such as those listed in the resource section of this unit, that are set in Medieval Times. They might form Literature Circles in order to discuss what they read and exchange ideas and information. See the Middle Level ELA curriculum for information about conducting Literature Circles.
• Have students read one historical novel, such as Catherine, Called Birdy, and list the characters, their social class, economic situation, etc. and compare information with that in their expository materials.
• Read aloud sections of one or more of the historical novels listed in the resource section of this unit, and have students engage in Reader Response activities to demonstrate their understanding and personal response to the situations of the time and the characters.