Minstrels

Program of Studies
Social Studies Grade 8


Origins of a Western Worldview: Renaissance Europe

General Outcome

Through an examination of Renaissance Europe, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how the exchange of ideas and knowledge contributed to shaping the worldview of the western world.

Specific Outcomes
􀀗Values and Attitudes

Students will:

8.2.1 appreciate how Renaissance Europe formed the basis for the worldview of the western world (C, TCC)
8.2.2 demonstrate a willingness to consider differing beliefs, values and worldviews (C, I)
8.2.3 recognize how beliefs and values are shaped by time, geographic location and societal context (C, TCC)

􀀗Knowledge and Understanding
Students will:
8.2.4 critically examine the factors that shaped the worldview evolving in western Europe during the Renaissance by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
• How did the Renaissance spark the growth and exchange of ideas and knowledge across Europe (i.e., astronomy, mathematics, science, politics, religion, arts)? (TCC, ER, PADM, GC)
• In what ways did thinkers and philosophers influence society in the development of a humanist worldview during the Renaissance? (GC, I)
• In what ways were the Age of Discovery and the rise of imperialism expressions of an expansionist worldview? (TCC, PADM, LPP)

SKILLS AND PROCESSES FOR GRADE 8
Alberta Learning’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum is infused throughout the social studies program of studies. Selected ICT outcomes are suggested throughout the program and are indicated by this symbol 􀂾.

DIMENSIONS OF THINKING

Students will:

8.S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking:
• analyze the validity of information based on context, bias, source, objectivity, evidence and reliability to broaden understanding of a topic or an issue
• critically evaluate ideas, information and positions from multiple perspectives
• generate creative ideas and strategies in individual and group activities

8.S.2 develop skills of historical thinking:
• distinguish cause, effect, sequence and correlation in historical events, including the long and short-term causal relations
• use historical and community resources to organize the sequence of historical events
• analyze the historical contexts of key events of a given time period
8.S.4. demonstrate skills of decision making and problem solving:
• demonstrate skills of compromise and devise strategies to reach group consensus
􀂾 articulate clearly a plan of action to use technology to solve a problem
􀂾 use networks to brainstorm, plan and share ideas with group members

SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AS A DEMOCRATIC PRACTICE
Students will:
8.S.5 demonstrate skills of cooperation, conflict resolution and consensus building:
• identify and use a variety of strategies to resolve conflicts peacefully and fairly
• consider the needs and perspectives of others
• demonstrate leadership within groups, where appropriate
􀂾 access, retrieve and share information from electronic sources such as common files
􀂾 use networks to brainstorm, plan and share ideas with group members

RESEARCH FOR DELIBERATIVE INQUIRY
Students will:
8.S.7 apply the research process:
• integrate and synthesize concepts to provide an informed point of view on a research question or an issue
• develop a position supported by information gathered through research
• draw conclusions based upon research and evidence
• determine how information serves a variety of purposes and that accuracy or relevance may need verification
• organize and synthesize researched information
• formulate new questions as research progresses
• practice responsible and ethical use of information and technology
• include and organize references as part of research
􀂾 plan and conduct a search, using a wide variety of electronic sources
􀂾 evaluate the relevance of electronically accessed information to a particular topic
􀂾 make connections among related, organized data and assemble various pieces into a unified message
􀂾 analyze and synthesize information to create a product
􀂾 access and retrieve information through the electronic network in the context of a group research project

COMMUNICATION
Students will:
8.S.8 demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy:
• communicate in a persuasive and engaging manner through speeches, multimedia presentations and written and oral reports, taking particular audiences and purposes into consideration
• elicit, clarify and respond appropriately to questions, ideas and multiple points of view presented in discussions
• offer reasoned comments relating to the topic of discussion
• listen to others in order to understand their perspectives


© 2007 Linda Nielson, Golden Hills School Division, CMJHS