6 | SIXTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
World History and Geography: Early Civilizations Through the Fall of the
Western Roman Empire
Course Description: Sixth grade students will study the beginnings of early civilizations through the fall of the Western
Roman Empire. Students will analyze the cultural, economic, geographical, historical, and political foundations for early
civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, India, China, Greece, and Rome. The sixth grade will conclude with the
decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire. This course will also teach students about the historical context of ancient
and major world religions and will follow a common template for major world religions so as to not promote any religion.
Major world religions are introduced in either 6th or 7th grade.
This course will be the students’ first concentrated survey of world history and geography and is designed to help students think like
historians, focusing on historical concepts in order to build a foundational understanding of the world. Appropriate primary sources
have been embedded in the standards in order to deepen the understanding of world history and geography. Special emphasis will be
placed on the development of government, including the beginning of democratic practices.