This course examines world events from 1600 to the present. It explores the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. We will study issues that affect the way people throughout the world lived and currently live, the way they thought and currently think about other cultures, and why people and civilizations believed and currently believe what they do. Class will be interactive; group work will be a key component of class.  At times you will pick your groups, at times I will pick your groups, and there will be times you work alone.  Being able to work well with others will help you throughout life.  I also think group work helps you learn in different ways.