Welcome to Ms. Patankar's
Social Studies 6 Site!
Course Overview
Silk Road
Journeys:A Caravan of
Connections
The Silk Road was once an intricate network of trade routes
connecting East Asia to the Western world over thousands of miles
of varied terrain. Important connections were made
along the Silk Road as cultures came into contact with one
another. Individuals were exposed to products, languages,
inventions, belief systems, and forms of artistic expression that
were previously unfamiliar to them. In many ways, these
interactions have laid the foundation for the global society that
we inhabit today.
Throughout this school
year, we will explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Asia
as we travel across the Silk Road. Our journey will take us
from the Pacific Rim through Central and South Asia to the Middle
East and beyond. We will investigate the dynamic exchanges
that have taken place between societies from ancient times to the
present day. We will also reflect upon the ways in which these
cultures influence our daily lives, as Americans living in the
Pacific Northwest.
Over the course of the
year, we will investigate the following themes:
- GEOGRAPHY and
CARTOGRAPHY
- ANTHROPOLOGY and
ARCHAEOLOGY
- HIGHLIGHTS of ANCIENT
CIVILIZATIONS
- MATERIAL TRADE,
ECONOMICS and GLOBALIZATION
- RELIGION and THE TRADE
OF IDEAS
- CONFLICT and
CONQUEST
In addition to these
themes, we will also explore CURRENT EVENTS throughout the year on
an ongoing basis. We will focus on current topics in the
local, national and international arenas with periodical
explorations, in-class discussions, and oral
presentations.
By looking at the
cultures of Asia in terms of these broad human themes, we will get
a sense of how many societies have impacted and influenced one
another throughout history while maintaining their own unique
identities and traditions.
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