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Unit 2 Overview

Driving Question: How did networks of exchange connect societies, and how were communities changed by these connections?

Why start a world history course in 1200 CE? This lesson provides important historical context for how the world was organized before it became globally connected. Learning about the variety of communities and networks that existed from 1200 to 1450 CE will also allow you to make historical comparisons across time and geographic space.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify the major similarities and differences in how communities were organized from 1200 to 1450 CE.
  2. Explain how communities interacted through regional networks from 1200 to 1450 CE.
  3. Identify the major changes and continuities in the three frames from 1200 to 1450 CE.

Vocab Terms:

  • belief system
  • culture
  • dynasty
  • empire
  • maritime
  • society
  • state
STEP 1

Opener: Unit 2 Overview

Teaching Tools

Looking to do more with maps? Check out OER Project’s collection of maps here External link .

STEP 2

Looking Ahead

Teaching Tools

Get an idea of how other teachers use Unit Notebooks: Check out this conversation External link in the OER Project Teacher Community.

STEP 3

The Global Tapestry

Teaching Tools

Check out our Reading Guide to learn about the Three-Step Reading approach.

We accept our various global connections as part of our everyday lives. But exactly what were the origins of these ties that bind us? The video and article below will give you a glimpse into how the world was organized from c. 1200 to 1450 CE.

Unit 2 Overview External link

From 1200 to 1450 CE, new connections forged larger and larger networks. In Afro-Eurasia, these patterns of growth and interconnection were most prominent, but similar patterns emerged in other parts of the world.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Framing Unit 2

Teaching Tools

Looking to deepen your understanding of frames? Take a look at this conversation External link in the OER Project Teacher Community.

Interesting things happen when people from diverse cultures and regions get together. This lesson examines how developments such as new trade routes changed the lives of so many.

Unit 2 Frames External link

Using the communities, networks, and production and distribution frames can reveal the diversity that existed in the world from 1200 to 1450, which set the stage for rapid global transformations to come.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

Closer: Unit 2 Overview

Teaching Tools

For more information about why OER Project uses closers in every lesson, check out our Openers and Closers Guide.

Extension Materials
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Use the activity below as an opportunity to build writing skills based on the material learned in this lesson.
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Claim Writing and Networks

Teaching Tools

Learn more about OER Project’s approach to writing in the Writing Guide.