Accelerating Connections

In their respective history classes, Alzar Students are understanding the causes of globalization and its lasting impacts. Students analyze the lasting social, economic, and cultural impacts of varied cultural interactions. They map and explore how goods, technologies, ideas, religion, conflict, disease, and political structures have spread throughout the world.

On a national level, AP US History students examine the events and beliefs that influence expansion of the United States. Students explore the roots of the Manifest Destiny doctrine, the complicated border relationship with Mexico, and Texas’ war for independence. They follow overland trails as Americans settle Western territories, spurred by dreams of rich farmland, “striking it rich,” or creating religious utopias.

Students teach mini-lessons about the California Gold Rush, the Compromise of 1850, Mormon settlement of Salt Lake City and slavery and the “two-faced campaign.”

In AP World History, students have just begun the third academic expedition, Empire Elbow Rubbing, 500-1500. This expedition explores the complex relationships between different civilizations during the Postclassical Era. During this time, the world’s various regions, cultures, and peoples interact more extensively then ever before in history. Change in human societies was the product of contact with strangers- their ideas, armies, goods, or diseases.

AP World History students analyze post classical commerce and trade in different areas around the world, comparing similarities and differences along the Silk Roads, Sea Roads, and Sand Roads.