Area Studies Centers K-14 Global Fellowship Program

Competency C: Social Awareness

C3: Demonstrate an awareness and respect for human dignity, including the similarities and differences of all people, groups and cultures.

K-2 Grades

• C3. 1.a: Discuss how people can be the same or different.
• C3. 2.a: Participate in cross-cultural activities and discuss differences, similarities and positive qualities across all cultures and groups.
• C3. 3.a Discuss the concept of, and practice, treating others the way you would want to be treated.

3-5 Grades

• C3. 1.b: Discuss positive and negative opinions people may have about other people or groups, even if they aren’t always true.
• C3. 2.b: Participate in cross-cultural activities and acknowledge that individual and group differences may complement each other.
• C3. 3.b: Define and practice civility and respect virtually and in-person.

Middle Grades

• C3. 1.c: Discuss how positive or negative stereotypes of an individual or group can be unconscious and may lead to discrimination and prejudice.
• C3. 2.c: Participate in cross-cultural activities and demonstrate respect for individuals from different social and cultural groups.
• C3. 3.c: Demonstrate respect for human dignity virtually and in-person.

High School

• C3. 1.d: Examine and address explicit or implicit personal biases toward an individual or group.
• C3. 2.d: Participate in cross-cultural activities, identify unique contributions and perspectives of various groups, and how the experience may change personal perspective.
• C3. 3.d: Analyze how one can build community that respects all human dignity virtually and in-person.

Topic: Places and Regions

Content Statements

• 5. Regions can be determined, classified and compared using data related to various criteria including landform, climate, population, and cultural and economic characteristics.

Topic: Human Systems

Content Statements

• 6. The variety of physical environments within the Eastern Hemisphere influences human activities. Likewise, human activities modify the physical environment.
• 7. Political, environmental, social and economic factors cause people, products and ideas to move from place to place in the Eastern Hemisphere in the past and today.
• 8. Diffusion of agricultural practices and products, technology, cultural practices and major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism) impacted the Eastern Hemisphere.

Topic: Historical Thinking and Skills

Content Statements

• 1. Multiple tier timelines can be used to show relationships among events and places.

Topic: Human Systems

Content Statements

• 13. Geographic factors promote or impede the movement of people, products and ideas.
• 14. Trade routes connecting Africa, Europe and Asia helped foster the spread of ideas, technology, goods and major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism) that impacted the Eastern Hemisphere.
• 15. Improvements in transportation, communication and technology have facilitated cultural diffusion among peoples around the world.

Topic: Historical Thinking and Skills

Content Statements

• 1. Historians and archaeologists describe historical events and issues from the perspectives of people living at the time to avoid evaluating the past in terms of today’s norms and values.

Topic: Feudalism and Transitions

Content Statements

• 5. Achievements in medicine, science, mathematics and geography by the Islamic civilization dominated most of the Mediterranean after the decline of the Roman Empire. These achievements were introduced into Western Europe as a result of the Muslim conquests, Crusades and trade, influencing the European Renaissance.
• 6. The decline of feudalism, the rise of nation-states and the Renaissance in Europe introduced revolutionary ideas, leading to cultural, scientific and social changes.

Topic: First Global Age

Content Statements

• 10. European economic and cultural influence dramatically increased through explorations, conquests and colonization.

Topic: Achievements and Crises (1900-1945)

The first half of the 20th century was one of rapid technological advances. It was a period when the tensions between industrialized nations resulted in World War I and set the stage for World War II. While World War II transformed the balance of world power, it was the most destructive and costly war in terms of human casualties and material resources expended.

Content Statements

• 12. Advances in technology, communication and transportation improved lives, but also had negative consequences.
• 13. The causes of World War I included militarism, imperialism, nationalism and alliances.
• 14. The consequences of World War I and the worldwide depression set the stage for the Russian Revolution, the rise of totalitarianism, aggressive Axis expansion and the policy of appeasement which in turn led to World War II.
• 16. World War II devastated most of Europe and Asia, led to the occupation of Eastern Europe and Japan, and began the atomic age.

Topic: The Cold War (1945-1991)

Conflicting political and economic ideologies after World War II resulted in the Cold War. The Cold War overlapped with the era of decolonization and national liberation.

Content Statements

• 18. Treaties and agreements at the end of World War II changed national boundaries and created multinational organizations.
• 19. Religious diversity, the end of colonial rule and rising nationalism have led to regional conflicts in the Middle East.
• 20. Postwar global politics led to the rise of nationalist movements in Africa and Southeast Asia.
• 21. Political and social struggles have resulted in expanded rights and freedoms for women and indigenous peoples.

Topic: Globalization (1991-Present)

The global balance of power shifted with the end of the Cold War. Wars, territorial disputes, ethnic and cultural conflicts, acts of terrorism, advances in technology, expansion of human rights, and changes in the global economy present new challenges.

Content Statements

• 22. The break-up of the Soviet Union ended the Cold War and created challenges for its former allies, the former Soviet republics, Europe, the United States and the non-aligned world.
• 24. Political and cultural groups have struggled to achieve self-governance and self-determination.
• 27. The rapid increase of global population, coupled with an increase in life expectancy and mass migrations have created societal and governmental challenges.

Topic: Civil and Human Rights

There are challenges to civil rights and human rights throughout the world. Politics, economics and culture can all influence perceptions of civil and human rights.

Content Statements

• 8. Beliefs about civil and human rights vary among social and governmental systems.
• 9. Nations and international organizations pursue their own interests on issues related to civil and human rights, resulting in both conflict and cooperation particularly as it relates to injustices against minority groups.

Topic: Civic Participations and Skills

Individuals and groups have the capacity to engage with others to impact global issues.

Content Statements: 

• 5. Individuals can identify, assess and evaluate world events, engage in deliberative civil debate and influence public processes to address global issues.
• 6. Effective civic participation involves identifying problems or dilemmas, proposing appropriate solutions, formulating action plans, and assessing the positive and negative results of actions taken.
• 7. Individuals can participate through non-governmental organizations to help address humanitarian needs.

Topic: Global Connections

The 21st century is characterized by changing circumstances as new economies emerge and new technologies change the way people interact. Issues related to health, economics, security and the environment are universal.

Content Statements: 

• 1. Trade, alliances, treaties and international organizations contribute to the increasing interconnectedness of nations and peoples in the 21st century.
• 2. Advances in communications technology have profound effects on the ability of governments, interest groups, individuals and the media to share information across national and cultural borders.