Western Civilization  is a required class for 10th grade students.  We begin the first trimester with a unit focusing on the work of Jared Diamond author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book Guns, Germs and Steel.  This theory offers an explanation as to how Europeans  were able to conquer the Americas.  An essay writing assignment is the key component of this unit and it is submitted via turnitin.com. 
    Subsequent units in the first semester include the Age of Exploration, the Slave Trade, Absolute Monarchs, the European Enlightenment, and revolutions: the American, French, Nationalist and Industrial.  During the final 2nd semester the Age of Democracy, Westward Expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Western Imperialism and Transformation Around the Globe are our units.  Each unit will have objectives, projects, in class work and tests.
    Our textbook is World History: Patterns of Interaction published by McDougal Littell. At this web site you will be able to find homework such as objectives, worksheets, study guides, and test review sheets. We will also provide you with access to articles from class and links to web sites that you can use for research and projects. The easiest way to reach me is by e-mail:  bcasey@delasalle.com.  My office telephone number is 612.676.7651.  I may not answer if I am teaching but feel free to leave a message.  

Diamond Episode 1

Diamond Episode 2

Diamond Episode 3

Diamond Article

The Story of Smallpox

The Story of Malaria

The Story Of Steel

Western Civilization Unit 1 Objectives  Unit 1 Objectives