Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Ancient and Medieval History

Other Oklahoma Social Studies sets

Practice Standards

  • 1

    The student will apply critical thinking skills to address authentic civic issues.AWH.P.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate an understanding of the virtue of civil discourse to analyze and address real- world problems.AWH.P.1.1

      1. A

        Evaluate the impact of perspectives, civil discourse, and democratic principles on addressing civic issues.AWH.P.1.1.A

      2. B

        Engage in a range of deliberative and democratic processes to develop strategies to address authentic, real-world problems in community and out-of-school contexts.AWH.P.1.1.B

      3. C

        Gather and evaluate information regarding complex problems, assessing individual and collective actions taken to address them.AWH.P.1.1.C

    2. 2

      Develop practices which demonstrate an understanding that social studies involves the evaluation of evidence.AWH.P.1.2

      1. A

        Develop, investigate, and evaluate plausible answers to essential questions that reflect enduring understandings across time, real world circumstances, and social studies disciplines.AWH.P.1.2.A

      2. B

        Evaluate points of agreement and disagreement from reliable information and expert interpretations used to answer supporting questions related to content knowledge.AWH.P.1.2.B

      3. C

        Reinforce critical thinking by evaluating and challenging ideas and assumptions, analyzing and explaining inconsistencies in reasoning.AWH.P.1.2.C

      4. D

        Demonstrate understanding of content through the development of self-driven inquiries and the completion of multi-staged, authentic tasks and assessments.AWH.P.1.2.D

  • 2

    The student will use interdisciplinary tools to acquire, apply, and evaluate content understanding of the four strands of social studies.AWH.P.2

    1. 1

      Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of government, the benefits of democratic systems, and their responsibilities as citizens.AWH.P.2.1

      1. A

        Evaluate various significant documents from the United States and other nations to compare civic virtues and principles of political systems.AWH.P.2.1.A

      2. B

        Evaluate the impact of the structure and powers exercised by governmental systems on public policy, using historical and contemporary examples.AWH.P.2.1.B

      3. C

        Analyze the impact of constitutions, laws, treaties, and international agreements, by comparing how various governmental powers and responsibilities have changed over time.AWH.P.2.1.C

    2. 2

      Develop skills which demonstrate an understanding of historical events and the people who shaped our history.AWH.P.2.2

      1. A

        Gather and evaluate the usefulness of various formats of evidence for specific inquiry, analyzing the broader historical context, and assessing potential bias and credibility of sources.AWH.P.2.2.A

      2. B

        Analyze complex and interacting factors that influence multiple perspectives during different historical eras and contemporary events.AWH.P.2.2.B

      3. C

        Evaluate how multiple, complex events are shaped by unique circumstances of time and place; construct and interpret parallel timelines.AWH.P.2.2.C

    3. 3

      Demonstrate a mastery of geographic concepts and the use of geographic tools to understand the impact of geography on the past and present.AWH.P.2.3

      1. A

        Actively engage in asking and answering geographic questions by acquiring, organizing, and analyzing multiple sources of data and information about the world’s past and present.AWH.P.2.3.A

      2. B

        Compare and analyze complex maps and mapping technologies to analyze spatial patterns of human and physical environments, explaining relationships between the environment and events, past and present.AWH.P.2.3.B

      3. C

        Evaluate the extent to which political and economic decisions have had significant impact on human and physical environments of various places and regions.AWH.P.2.3.C

    4. 4

      Identify the principles of economic systems and develop an understanding of the benefits of a market system in local, national, and global settings.AWH.P.2.4

      1. A

        Evaluate economic data from charts and graphs, noting trends and making predictions.AWH.P.2.4.A

      2. B

        Construct arguments using a combination of evidence regarding solutions used by nations to address historical or contemporary economic issues.AWH.P.2.4.B

      3. C

        Evaluate the impact, both intended and unintended, of government policies on market outcomes at national and global levels, past and present.AWH.P.2.4.C

  • 3

    The student will engage in critical, active reading of primary and secondary sources related to social studies concepts.AWH.P.3

    1. 1

      Comprehend, evaluate, and synthesize textual sources to acquire and refine knowledge in the social studies.AWH.P.3.1

      1. A

        Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, evaluating features such as author, date, and origin of information.AWH.P.3.1.A

      2. B

        Analyze information from visual, oral, digital, and interactive texts (e.g., maps, charts, images, political cartoons, videos, artwork) in order to draw conclusions and defend arguments.AWH.P.3.1.B

    2. 2

      Apply critical reading and thinking skills to interpret, evaluate, and respond to a variety of complex texts and perspectives.AWH.P.3.2

      1. A

        Evaluate the extent to which historical or cultural perspectives affect an author’s stated or implied purpose.AWH.P.3.2.A

      2. B

        Evaluate the author’s point of view, potential bias, and how authors can reach different conclusions regarding the same issue.AWH.P.3.2.B

      3. C

        Actively listen, evaluate, and analyze a speaker’s message, asking questions while engaged in collaborative discussions about social studies topics and texts.AWH.P.3.2.C

  • 4

    The student will develop a variety of evidence- based written products designed for multiple purposes.AWH.P.4

    1. 1

      Summarize and paraphrase, integrate evidence, and cite sources to create written products, research projects, and presentations for multiple purposes related to social studies content.AWH.P.4.1

      1. A

        Compose informative essays and written products, developing a thesis, citing and incorporating evidence from multiple sources and maintaining an organized, formal structure.AWH.P.4.1.A

      2. B

        Compose argumentative written products, including a precise claim as distinguished from opposing claims, organizing logical reasoning, and providing credible evidence to develop an argument.AWH.P.4.1.B

    2. 2

      Engage in authentic research to acquire, refine, and share knowledge through written presentations and products.AWH.P.4.2

      1. A

        Develop self-generated theses or claims related to independent research and investigations using credible and relevant sources.AWH.P.4.2.A

      2. B

        Integrate quotes and summaries of research findings into written products while avoiding plagiarism.AWH.P.4.2.B

      3. C

        Construct presentations or products for a designated audience, using research and reasoning to enhance understanding of a topic or issue.AWH.P.4.2.C

Content Standards

  • 1

    The student will examine the origins of humans and their early development through the Neolithic Age.AWH.C.1

    1. 1

      Identify sites in Africa where archaeologists have found evidence of the origins of modern human beings and summarize their theories and conclusions.AWH.C.1.1

    2. 2

      Analyze the geographical and environmental factors that encouraged human communities to organize into complex states.AWH.C.1.2

    3. 3

      Describe the characteristics of the hunter-gatherer societies from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic Age (use of tools and fire, hunting weapons, physical adornments).AWH.C.1.3

    4. 4

      Explain the importance of the invention of metallurgy (bronze and iron) for the development of weapons and tools.AWH.C.1.4

    5. 5

      Describe how the development of agriculture (the cultivation of crops and the domestication of animals) related to settlement, population growth, and the emergence of civilization.AWH.C.1.5

    6. 6

      Identify the major characteristics of civilizations (e.g., geographic boundaries and political institutions, economies that produce food surpluses, the formation of cities and states, social classes and hierarchical organization, developed systems of religion, learning, art, and architecture, and systems of writing and record keeping).AWH.C.1.6

  • 2

    The student will analyze why Mesopotamia was the center of major ancient river civilizations.AWH.C.2

    1. 1

      Locate on a historical map the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, identifying Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria as successive civilizations and explaining why the region is referred to as the Fertile Crescent, including a comparison of major empires (e.g., Akkad, Babylon, Assyria, Israel and Judah, Persian Empire).AWH.C.2.1

    2. 2

      Describe the basic religious belief of polytheism, as practiced by Mesopotamian civilizations.AWH.C.2.2

    3. 3

      Explain how irrigation, metalsmithing, wage labor, the domestication of animals, and inventions contributed to the growth of Mesopotamian civilizations.AWH.C.2.3

    4. 4

      Describe the important achievements of Mesopotamian civilization (e.g., system of writing and its importance in record keeping and tax collection, monumental architecture, relief sculpture, mosaics, state-building).AWH.C.2.4

    5. 5

      Assess the influence and legacy of Hammurabi, including the basic principles of justice associated with Hammurabi’s Code.AWH.C.2.5

  • 3

    The student will assess the lasting impact of the ancient Egyptian civilization.AWH.C.3

    1. 1

      Locate on a historical map of the Mediterranean region ancient Nubia and Egypt, including Upper and Lower Egypt.AWH.C.3.1

    2. 2

      Identify the social and economic characteristics of ancient Nubia (Kingdom of Kush) including its lucrative trade in iron and gold, military rivalry with Egypt, and assimilation of Egyptian culture.AWH.C.3.2

    3. 3

      Explain the role of pharaoh, the concept of dynasties, Egyptian conquests, the relationship of pharaohs to other social classes, and the role of enslaved persons in Egyptian society.AWH.C.3.3

    4. 4

      Examine the polytheistic religion of ancient Egypt with respect to beliefs about the afterlife, as well as Akhenaten’s attempt to abandon polytheism.AWH.C.3.4

    5. 5

      Summarize important achievements of Egyptian civilization (e.g., agricultural system, invention of a calendar, monumental architecture and art, hieroglyphic writing, the invention of papyrus).AWH.C.3.5

  • 4

    The student demonstrates knowledge of the ancient Levant.AWH.C.4

    1. 1

      Locate on a map of the ancient Mediterranean world the center of Levantine civilizations and describe the role of Levantine peoples in transmitting Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilization.AWH.C.4.1

    2. 2

      Identify the Phoenicians as the successors to the Minoans in dominating maritime trade in the Mediterranean and describe the value of the Phoenician writing system as ancestor of the Latin alphabet.AWH.C.4.2

    3. 3

      Describe the Phoenician settlement of Carthage circa 900 BC, the expansion of Carthaginian economic and political power in the Western Mediterranean, Carthaginian colonization, and Carthage’s wars with the Greek city-states.AWH.C.4.3

  • 5

    The student will analyze the roots of Western Civilization in Ancient Israel.AWH.C.5

    1. 1

      Locate on a historical map of the Mediterranean, the kingdoms of the Hittites and ancient Israel.AWH.C.5.1

    2. 2

      Trace the Biblical account of Hebrew migrations from Mesopotamia to Canaan and their later sojourn in Egypt, explaining the role of Abraham and Moses, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.AWH.C.5.2

    3. 3

      Examine Judaism and its primary beliefs (e.g., monotheism, Ten Commandments, emphasis on ritual, individual worth and responsibility, adherence to moral obligations) and the role of the Hebrew sacred texts.AWH.C.5.3

    4. 4

      Describe the Hebrew Bible’s account of the unification of the tribes of Israel under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, including David’s founding of Jerusalem in 1000 BC and the building of the first temple by Solomon.AWH.C.5.4

    5. 5

      Examine the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests of Israel and Judah, the Babylonian Exile, the return to Israel, and the establishment of the Maccabean and Herodian dynasties.AWH.C.5.5

    6. 6

      Explain the expulsion/dispersion of the Jews to other lands (Diaspora) after the destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem in AD 70 and the renaming of the region by the Romans.AWH.C.5.6

    7. 7

      Explain how Judaism influenced the foundation of Christianity, and how these religions contributed to the foundations of Western Civilization.AWH.C.5.7

  • 6

    The student will analyze the roots of Western Civilization in Ancient Greece.AWH.C.6

    1. 1

      Locate on a historical map of the Mediterranean area Ancient Greece, tracing the extent of its influence to 300 BC, including the locations and historical significance of architectural sites, such as Knossos, Periclean Athens, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis.AWH.C.6.1

    2. 2

      Explain how the geographical location of Athens and other city-states contributed to their role in maritime trade, colonies in the Mediterranean, and the expansion of Greek culture.AWH.C.6.2

    3. 3

      Analyze why the government of ancient Athens is considered the beginning of democratic government by explaining the political concepts developed in ancient Greece (e.g., “polis” or city-state, rule of law, liberty, civic participation and voting rights, legislative bodies, and Constitutions) and analyzing the effects of The Athenian Constitution.AWH.C.6.3

    4. 4

      Describe the lasting impact of major accomplishments of the ancient Greeks.AWH.C.6.4

      1. A

        Greek institutions: the lyceum, the gymnasium, the Library of AlexandriaAWH.C.6.4.A

      2. B

        Mathematics: Pythagoras and EuclidAWH.C.6.4.B

      3. C

        Medicine: HippocratesAWH.C.6.4.C

      4. D

        Science and Engineering: Archimedes, PtolemyAWH.C.6.4.D

      5. E

        History, Poetry, Drama: Herodotus, Homer, AeschylusAWH.C.6.4.E

      6. F

        Language: development of a complete alphabet, ancestor of the Latin alphabet.AWH.C.6.4.F

    5. 5

      Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, including the significance of Pericles’ Funeral Oration.AWH.C.6.5

    6. 6

      Describe the rise of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture, evaluating major contributions of Hellenistic art, philosophy, science, and political thought.AWH.C.6.6

  • 7

    The student will analyze the roots of Western Civilization in the Roman Republic and Empire.AWH.C.7

    1. 1

      Locate on a historical map ancient Rome, tracing the changing boundaries of the Roman Republic and Empire from 500 BC to 500 AD and explaining how the geographical location of ancient Rome contributed to the expansion of its political power in the Mediterranean region and beyond.AWH.C.7.1

    2. 2

      Explain the rise of the Roman Republic and the role of historical figures in Roman history, including Brutus, Cincinnatus, and Hannibal.AWH.C.7.2

    3. 3

      Examine the government of the Roman Republic and its contribution to the development of republican self-government (e.g., the concepts of separation of powers, liberty, the rule of law, representative government, civic duty).AWH.C.7.3

    4. 4

      Analyze the influence of Greek civilization on Roman art, literature, society, and government.AWH.C.7.4

    5. 5

      Describe the collapse of the Roman Republic from the agrarian reform law of Tiberius Gracchus to the establishment of Julius Caesar’s dictatorship.AWH.C.7.5

    6. 6

      Examine Julius Caesar’s and Augustus’ transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire.AWH.C.7.6

    7. 7

      Explain the reasons for the growth and longevity of the Roman Empire (e.g., military organization, tactics, conquests, functions of taxes, use of a standard currency, road construction, protection of trade routes, benefits of a Pax Romana, network of Roman roads and aqueducts).AWH.C.7.7

    8. 8

      Describe the central features of Christianity in ancient Rome (e.g., monotheism, belief and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as the messiah, the influence of the Hebrew Bible on the Christian Old and New Testaments, the influence of the apostle Paul, and the meanings and effects of Jesus of Nazareth’s words as recorded by Matthew).AWH.C.7.8

    9. 9

      Examine the early expansion of Christianity, including the relationship of early Christians, Jews, and officials of the Roman Empire, the relationship of Christianity to Greek thought (logos), the effects of state persecution, the impact of the Council of Nicaea, and the significance of the Nicene Creed.AWH.C.7.9

    10. 10

      Explain how internal forces (e.g., the rise of autonomous military powers, political corruption, economic and political instability) and external forces (e.g., shrinking trade, attacks, and invasions) led to the disintegration of the Roman Empire.AWH.C.7.10

    11. 11

      Describe the Sack of Rome, fall of the Western Roman Empire, and the establishment of Germanic kingdoms (e.g., Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Vandals, Franks, Anglo-Saxon kingdoms).AWH.C.7.11

    12. 12

      Explain the contribution of Roman civilization to law, literature, architecture, engineering, and technology, including the spread and influence of the Latin language.AWH.C.7.12

  • 8

    The student will examine the foundations of ancient Indian, Chinese, and African civilizations.AWH.C.8

    1. 1

      Describe the origins of Indian civilizations such as those of the Indus Valley, the evolution and central principles of Hinduism and the development of early Indian societies and their organizational structures.AWH.C.8.1

    2. 2

      Explain the origins and significant aspects of Buddhism, including the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the evolution and central principles of Buddhism, and the significance of early Indian Hindu and Buddhist monarchies.AWH.C.8.2

    3. 3

      Describe important political, economic, and cultural aspects of Indian history, including the Maurya and Kushan Empires, the Gupta Empire, Golden Age of India, Indian mathematics, and maritime expansion.AWH.C.8.3

    4. 4

      Explain the origins of Shintoism and its central feature of ritual practices carried out with discipline to maintain connections with the ancient past.AWH.C.8.4

    5. 5

      Examine significant aspects of Confucian philosophy and its role in the continuity of Chinese civilization, focusing on the life and teachings of Confucius, the significance of individual ethics, and maintenance of order, hierarchy, and political power.AWH.C.8.5

    6. 6

      Assess the significance and legacy of political, economic, and cultural aspects of the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties (e.g., unification of China, construction of the Great Wall of China, conquest of southern China, introduction of Buddhism through cultural exchange with India, agriculture and transportation, redistribution systems, and inventions of the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing).AWH.C.8.6

    7. 7

      Analyze the emergence of complex, interregional networks of trade throughout Afro-Eurasia and how trade networks led to the diffusion and evolution of ideas, resources, and technologies.AWH.C.8.7

    8. 8

      Explain the significance of the Aksum Kingdom to the region of North Africa, including its role as a center for trade between Europe and Asia, its development of written script, and its adoption of Christianity, establishing a legacy in the modern Ethiopian Orthodox Church.AWH.C.8.8

  • 9

    The student will examine characteristics of the Early Middle Ages in Europe from 476 to 1000.AWH.C.9

    1. 1

      Describe the preservation of Greek and Roman traditions, the Code of Justinian, and the construction of the Church of the Holy Wisdom or Hagia Sophia.AWH.C.9.1

    2. 2

      Explain the growth and influence of Christianity and the Catholic Church in medieval society, including the significance of Europe’s network of medieval pilgrimage routes, the role of monasteries in preserving the culture of antiquity, and the spread of Christianity to Northern and Eastern Europe.AWH.C.9.2

    3. 3

      Examine the founding and central features of Islam (e.g., Muhammad’s visions, the Qur’an, pilgrimage to Mecca, and the concept of monotheism).AWH.C.9.3

    4. 4

      Describe the impact and legacy of Islam and the Islamic empire, including discoveries in science and mathematics, and the spread of Islam in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.AWH.C.9.4

    5. 5

      Analyze the Latin West following the fall of the Roman Empire.AWH.C.9.5

      1. A

        Explain the structure of feudal society and its economic, political, and social effects, including the differing orders of medieval society.AWH.C.9.5.A

      2. B

        Describe the rise of Frankish kings, including the roles of Charles Martel, influence of Charlemagne, and the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire.AWH.C.9.5.B

      3. C

        Trace the rise of Anglo-Saxon England, the Danish invasions, and the influence of Alfred the Great.AWH.C.9.5.C

      4. D

        Describe Scandinavian raids and conquests (Vikings), explorations (e.g., Iceland, Greenland, Vinland), and state-building (e.g., Normandy, England, Naples, Russia).AWH.C.9.5.D

  • 10

    The student will examine change during High Middle Ages in Europe from 1000-1300.AWH.C.10

    1. 1

      Explain the origins of iconoclasm and the schism between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in 1054.AWH.C.10.1

    2. 2

      Examine how William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings established the French- speaking Normans as rulers of England and brought about a significant cultural, economic and military transformation.AWH.C.10.2

    3. 3

      Describe political developments in medieval Europe from the Norman Conquest to the Mongol Invasions, including theAWH.C.10.3

      1. A

        development of English Common Law, including Henry II’s consolidation of royal power, reorganization of the judicial system, and establishment of criminal justice proceduresAWH.C.10.3.A

      2. B

        partial disintegration of the Holy Roman Empire and the rise of independent city-states in Italy and GermanyAWH.C.10.3.B

      3. C

        consequences of the European Crusades in the 11th to 13th centuries, including the Fourth Crusade, the Crusader conquest of Orthodox Christian Byzantium, and the Crusader Kingdoms of GreeceAWH.C.10.3.C

      4. D

        divergence of Russia from Western Europe (e.g., Orthodox Christianity, Baltic Crusades, the Mongol Yoke).AWH.C.10.3.D

    4. 4

      Analyze the origins, meanings, immediate effects, and legacy of the Magna Carta.AWH.C.10.4

    5. 5

      Examine religious, intellectual, cultural, technological, and economic developments in medieval Europe from the Norman Conquest to 1300.AWH.C.10.5

      1. A

        Describe the clash between papacy and empire with regards to the development of law.AWH.C.10.5.A

      2. B

        Identify the growing influence of universities, Roman law, canon law, and Scholasticism.AWH.C.10.5.B

      3. C

        Describe significant aspects of medieval culture, including architecture. music, art, and literature.AWH.C.10.5.C

      4. D

        Explain the emergence of a modern economy, the growth of commerce, towns, and a merchant class.AWH.C.10.5.D

      5. E

        Identify technological and agricultural improvements (e.g., plough, windmills, watermills).AWH.C.10.5.E

      6. F

        Describe military improvements (e.g., mounted knight and fortifications).AWH.C.10.5.F

      7. G

        Evaluate the impact of Marco Polo’s travels to India and China.AWH.C.10.5.G

  • 11

    The student will analyze the significant advancements in Asian and African civilizations from 1000-1500.AWH.C.11

    1. 1

      Explain the significance of Indian and Chinese civilizations from 1000-1500 (e.g., the expansion of Islam into India, Delhi Sultanate) and political, economic, and cultural aspects of Indo- Persian culture.AWH.C.11.1

    2. 2

      Describe the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire, including important political, economic, and cultural aspects of early modern Indian history (e.g., rise and development of the Sikh religion and states, Portuguese maritime hegemony, Mughal rule and persecution of Hindus).AWH.C.11.2

    3. 3

      Examine the significant political, economic, and cultural aspects of the history of the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties (e.g.,the civil service, Mongol conquest, Construction of the Forbidden City, voyages of Zheng He, Ming political collapse, inventions such as movable-type printing, the cannon, and paper currency).AWH.C.11.3

    4. 4

      Examine the influence of the Mali Empire, with attention to the role Timbuktu played in control over West African trade and as a center of culture and learning during the Golden Age of Islam.AWH.C.11.4

  • 12

    The student will analyze the significant changes and legacy of the Late Middle Ages from 1300 to 1450.AWH.C.12

    1. 1

      Describe internal divisions and impact on the Roman Catholic Church during the Avignon Papacy, the Great Schism, and the subsequent councils.AWH.C.12.1

    2. 2

      Explain developments in medieval English legal and constitutional history and their importance in the rise of modern institutions and self-government (e.g., common law, parliament, habeas corpus).AWH.C.12.2

    3. 3

      Assess the economic and social effects of the spread of the Black Death on society.AWH.C.12.3

    4. 4

      Describe the major events and lasting effects of the Hundred Years War, including the influence of Henry V and Joan of Arc.AWH.C.12.4

    5. 5

      Examine the sack of Constantinople in 1453 and its consequences, describing why the event is considered a turning point in medieval history.AWH.C.12.5

    6. 6

      Examine transformations in medieval society.AWH.1C.2.6

      1. A

        Identify major developments in banking, manufacturing at scale, and international trade.AWH.1C.2.6.A

      2. B

        Describe the impact of innovations, such as the compass, gunpowder, and Wootz steel.AWH.1C.2.6.B

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Oklahoma Academic Standards SOCIAL STUDIES

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