World History is a one semester social studies course required for 9th grade students.  The purpose of the course is to provide students with a knowldedge of the past required to understand the present.  The course highlights events which have shaped the contemporary world.  Non-Western as well as Western history is addressed.  Significant events and ideas in history and the impact of each upon the developent of the modern world are discussed.  Contributions of individuals and groups in history are included.  Cultural and social histories, as well as political and economic history are all integral parts of the curriculum.  By the end of the course students will have an appreciation of democratic citizenship and historical understanding of the world.  The course covers the Renaissance to Post Colonialism