Slovenia Osnovna šola 8. razred Curriculum - History

This curriculum outlines the key learning objectives and content for 8th grade history in Slovenia, as defined by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum emphasizes active student participation, critical thinking, and the use of diverse historical sources. It covers a range of topics from world history, focusing on the period from the late Middle Ages through the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. Approximately 75% of the content is mandatory, while the remaining 25% allows for teacher and student choice based on interest.

Compulsory Topics

• Expanding Horizons: The Age of Exploration and Renaissance: This topic explores the factors leading to the great geographical discoveries, the voyages of major explorers, and the consequences of these discoveries for both the Old and New Worlds. It also covers the rise of humanism and the Renaissance, examining their key characteristics, prominent figures, and influence on Slovenian lands. Students will analyze the impact of the slave trade and compare perspectives on slavery then and now.
• A Changing Europe: Political and Religious Transformations: This topic examines the Reformation, including the role of Martin Luther and the different branches of the movement. It also covers the impact of the Reformation on Slovenian culture, the Catholic Church's response (Counter-Reformation), and the consequences of the Ottoman Empire's expansion in the Balkans, including its impact on Slovenian territories.
• From Feudal Fragmentation to the End of the Old Order: This topic covers the transition from feudalism to the beginnings of the modern era. Students will compare different forms of government (using England and France as examples), learn about the Enlightenment and its influence on Slovenian thinkers, and study the reforms of Maria Theresa and Joseph II within the Habsburg monarchy, including their impact on Slovenian lands. The American and French Revolutions are also examined, along with the rise of Napoleon and the significance of the Illyrian Provinces for Slovenian national consciousness.
• Industrialization: This topic introduces the concept of capitalism and early capitalist production. It explores the economic flows between developed and underdeveloped parts of the world, explains the Industrial Revolution and why it began in Great Britain, and examines the consequences of industrialization. Students will also analyze migration patterns and their causes and effects.
• The Rise of the Bourgeoisie: This topic examines the political landscape of Europe after the Congress of Vienna and the revolutions of 1848. Students will learn about the development of conservative and liberal political thought, the rise of modern nations and nationalism, the expansion of democratic rights, and the formation of political parties. The focus also includes the Slovenian national movement in the 19th century and its efforts to achieve its goals, including the United Slovenia program.

Optional Topics

• Journeys to Mysterious Lands: Exploring Africa and Asia: This topic delves into the exploration of Africa and the achievements of Indo-Islamic art.
• A New Perspective on the World and Humanity: This topic provides a deeper look at the Renaissance, focusing on Italy's political landscape, the role of rulers and popes, the changing role of the artist, and the spread of humanist and Renaissance ideas beyond Italy.
• Life in the Ottoman Empire: This topic explores the structure of the Ottoman state, court life, the Ottoman military, and Ottoman achievements in art and science.
• Peasant Uprisings, Epidemics, and Natural Disasters: This topic examines the causes and consequences of peasant uprisings in Slovenia, comparing them to uprisings elsewhere in Europe. It also covers the impact of epidemics and natural disasters in Slovenia during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Rulers and Their States in the Early Modern Period: This topic explores the concept of the state in the early modern period, the role of the ruler, state control, and the concept of human rights, comparing these aspects to the present day. Students will study the lives and work of significant rulers.
• Baroque: This topic examines the characteristics of Baroque art, comparing it to Renaissance art, and its influence on clothing, interior design, and architecture. It also explores the role of high and folk art and how art was used as a means of consolidating power.
• The First Capitalist Powers and Inventions that Changed People's Lives: This topic examines the colonial empires of the 19th century, the rise of Japan and the United States as world powers, and significant inventions and advancements in transportation, communication, and healthcare, along with their impact on people's lives. It also covers the development of natural and social sciences.
• 19th Century Life: This topic explores the conditions of the working class, child labor, family structures and roles, the fight for women's equality, and the relationship between public and private life.
• 19th Century Art: This topic examines the artistic styles of the 19th century, their influence on fashion, interior design, and architecture, the emergence of mass culture, and the impact of these artistic trends in Slovenia.

This curriculum encourages teachers to utilize a variety of teaching approaches, including project work, authentic and research-based learning, field trips, discovery learning, cooperative learning, role-playing, simulations, interdisciplinary connections, and team teaching. The use of technology and development of digital literacy skills are also emphasized.