Ukraine 7th Grade Curriculum - Civil Education

This course integrates elements of civic responsibility, history, and social studies to help students understand their role as citizens within Ukrainian society and the broader world.

History: Ukraine and the World

This integrated course covers both Ukrainian and world history, providing context for understanding contemporary civic issues.

History of Ukraine:

• Emergence and Formation of Rus'-Ukraine: This section covers the early history of Ukraine, including the settlement of Slavic tribes, their economy and society, interactions with neighboring groups, and the formation of Rus'-Ukraine under early Kievan princes like Askold, Oleg, Igor, Olga, and Svyatoslav.
• Kievan Rus' (Rus'-Ukraine): This section explores the reign of Vladimir the Great, the introduction of Christianity, the rule of Yaroslav the Wise, the legal code Russkaya Pravda, social order, daily life, the economy, cities, crafts, trade, and culture. It also covers the political fragmentation of Kievan Rus', the Council of Liubech, the reign of Vladimir Monomakh, and the principalities of Kiev, Pereyaslavl, and Chernihiv. The history of the principalities of Halych and Volhynia, the Mongol invasion, and the subordination of Rus' principalities to the Golden Horde are also examined.
• Kingdom of Ruthenia (Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia): This section focuses on King Daniel of Galicia and the formation, development, and eventual collapse of the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia. The culture of the kingdom during this period is also explored.
• Rus' Appanage Principalities and the Crimean Khanate: This section examines the incorporation of Rus' principalities into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Union of Krewo, the Principality of Theodoro, the formation of the Crimean Khanate, and the Giray dynasty. Social order, culture, social life, church, agriculture, crafts, trade, cities, Magdeburg law, and monuments of medieval culture are also discussed. Key figures like Konstanty Ostrogski and Yuriy Drohobych are introduced.
• History of Rus'-Ukraine in the Middle Ages: This summary section covers the achievements of medieval Rus'-Ukrainian society, features of social life, and the contribution of Rus'-Ukraine to European civilization.

World History:

• The First Medieval States: This section explores the formation of barbarian kingdoms, the Frankish Kingdom, Charlemagne, the Byzantine Empire, the rise of Islam, and the development of Arab and Muslim culture.
• The Medieval World of Western Europe: This section examines the relationship between humans and nature, population movements, internal and military colonization, the three orders of medieval society, feudalism, and the organization of the Christian Church.
• European Society and States (10th-15th Centuries): This section covers Scandinavia, Viking conquests, the Crusades, Crusader states, Christian religious societies of knights, medieval states, the Reconquista, France, England, the Holy Roman Empire, and Italian commercial republics.
• Material and Spiritual World of Medieval Europe: This section explores the East-West Schism, the Catholic Church, Thomas Aquinas, medieval heresies, schools and universities, scientific and technical achievements, printing, architecture, art, the Early Renaissance, and humanism.
• Countries of Central and Eastern Europe (10th-15th Centuries): This section covers military orders, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Kingdom of Poland, the Kingdom of Hungary, Jan Hus, the Hussite Wars, Mongol rule, the Novgorod Republic, the Grand Principality of Moscow, Ivan III, the formation of the Ottoman Empire, and Mehmed II.
• Medieval East: This section reviews the state and society in Medieval China, achievements of Chinese culture, India during political decentralization, the Delhi Sultanate, achievements of Indian culture, and Japan.

Civic Education

While the 7th-grade curriculum focuses primarily on history, elements of civic education are interwoven throughout the course. The study of Ukrainian history provides a foundation for understanding civic responsibility and the development of democratic values. The examination of different forms of government and social structures throughout history encourages critical thinking about citizenship and governance. Furthermore, the course aims to foster a sense of national identity and pride in Ukrainian culture and heritage. Later grades, such as the 10th grade, will delve deeper into specific topics within civic education.