KEY IDEA: SOCIAL AND CULTURAL GROWTH AND CONFLICT: During the postclassical era, the growth of transregional empires and the use of trade networks influenced religions and spread disease. These cross-cultural interactions also led to conflict and affected demographic development.

CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING: Internal tensions and challenges grew as disputes over authority and power arose between and among religious and political leaders.

CONTENT SPECIFICATION: Students will investigate the divisions within Islam (Sunni-Shia) and the Great Schism between Roman Catholic Christianity and Orthodox Christianity and their impacts.

CONTENT SPECIFICATION: Students will investigate the Crusades and the Delhi Sultanate from multiple perspectives.

CONTENT SPECIFICATION: Students will examine the development of Sikhism in South Asia during this time period.

CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING: Networks of exchange facilitated the spread of disease, which affected social, cultural, economic, and demographic development.

CONTENT SPECIFICATION: Students will evaluate the effects of the Black Death on these regions.

CONTENT SPECIFICATION: Students will map the spread of the Black Death (Bubonic Plague) as it was carried westward from Asia to Africa and Europe.