History

List of 12 items.

• History I AA

  This survey course starts with a robust debate about the assumed progress made by plant and animal domestication. It then serves a healthy dose of geography. The first civilizations of the Middle East follow, and then ancient Greece, Persia, and the Hellenistic world. Rome is fully explored, as is ancient Asia and its transformational philosophies of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, among others. The course will conclude in the medieval era when the Middle East and Asia flourished while Europe uneasily muddled through what some historians call the Dark Ages. There will also be in-depth, compare and contrast Socratic seminars about the origins of today’s major world religions that are the spiritual foundations for the vast majority of modern humanity.

• History I AAG

  World History I is the first part of a two-year investigation of the rich and diverse cultures of the world, beginning with pre-history, continuing through the classical civilizations, and concluding with the late medieval period.   In addition, students examine primary sources, art, architecture, and literature to distinguish among parallel and unique characteristics of civilizations.  During the year students undertake several research projects and learn formal essay-writing skills, critical reading, note-taking, test preparation, and effective class participation.

• History II AA

  This course continues an exploration of the major themes of the World History I course. A multicultural analysis of modern history provides the student with a strong understanding of recent world events. The course begins with a review of world civilizations leading to the Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, and the Reformation. It continues through the period of intercontinental empires and revolutions and ends with an analysis of 20th-century world wars and the global age of today. Primary sources in addition to secondary texts give the student a broad context in which to examine major historical changes and progressions.

• History II AAG

  World History I is the first part of a two-year investigation of the rich and diverse cultures of the world, beginning with pre-history, continuing through the classical civilizations, and concluding with the late medieval period.   In addition, students examine primary sources, art, architecture, and literature to distinguish among parallel and unique characteristics of civilizations.  During the year students undertake several research projects and learn formal essay-writing skills, critical reading, note-taking, test preparation, and effective class participation.

• United States History

  This survey of United States History reviews events from the founding of the American colonies through the present.  This course focuses on the emergence of the American democratic sentiment, the roots of American political institutions, the Enlightenment, and responses to changing economic and social conditions, as well as domestic and foreign problems. Themes of industrialism, reform and America’s emergence as a world power will also be examined.  Special emphasis is placed on the Constitution, the development of America’s unique economic system, its political structure, and its social conscience. Students hone skills of close reading of a text, examination of primary and secondary sources, taking class notes, writing essays, writing a term paper, and analyzing current events.

• Honors United States History

  REQUIRES TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
  
  This course is designed for advanced students who have demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for the study of the past. Honors US History allows students to devote considerable attention to a handful of the most important themes in US history. Readings are varied and include many primary and literary sources, while the course emphasizes project-based learning and active engagement. Students must be recommended to take the course based on student writing samples, grades earned from pervious history courses, and student interest.

• AP US History

  REQUIRES TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
  
  This course is designed for students who have demonstrated strong motivation, interest, and aptitude in history. Equivalent to an introductory college course, AP United States History students analyze political, economic, cultural, social, and intellectual aspects of the American experience.  In addition to gaining a thorough grounding in factual information, students learn to read historical material critically and to weigh evidence soundly.  Emphasis is placed on analysis and the development of cogent essays.  Testing provides practice in the AP format and includes multiple-choice, document-based, and free-response essay questions.

• AP Government

  REQUIRES TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
  
  This course gives students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States, as well as the world’s diverse political structures and practices. This course examines both general concepts used to interpret American politics and specific case studies.  It also requires students to become familiar with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. In-depth discussion of Constitutional underpinnings of American government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, institutions and policy processes of national government, as well as civil rights and civil liberties enables students to become informed, responsible citizens.

• AP European History

  REQUIRES TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
  
  This course focuses on the study of European history since 1450 and introduces students to the cultural, economic, social, political, and intellectual developments that played an essential role in shaping the modern world. This course is designed to provide students with a focused look at the events, developments, and movements that occurred during this period and which are key to understanding the world in which we live today. This course is aimed at having students further their understanding of some of the principal themes of modern European history, develop skills in analyzing and interpreting historical evidence, and be able to express their ideas through critical writing. The course will prepare students to sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in European History

• History of Western Art

  History of Western Art will introduce students to art from Prehistory through the Modern Era.  A mix of lecture, discussion, and research projects into individual art pieces and types will characterize the course. Students will learn to discuss and write about works of art and will complete one writing assignment per trimester and a final research project.  We will approach a selected number of paintings, sculptures, and buildings from a variety of perspectives, and the course will address various historical periods, artists, creative practices, and themes through the study of Western art objects that exhibit unique and significant means of expression in visual form. The course will also consider cultural and artistic exchanges between societies of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, when appropriate.  The course is open to students in grades 10 through 12.

• US Government & Civics

  What role does and should the government play in our lives? To what extent does the Constitution protect our civil liberties? How does the media influence our decision-making? What are the issues that divide us and why? How do we respect and learn from those on opposing sides? How can I be empowered by citizenship? These questions, among many others, will serve as the backbone of the United States Government and Civics. In this course, students will not only examine the structure and foundations of the United States government but understand how through policy and action, citizens have and can shape our nation. Public policy, foreign policy, and citizen participation will be deeply examined through the case studies that explore both historical and current issues

• AP Comparative Government & Politics

  Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government and Politics examine the political systems of China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The course compares the ways in which these governments and political systems operate and address national problems. It satisfies the requirements for a college-level comparative government and politics course. The course emphasizes analytical and critical thinking about political systems, concepts, and institutions.