Course Descriptions

History Classes

History 9: World Civilizations 1

Freshman history combines two areas of study: ancient/early-modern civilizations and physical/human geography. The purpose of the course is to provide factual information concerning the development and geography of religious, political, social and commercial civilizations of the Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance eras that have helped shape contemporary society.

History 10: World Civilizations 2

Sophomore history continues History 9’s conceptual basis, focusing on the rise of Europe from the end of the Middle Ages to present day, with three main areas of study: the Renaissance, the French and Industrial Revolutions, and the Twentieth Century. Students examine the development of the modern state, the relationship between social/political forces and culture, and continue developing historical skills.

History 11: History of the Americas 1

Junior history covers United States history from Columbus’s discovery of America to Reconstruction. The course is split into four main areas of study: The Discovery of a Nation, The Making of a Nation, Native Americans and the West, and concludes with The Civil War. Students learn to develop critical thinking skills and assess history through different points of view.

History 12: History of the Americas 2

This course covers U.S. history from Reconstruction to the present, focusing on five main themes: race, gender, government, foreign policy (with particular emphasis on Latin America) and the environment. Students develop highly tuned critical thinking skills, looking at controversial issues throughout US history and being asked to draw their own conclusions.