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Greg Hurley, History, Social Studies Program Coordinator
The mission of the Andover High School History-Social Studies Department is to prepare students to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, active and aware participants in American society, and engaged citizens of a global community. We offer a program of studies that exposes students to both historical and current topics within the United States, as well as around the world. Students are asked to examine both primary and secondary sources, and to use evidence to substantiate claims made in writing, dialogue, debate, and presentation. The department challenges students to write and speak effectively with clarity and purpose and to advocate for positive change through active participation in the democratic process.
Andover High students are required to earn three credits of social studies to qualify for a diploma. They are encouraged to take at least four credits but can enroll in more than four throughout their AHS experience. All social studies classes (with the exception of Advanced Placement) are mixed-level. This reflects our philosophical approach to social studies education, which encourages students to engage in an academic experience that includes varying interests and abilities, and to participate in discussions that reflect multiple points of view. Students are recommended for a level (Honors/Level 1, College Prep/Level 2) to determine a level of structure and support. All 9th-grade students are required to take either World History: Global Interactions or an interdisciplinary ELA/SS course called World Studies. In the 10th grade students are required to enroll in The Modern World or an interdisciplinary ELA/SS course called Modern World Studies. As juniors, students enroll in either United States History II, an ELA/SS interdisciplinary course called American Studies, or AP United States History (with appropriate recommendation.) In the 10th, 11th and 12th grade students can choose from a variety of both social science and history electives, including AP United States History, and AP Modern European History.
Leveling
The Honors/Level 1 course is designed for those who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both reading and writing, who can work easily and well with abstract ideas and who can responsibly and independently manage a rigorous academic workload.
The College Prep/Level 2 course is designed for those who have demonstrated proficiency in both reading and writing, who need some assistance making the leap from concrete to abstract ideas and who benefit by a bit more structure in order to be successful with a rigorous academic workload.
Grade 9 Course Offerings
Freshmen must take World History: Global Interactions or World Studies.
Students will be assigned to a level based on a recommendation from their 8th grade teacher and placed in mixed level classes. The guidelines for recommendations are:
Honors/Level 1 – Students should average A or A- in Social Studies Grade 8.
College Prep/Level 2 – Students should average B+ to a C in Social Studies Grade 8.
In World History: Global Interactions students will examine historical events and themes that have occurred in different areas of the world during the time period of early modern world history, approximately 1000 CE-1815 CE. Students will develop communication skills through writing, discussion, and presentations with an emphasis on developing analytical and persuasive writing skills. As students explore different cultures and different time periods they will be asked to examine multiple perspectives and use creative approaches to analyze cause and effect. They will be asked to think critically as they examine primary sources and undertake historical analysis. They will work collaboratively with their peers on short and long-term projects designed to help students understand the significance of key historical events in the development of the early modern world. Honors and College Prep are combined in the same class.
or
World Studies is a course which combines ninth grade English and Social Studies, and is therefore an alternative to taking English 9 and World History: Global Interactions separately. This course utilizes an interdisciplinary, team-taught approach to studying the cultures, history, and literature from the time period of early modern world history. Using small group collaborative activities, oral presentations, process writing, debates, discussions, and individual assignments, the class engages students in a broad spectrum of educational experiences preparing them to participate responsibly in school and civic life. Honors and College Prep are combined in the class. Students in this course earn a full credit in English and a full credit in social studies.
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