History - Freshmen

MODERN WORLD HISTORY (101/102)

(Year) 1.50 credits

Grade 9: Level 2 and Honors

The goal of this course is for the students to understand themselves and others in time and place.  Students will examine the last three centuries with a critical eye to understand contemporary society and why our world looks the way it does today.  By learning how people have discovered, identified and tried to contend with essential questions of human affairs through time and across borders, students will have the opportunity to understand and appreciate different points of view. 

Students study the rise of the nation state in Europe and the Americas, and efforts to create new forms of government.  Specific events include the American and French Revolutions, the impact of industrialization, the rise of capitalism, the conflicts and wars that resulted from the competition for global resources and the rise of independence movements. 

Students analyze global relations in the context of imperialism and efforts to reconcile differences through international relations and through institutions like the United Nations.  Throughout the course, students explore historical events with the purpose of making connections with contemporary events, connections that will lead to a discovery of a wealth of history lessons that can be learned from and carried forward. 

 A variety of social science skills are developed.  Students engage in reading for comprehension, analysis and writing skills.  They prepare short essays, presentations, and practice 21st century skills.   

Honors Option:

Honors level students should be leaders in class discussions, willing to take academic risks, display solid writing skills and be expected to work independently. In addition to the expectations outlined in level 2, honors students’ written work will be more rigorous and will be corrected to a higher standard.

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (137)
(Year) 1.50 credits

Grade 9:  Advanced Placement 

AP Human Geography introduces high school students to college-level introductory human or cultural geography. The content is presented thematically rather than regionally and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic, cultural, political, urban and rural. The approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today. Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism and human-environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes and patterns of interaction.

Some topics with which students will engage include: problems of economic development and cultural change; consequences of population growth and international migration; struggles over political power and control of territory; conflicts over the demands of ethnic minorities and the role of women in society; explanations of why location matters to agricultural land use, industrial development and urban problems; and role of climate change and environmental abuses in shaping the human landscapes on Earth. 

The goal for the course is for students to become more geoliterate, more engaged in contemporary global issues and more informed about multicultural viewpoints. They will develop skills in approaching problems geographically, using maps and geospatial technologies, thinking critically about texts and graphic images, interpreting cultural landscapes and applying geographic concepts such as scale, region, diffusion, interdependence and spatial interaction. Students will see geography as a discipline relevant to the world in which they live; as a source of ideas for identifying, clarifying and solving problems at various scales; and as a key component of building global citizenship and environmental stewardship.

ANCIENT WORLDS 

(Semester) .75 credit

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors

The ancient world was a time of excitement and of danger. The world was newer and full of unexplored wonders. It was also a time of danger and mystery, when cruel God-Kings decided the fate of millions and savage rites were performed for even crueler Gods. Every semester the students and the teacher will explore one or two different societies that existed in this time period (3000 BC-1000 AD). We will examine not only their wars and adventures, but also their entertainment, art and when possible their lost languages and mysterious writing systems. The realms of the Gods and demons will also be explored, with an emphasis on the rites and magic used to satisfy and control these dangerous beings. 

The idea behind Ancient Worlds is to introduce students to the events, peoples and ideas that existed between 3000 BC and 1000 AD. This time period is crucial for the development of modern society both in cultural terms and in technological terms. As part of the course, the students will make connections between the philosophies (both secular and religious), events, arts, and architecture of the society under study and their counterparts in the modern world.  Join us as we explore Ancient Worlds!

The class will read original texts, observe and recreate the art of the period, discuss important events, learn how to pass notes in dead languages, and use technology to explore the ruins and objects left behind by these societies. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project and a final exam.

2026-2027: 

Semester 1: The Greeks(###/###)

The class will read original texts like the Illiad, observe and recreate the art of the period, discuss important events, learn how to pass notes in ancient Greek, and use technology to explore the ruins of such places as the Parthenon and the temple of Zeus at Olympus. We will also be examining the various philosophies that have their origin in that most amazing of cities, Athens. The class will be assessed through a series of assignments, a small number of standard tests, a creative project and a final exam. 

Semester 2: The Romans(###/###)

The Romans were the greatest empire builders the world has ever known.  The class will read Tacitus, Livy and many others, in order to understand these amazing people from their own perspective. We will observe and recreate Roman art and see its connections to our own. The rise and fall of both the Republic and the Empire will be examined, and of course we will learn how to pass notes in Latin. The architecture of Empire will be discussed and explored.  The class will be assessed through a series of assignments, a small number of standard tests, a creative project and a final exam. 

MEDIEVAL WORLDS (112/113)

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Semester) .75 credit

What happens after civilizations fall apart and the world becomes iron and chaos? Warlords and barbarians clash over the mighty ruins of the golden age, and people and cultures struggle to survive and grow in a world without order. Every semester, the students and the teacher will focus on one culture that existed in the medieval world (400-1400 AD). Some of the cultures examined will be the survivors from the collapse of the ancient world struggling to hold on to their existence, while others will be the societies that emerged from the wreckage of that collapse. We will examine not only the battles they fought against each other, but also their stories and sagas, art and when possible their lost languages. The class will read original texts, observe and recreate the art of the period, discuss important events, learn how to pass notes in dead languages, and use technology to explore the ruins and objects left behind by these societies. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project and a final exam. The idea behind Medieval Worlds is to introduce students to the events, peoples and ideas that existed in the crucial thousand year period between 400 AD and 1400 AD. Every major society that exists today emerged from the wreckage of the medieval world, and in many ways, still bears the scars from this traumatic time period. As part of the course, the students will make connections between the philosophies (both secular and religious), events, arts, and architecture of the society under study and their counterparts in the modern world.

PHILOSOPHY AND RHETORIC (153/154)

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Semester)  .75 credit

Did you ever stop to wonder why you have to go to school? Perhaps you have always wanted to know why the things that you do are judged to be either right or wrong or good or evil? Perhaps you have noticed great conflict in our society of late and have been curious to know its source? If any of the answers to these questions are yes, then you are a potential student of Philosophy! Congratulations, this is the class for you!

Every semester the students and the teacher will use the Socratic Method to explore different philosophical debates and topics. We will examine not only eternal debates such as what the nature of reality is and our relationship to that reality, we will also connect these classical arguments to our own lives and the society that we live in today. We will also examine the various philosophers themselves over time, such as Socrates, Aquinas and Nietzsche, in order to understand not only their world view, but to make our own world view clearer as a result.    

The class will read original texts, debate philosophical questions, discuss important events, and learn how to grasp more clearly philosophical concepts by learning basic concepts of Rhetoric and Logic. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project and a final exam. Join us as we explore your mind!

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES (167)

Grade 9-12:  Level 2 

(Semester) .75 credit

This course is designed to introduce students to the major themes, issues, and debates in the African American experience. Topics covered include African kingdoms, colonial and antebellum slavery, the abolition movement, the Civil War, emancipation, Jim Crow segregation, racial violence, black culture, the modern freedom struggle, popular culture and political movements. History, literature, art, and music will inform the curriculum.

POLITICAL SCIENCE (165/166) 

Grades 9-12: Level 2/Honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Welcome to Political Science! The purpose of this class is twofold: the first is to examine, over the space of 90 days, the different styles of political leadership. Using treatises on leadership such as The Prince and The Art of War, as well as examining real politicians in action, you will grasp the qualities of successful political leadership and learn to recognize poor political leadership. In a republic such as ours, these skills are necessary as we use our voting power

every two, four, and six years to elect our leaders. We need to be able to distinguish between

good leadership and bad leadership. In addition, should you wish to become a leader in our

republic, this knowledge of past leaders and their techniques are crucial to your success. The second purpose is to take the skills acquired from a study of the techniques of leadership and

apply them to your own personal life. The person most suited to make decisions about your life is you! In other words, you will use these techniques to take control over the course of your own life, thereby benefiting.

The class of Political Science will introduce students to the philosophies, world views, and ideologies that form the reality of human politics, not only on the international and national level, but also on the interpersonal level. As part of the course, the students will read and discuss the philosophies and proponents for coercive, persuasive, and exemplary political leadership as well as examine real world examples. The class may be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project, and a final exam.

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN RELIGIONS (179/198) 

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Religions and religious philosophies have always been and still are an integral part of human societies and have been the basis of much of the art, culture, and politics that have come to make up human history. In addition, religions have often formed the framework of people’s lives and provided meaning through both good times and bad.

This class will examine the theologies or philosophies underlying modern Western religions in order to understand their world views as well as on their impact on Western societies and the world in general. Varied and widespread ideas and movements such as Theories of Innate or Natural Rights, Progressivism, and Conservatism as well as many more, all have their origins in of the three modern Western or Abrahamic religions. The class will read and discuss original scriptures and texts such as the Sermon on the Mount or the Surahs, observe and discuss the art movements inspired by the Western religions such as Baroque or Renaissance art, and explore the architecture which are the physical manifestations of these faiths. Churches such as the Santa Maria Maggiore or the Umayyad Mosque will be explored. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project, and a final exam. 

The idea behind Contemporary Religions is to introduce students to the philosophies, world views, and ideologies that form a core part of the human experience, not only throughout human history, but for a vast majority of humanity today. As part of the course, the students will use philosophy, the arts, and architecture to compare and contrast different belief systems in order to understand what they have in common as well as to understand the amazing diversity in humanity’s response to the most fundamental questions of human existence. Join us as we explore Contemporary Religions!

CONTEMPORARY EASTERN RELIGIONS (178/197)

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Religions and religious philosophies have always been and still are an integral part of human societies and have been the basis of much of the art, culture and politics that have come to make up human history. In addition, religions have often formed the framework of peoples lives and provided meaning through both good times and bad.

This class will examine the theologies or philosophies underlying modern Eastern religions in order to understand their world views. The class will read and discuss original scriptures and texts such as the Vedas or the Bhagavad Gita, observe and discuss the art movements inspired by the Eastern religions such as Zen, and explore the architecture and objects which are the physical manifestations of these faiths. Temples such as the Todai-ji will be explored and objects such as mandalas will be examined. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project and a final exam. 

The idea behind Contemporary Religions is to introduce students to the philosophies, world views and ideologies that form a core part of the human experience, not only throughout human history, but for a vast majority of humanity today! As part of the course, the students will use philosophy, art and architecture to compare and contrast different belief systems in order to understand what they have in common as well as to understand the amazing diversity in humanity's response to the most fundamental questions of human existence. Join us as we explore Contemporary Religions!

CURRENT EVENTS 

Grades 9-12:  Level 2 (131)

(Semester)   .5 credits

This course examines social, political and economic issues and conflicts in the contemporary world. The issues chosen for consideration in this course vary from year to year and require students to explain the conditions and motivations which contribute to conflict and cooperation between and among societies and nations.  Students describe and analyze the effects of technology on the global community and study the causes, consequences and possible solutions to persisting contemporary issues such as human rights, health, national security, resource allocation, economic development and environmental quality.  They also explore the historical background of these issues to develop an understanding of the relationship and tensions between national sovereignty and regional/global interests. Integral to this process is an examination of the role and function of regional, international, and multinational organizations.

Current Events provides an understanding of the historical roots of today's complex and ambiguous world power system.  Interdependence, political control, command and market economies, revolution and technological change are the fundamental concepts emphasized.

Course materials include various texts, cartoons and readings from selected journals and newspapers. Skill development emphasizes research, oral presentation and critical thinking.  Students are required to demonstrate their comprehension of course information and concepts through participation in a variety of class activities.

Instructional methods include class discussion, inquiry, guest speakers, and issues interpretation using a variety of media sources.

THE 1960S: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (###)

(Semester)-.5 Credits 

Grades 9-12

This course examines the political, social, and cultural climate of the 1960s--one of the most pivotal decades in American history. Using multimedia, literature, and a variety of primary and secondary sources, students will examine key topics such as the Presidency and the assassination of JFK, the fight for civil rights for minority groups, the Stonewall Riot, the Vietnam Conflict, the counterculture movement, and the Watergate scandal. In addition, the course will consider key figures in art, literature, politics, music, athletics, and radical movements of the time and their influence in shaping American society.

THE HISTORY OF FANTASY (###)

(Semester) – .5 Credits 

Grades 9-12

How have major historical events shaped the human imagination? From fear of technological progress to world wars, human imagination has always drawn real-world inspiration, no matter how fantastical the setting. In this course, students will study great fantastical stories such as Lord of the Rings and Dracula in the context of the time period they were published. Students will analyze the social and cultural influences behind the worlds and stories created, and how their legacies have endured.

LEGENDS AND MYTHS (116)

2026-2027: British Isles

(Semester) .5 credits

Grades 9-12 

What stories define humanity? Throughout history, every civilization has had its own extraordinary heroes. Tales told around the fire or in the marketplace were passed down from generation to generation, becoming legend. From King Arthur to Sinbad the Sailor, Gilgamesh to Odysseus, Mulan to Sleeping Beauty, these stories explore what it means to be human, and continue to influence the imagination today. Every semester, the students and the teacher will focus on one particular legend or myth from the past. We will examine the original texts, historical context, and later reinterpretations of the stories up to the present day. Art, novels, movies, political movements–these and more have been inspired by traditional legends and myths of a culture. The class will be assessed through a series of short papers, a small number of standard tests, a creative project, and a final exam. The idea behind Legends and Myths is to introduce students to the stories that shaped civilizations and continue to inspire people around the world today. The students will make connections between the stories and cultures of the past and the modern world.