Courses

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DP2 History HL Second year of a two-year program.

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World Exam scores of 5, and higher, on the DP History HL Paper 3 History of the Americas topic are widely considered equivalent to university level work in both the USA and UK. Even a score of 4 on this exam is a strong indicator of a student's critical thinking skills and writing skills which is valuable for admissions at many universities.

Description: In the second year of this two-year course, students will conduct an intensive study of World War II in the Americas, the Cold War, and Fidel Castro’s dictatorship, while developing critical historical analysis skills through wide reading and completing an investigative paper, preparing them for the Higher-Level DP History World Exams. 

Credit: 1credit. 

Length of Course: 1 year. 

Prerequisite: DP1 History HL

Paper 2

World history topic 10: Authoritarian states (20th century)

This topic explores the conditions that facilitated the rise of 20th-century authoritarian states, the methods leaders used to gain and maintain power, and the impact of their policies, with examination questions requiring reference to Nazi Germany, Communist Cuba, and potentially states from different world regions. 

• Castro 

World history topic 12: The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)

This topic examines the evolving superpower rivalries of the Cold War from the end of World War II to the early 1990s, focusing on leadership styles, ideological shifts, economic factors, and crises, while promoting an international perspective by requiring the study of leaders, countries, and crises from multiple regions. 

Paper 3 HL option 2: History of the Americas

 13: The Second World War and the Americas (1933–1945)

This section examines how countries in the Americas responded to the growing political and diplomatic tensions leading up to and during the Second World War, focusing on inter-American diplomacy, neutrality, cooperation, the impact of Roosevelt's Good Neighbor policy, the involvement of two American countries in the war, the social impact on women and minorities, treatment of Japanese populations, the reasons for the U.S. use of atomic weapons, and the war's economic and diplomatic effects. 

16: The Cold War and the Americas (1945–1981)

This section examines the development and impact of the Cold War on the Americas, highlighting how countries aligned with, opposed, or remained neutral to U.S. policies, the influence of the Cuban Revolution, and the significant effects on domestic and foreign policies, covering topics such as Truman’s containment, McCarthyism, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, U.S. foreign policies from Kennedy to Carter, and Cold War dynamics in one non-U.S. American country. 

DP1 History HL First year of a two-year program.

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The DP History program is ideal for those interested in university degrees for law, politics, journalism, government, diplomacy, human resources, or education!

Description: In the first year of this two-year course, students will engage in an intensive study of civil rights movements in South Africa and the USA, social movements in the Americas after 1945, and Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship, while developing critical historical analysis skills and beginning an investigative paper, with the expectation to continue into DP2 History HL to complete the program. 

Credit:  1 credit.

Length of Course: 1 year. 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 I&S.

Paper 1

Prescribed subject 4: Rights and protest  

This prescribed subject focuses on mid-20th century struggles for rights and freedoms, with two case studies: the U.S. civil rights movement from 1954 to 1965, and protests against apartheid in South Africa from 1948 to 1964, culminating in Nelson Mandela's imprisonment after the Rivonia trial. 

Paper 2

World history topic 10: Authoritarian states (20th century)

This topic examines the conditions that led to the rise of 20th-century authoritarian states, focusing on how leaders like Hitler used various methods to gain and maintain power, with an emphasis on the impact of their domestic and foreign policies, and exam questions requiring reference to Nazi Germany, Communist Cuba, and potentially states from different world regions. 

Paper 3 HL option 2: History of the Americas

17: Civil rights and social movements in the Americas post-1945

This section explores the origins, nature, challenges, and achievements of civil rights and social movements after 1945, focusing on Indigenous peoples in the USA and Canada, African American activism, feminist movements, Hispanic American rights, and youth counter-culture protests, examining their causes, key figures, and impact on societal equality and authority. 

DP History SL 'Anticipated' One-year

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Description: In this one-year course, students will engage in an intensive study of civil rights movements in South Africa and the USA, the dictatorships of Adolf Hitler and Fidel Castro, and the Cold War, while developing critical historical analysis skills and completing an investigative paper, preparing them for the Standard Level DP History world exams. 

Credit: 1 credit. 

Length of Course: 1 year. 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 MYP 5 I&S.

The DP History program is ideal for interested in studying law, politics, journalism, government, diplomacy, human resources, or education!

Paper 1

Prescribed subject 4: Rights and protest  

This prescribed subject focuses on mid-20th century struggles for rights and freedoms, with two case studies: the U.S. civil rights movement from 1954 to 1965, and protests against apartheid in South Africa from 1948 to 1964, culminating in Nelson Mandela's imprisonment after the Rivonia trial. 

Paper 2

World history topic 10: Authoritarian states (20th century)

This topic examines the conditions that enabled the rise of 20th-century authoritarian states, focusing on how leaders like Hitler and Castro gained, consolidated, and maintained power through domestic and foreign policies, with examination questions requiring reference to Nazi Germany, Communist Cuba, and potentially other states from different world regions. 

World history topic 12: The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)

This topic examines the evolving superpower rivalries of the Cold War from the end of World War II to the early 1990s, focusing on leadership styles, ideological shifts, economic factors, and crises, while promoting an international perspective by requiring the study of leaders, countries, and crises from multiple regions. 

US History One-year for seniors

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Course Description:

Welcome to US History, a comprehensive high school course that takes you on an engaging journey through the rich tapestry of America's past. This course covers the major events, influential figures, and key developments that have shaped the United States from its earliest days to the present.

Credit: 1 credit. 

Length of Course: 1 year. 

Prerequisite: successful completion of any Grade 11 I&S course. 

Ideal requisite: AIS Courses Grade 11 Twentieth Century World History

Key Topics:

1. Colonial America: Exploration, settlement, and life in the 13 original colonies.

2. Revolution and Independence: The causes, major battles, and outcomes of the American Revolutionary War.

3. Constitution and Government: The creation and significance of the US Constitution and the functioning of the federal government.

4. Expansion and Reform: Westward expansion, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, and various social reform movements.

5. Civil War and Reconstruction: The causes, major events, and aftermath of the Civil War, including the Reconstruction era.

6. The Gilded Age and Progressive Era: Economic growth, industrialization, and progressive reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

7. World Wars and the Great Depression: The US involvement in World War I and II, and the economic and social impact of the Great Depression.

8. Cold War and Modern America: The geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, social changes in post-war America, and contemporary issues.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and analyze significant events and themes in US history.

• Develop critical thinking skills through the examination of historical sources and perspectives.

• Connect past events to current issues and trends in American society.

• Cultivate an appreciation for the diverse cultural, political, and economic forces that have shaped the United States.

Course Activities:

• Lectures and Discussions: Engage with informative lectures and participate in thoughtful discussions.

• Primary Source Analysis: Examine historical documents, letters, and photographs to gain firsthand insights into the past.

• Research Projects: Conduct research on specific historical topics and present your findings to the class.

• Group Activities: Collaborate with classmates on projects and activities that bring history to life.

• Exams and Quizzes: Test your knowledge and understanding through regular assessments.

Assessment Methods:

• Participation in class discussions and activities.

• Written assignments and essays.

• Research projects and presentations.

• Quizzes and exams.

Join us in exploring the fascinating history of the United States, where each lesson offers a window into the people, events, and ideas that have built the nation we know today.

Grade 10 Individuals & Societies, MYP5

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Course Description:

Welcome to Grade 10 Individuals & Societies, an immersive course designed to provide a broad understanding of key historical, demographic, economic, and political concepts. Throughout this academic year, we will explore the causes and impacts of significant global events, changes in population dynamics, foundational economic principles, and the ideological conflicts that shaped the 20th century.

Credit: 1 credit. 

Length of Course: 1 year. 

Prerequisite: Grade 9 MYP 4 I&S.

Course Units:

Unit 1: Causes, Practices & Effects of War: WWI (August to early November)

Dive into the complexities of World War I, understanding the multifaceted causes, the nature of warfare during this period, and the profound effects it had on global politics, societies, and economies. Explore topics such as:

• The alliance system and nationalism

• Changes accelerated by war conditions, including social, economic, and political effects.

• The Treaty of Versailles and its repercussions

Unit 2: Global Population Change (Mid-November to Winter Break)

Analyze the patterns and implications of population change across the globe. Discuss the factors influencing population growth and decline, migration trends, and the social, economic, and environmental impacts of these changes. Key topics include:

• Demographic transition model

• Urbanization and its effects

• Population policies and their outcomes

Unit 3: Microeconomics (January to early March)

Gain a foundational understanding of microeconomic principles, focusing on how individuals and businesses make decisions regarding resource allocation. This unit covers:

• Supply and demand

• Market structures and competition

• Consumer behavior and decision-making

• The role of government in the economy

Unit 4: Ideology and the Cold War (March to End of Year)

Explore the ideological clash between the United States and the Soviet Union that defined much of the 20th century. Examine the origins, key events, and consequences of the Cold War, including:

• The spread of communism and capitalism

• Key crises and confrontations (e.g., Berlin Blockade, Cuban Missile Crisis)

• The impact of the Cold War on various regions around the world

• The eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the complex causes and effects of significant historical events.

• Analyze demographic trends and their implications on societies.

• Grasp fundamental economic concepts and their real-world applications.

• Explore the ideological conflicts and their influence on global politics.

Course Activities:

• Lectures and Discussions: Engage with comprehensive lectures and participate in dynamic discussions to deepen understanding.

• Primary Source Analysis: Examine historical documents, demographic data, and economic models to enhance critical thinking.

• Research Projects: Conduct in-depth research on specific topics and present findings to the class.

• Group Activities: Collaborate on projects and activities that foster teamwork and a deeper grasp of course material.

• Exams and Quizzes: Assess knowledge and comprehension through regular evaluations.

Assessment Methods:

• Active participation in class discussions and activities.

• Completion of written assignments and essays.

• Successful presentation of research projects.

• Performance on quizzes and exams.

Welcome to a compelling journey through the intricate tapestry of human history, economic theory, and political ideologies that have shaped our world.