Upper school > course description history

This department strives to provide a comprehensive survey that will give each student the broad base and informed perspective needed for studying history at the college level. Honors level courses in history will require students to work at a faster pace and more challenging level with higher expectations for reading, writing, analyzing, listening, and independent study.

Grade Level 9 — American Government (CP)–This study of the United States Government provides the student with an in-depth focus on the Constitution and Bill of Rights and each branch of the federal government in order to prepare students for citizenship and an understanding of how a democracy operates.

Grade Level 9 — American Government (H)–This advanced study of the United States Government provides the student with an in-depth focus on the Constitution and Bill of Rights and each branch of the federal government in order to prepare students for citizenship and an understanding of how a democracy operates.  It also prepares students for the Advanced Placement program in tenth grade World History.  Students work at a more challenging level with higher expectations for reading, writing, analyzing, listening, and independent study.

Grade Level 10 — World History (CP)–This survey course begins with a study of ancient civilizations and continues to the present century. It emphasizes the rise and fall of empires and leaders, the religions and customs of various people, and the interrelationship of nations in modern times.

Grade Level 10 — World History (AP)–This advanced placement course provides a greater depth of content in World History from the Neolithic Revolution, 8,000 BCE to the present.  Students must be able to read, write, and analyze concepts at the college level.  College credit may be awarded to those students who are successful on the AP exam in May.

Grade Level 11 — United States History (CP)–This course is a survey of United States history from the colonial period to the present era. Its purpose is to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, and social developments that not only mark our past, but also shape our future.

Grade Level 11 — United States History (AP)–Through a selection process based upon past performance and teacher recommendations, students in the eleventh grade have an opportunity to participate in US History (AP). This rigorous program is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problems and materials in U.S. history. College credit may be awarded to those students who are successful on the AP exam in May.

Grade Level 12 — European History (AP)–Through a selection process based upon past performance and teacher recommendations, seniors may enroll in this course. The emphasis is given to political, economic, and social developments in Europe from 1450 to the present, including assignments that require critical essays and analyses of problems and changes occurring in each period. College credit may be awarded to those students who are successful on the AP exam in May.

Grade level 9-12 - History on Film (CP) - This course is designed to examine the role of cinema in society as an entertainment medium and as a mirror of culture.  We will study movies that detail multiple historical periods.  After examining the period involved, we will then scrutinize the work in terms of its accuracy and as a reflection of the period in which it was made.  This is a writing intensive course and interested students should have a recommendation from their current English and/or History teacher. 

Grade Level 12 —Psychology - This course will provide a broad, general introduction to psychology - its basic subject matter, its approaches to gathering and evaluating evidence about the causes of behavior, and the means by which psychological knowledge is applied to improve the quality of individual and communal life.  It is hoped that knowledge of psychological inquiry will provide you with a way of perceiving aspects of the world around you, insights into your own and others' behavior, and an appreciation of the complexity of human behavior and society.

Grade Level 12 - Sociology - This online course is available as a history elective.  It is a two-semester course offered through Aventa Learning.  This course offers a study of human relationships in society.  Additional emphasis is placed upon culture, social structure, the individual in society, societal institutions and social inequality. 

Grade Level 12 - Geography - This online course is available as a history elective.  It is a two-semester course offered through Aventa Learning.  This geography course will examine a broad range of geographical perspectives covering all of the major regioins of the world.  Each region will be reviewed in a similar structure in order for students to more clearly see the similarities and differences between each region.

Click HERE for the History Sequence with Prerequisites