History & Social Studies Cheverusoffersa three-year corecurriculumin historythat surveysthehistoryand geographyof both theworld and theUnited Statesin an integrated wayfromtheprehistoricperiod tothemodern world, includingbasicconceptsin U.S. civics, political science, and economics. Electivesareavailablefor seniorsand qualified sophomoresand juniors. Thecorecurriculumof History I, II, and III aretaken duringa student'sfreshman, sophomore, and junior years. History I: Origins of World Civilizations 1 credit This course surveys the origins of the major world civilizations today, focusing on the development of western civilization through the medieval period from its roots in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman tradition of the Mediterranean, as well as the early history of the Islamic, Slavic, Indian, and Chinese cultures and civilizations. Pre-Columbian and sub-Saharan African civilizations and cultures are also examined in this course. History II: Foundations of the Modern World and the United States 1 credit History II covers world and U.S. history from c. 1400 AD to the first decades of the 19th century. The course begins with a survey of world civilizations on the eve of the Renaissance in western Europe, then examines the early modern period in Europe, including the Renaissance, Reformation, voyages of discovery, colonization, Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the emergence of constitutional government in contrast to absolutism. Early American history, including the settlement of North America, the British colonial period, the American Revolution, the establishment of the United States and its founding documents, and the federal period, are all considered in their historical context. History II Honors: Foundations of the Modern World and the United States 1 credit This course covers the same content as History II but at a more challenging level involving greater exploration of primary source documents and more conceptual analysis of historical events. Students should expect more intensive writing at the honors level. It also serves as a springboard for AP History III and preparation for students interested in taking the AP U.S. History or AP World History: Modern exams junior year.
22 2022-2023 Program of Studies
History III: The United States and the World from the 19th Century to the Present 1 credit This course surveys history since the mid-19th century, with a close look at the internal history and development of the United States as well as at its foreign relations. These will be considered also in their global context. Trends and phenomena characteristic of the period such as industrialization, nationalism, the expansion of democracy, global trade, imperialism, the rise and fall of Communism and Fascism, the world wars, decolonization, and, more recently, the resurgence of non-Western cultures will be considered both from a U.S. and global perspective. History III Honors: The United States and the World from the 19th Century to the Present 1 credit This honors-level course covers the same material as History III but at a more challenging level. Solid reading, interpretive, and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Students must demonstrate success in the writing and analytic skills necessary for continued honors-level work. AP History III: AP US History & AP World History: Modern 1 credit This class covers the History III material at a more challenging level involving greater exploration of primary source documents, more reading, and more conceptual analysis of historical events. In keeping with the College Board?s AP program, this course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course. Students are expected to learn to assess primary and secondary sources, to weigh thoughtfully the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship, to arrive at conclusions based on informed judgment, and to present a historical argument clearly and persuasively in essay form.
