Visiting Students Program

poem, we not only practice how to evaluate sources, but also how to develop and organize the rich historical interpretations of the Neolithic Revolution. Then we dive into comparative study of other early civilizations in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Next, the development of Classical Civilizations is explored, along with an examination of their interactions with pastoralists. Finally, the year ends with the study of the Post-Classical Period and the acceleration of global contact that led to the Modern Era. Thematic connections between literature and its historical context are emphasized through the reading of The Odyssey, Julius Caesar and Antigone in English 9. Library research is introduced through projects that focus on information evaluation skills and proper citation formatting. Students also develop their digital literacy and civic skills by evaluating news sources in a running current events project.

World History II: 15th Century through

the Present (Grade 10) In this second half of the Sacred Heart world history sequence, students bring their studies of the global past up to the present, as they continue to grapple with the thorny question of whether world history represents a story of progress. The year begins with a discussion of the summer reading assignment, Tom Standage’s History of the World in Six Glasses, which serves as a bridge between the ninth and tenth grade courses. We then continue through a series of thematic units as we explore the variety of forces that have knit the world ever more closely together over the past five centuries. The course emphasizes historical analysis, communication skills, and ethical judgment, and assessments will take many forms, including in-class discussions and debates, independent research, primary source analysis, written essays, and creative projects.

United States History (Grade 11)

This course investigates the major themes and events in American history since colonial times that have helped to shape the American character. The course of study is guided by the central questions: What does it mean to be “American”? How has the meaning of American identity changed, and not changed, over time? Students will trace the origins, essence, and significance of American identity across time by closely examining key turning points in American history. Students will be challenged to critically analyze a wide variety of primary and secondary sources and to develop organized, well-substantiated, and precise analytical essays. During the third quarter, students embark on a focused research unit in which they formulate a historically specific question, conduct independent research using primary and secondary sources, and complete a formal history research paper. Active class participation is an integral part of the course.

Psychology (Grade 12)

This course serves as an introduction to the study of psychology as a science. It covers major topic areas such as the structure/function of the nervous system, biological basis for behavior, Personality Theory, Sensation/Perception, Learning Theory and so on. Year-long themes include: the nature of scientific theory, the necessary and sufficient aspects of a “theoretical explanation” of behavior and the ethical implications of the diagnosis and treatment of behavior.

Macroeconomics (Grade 12)

In keeping with the Sacred Heart goal of preparing students “to be active, informed, and responsible citizens locally, nationally, and globally,” this course invites students to embrace the individual and communal responsibility of informed economic decision-making. This policy-oriented course will explore macroeconomic topics including the causes of booms, recessions, and crises; the effects of fiscal and monetary policies; the state’s role in managing and regulating markets; and the challenges of globalization, inequality, and international development. Students will approach these problems from a theoretical and practical perspective, becoming proficient in a wide range of economic concepts while also applying them to understand historical and contemporary issues. The course will make frequent use of reporting on current events, including articles and analysis from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Financial Times. At the end of the semester, students will develop a detailed analysis of a piece of economic policy recently enacted or under consideration in New York City, assessing the policy for its impact on a broad range of communities within the city.

21st Century Citizenship (Grade 12) This semester-long course will emphasize ways students can participate in civic life beyond voting. The course introduces students to the structures and access points to the federal and New York City government, the formation of political identities, and the ways in which interest groups attempt to influence the policymaking process.