History

The History Department strives to develop students’ intellectual capabilities and acquisition of material knowledge in preparation for a lifetime of learning and engagement as active citizens in today’s world. The history curriculum is designed to awaken a student’s interest in what has happened in the past and how previous events shape and shed light on current events. Insights are sought by investigating specific events as well as broad trends. Courses focus on the chronology of historical events as well as the major social, cultural, economic, and political themes. History is examined by analyzing both primary and secondary sources as well as questioning the reliability of the historical record itself. Students are exposed to the past through historical texts and other materials such as maps, photographs, films, and biographies. A variety of classroom activities brings alive controversies from the past and provides insight into critical issues of the present. Students also develop research and analytical writing skills through a variety of assignments and assessments of various lengths.

Requirements:

To satisfy the requirements of six semesters of study, students must complete two semesters of Ancient World History, two semesters of Modern World History, and two semesters of United States History. Electives are typically available to students after the required classes are completed.

Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) sections are offered; course placements are based upon factors including prior performance, student interest, and department approval. Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the courses for the full year and to take the AP exams. These exams carry an additional fee of approximately $100, and AP courses may involve work over long breaks and possibly during the previous summer.

Ancient World History Accelerated

Full-year course

Prerequisites: none

This full year course examines the history and culture of ancient civilizations through the Middle Ages with focus on themes of political structures, cultural identities, religions, and the impact of environment. The course considers these themes through relevant ancient civilizations including Egypt, Greece and Rome, and the Shang and Han dynasties in China. The course then moves to the Middle Ages and considers the development of these same themes and focus areas in Europe, Asia, and Africa through looking at the Holy Roman Empire, the Islamic World, the Byzantine Empire, and the Kingdoms of West Africa. Along with the focus on the development of these cultures, the class develops skill building such as note taking, active reading, engaging in class discussions, analysis of primary and secondary sources, researching, and analytical writing.

Ancient World History Honors

Full-year course

Prerequisites: department approval

World History Honors covers the same content and skills as Ancient World History Accelerated but is designed to further challenge students with additional material at an accelerated pace. The course will deepen their understanding by approaching the material from multiple perspectives.

Modern World History Accelerated Semester course

Prerequisites: Ancient World History course or the equivalent

This full-year course covers topics in Modern World History from the Renaissance through the 20th century. The first semester considers the significant political, economic, and social themes and movements through the 18th century with focus on how these events helped shape the modern world. During the first semester, the course focuses on a variety of topics which may include the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the first wave of Imperialism, and the Age of Revolutions. Case studies of events may include focus on political philosophers of the Enlightenment, the European settlements in the Americas and Africa and interactions of diverse societies and cultures, the dramatic shifts on societal culture as a result of industrialization, and the impact of significant revolutions such as the American and French Revolutions. In the second semester, the course focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries to build on the previous topics. Students may study topics such as the second wave of Imperialism, the impact of technological and economic changes, the First and Second World Wars, Decolonization, the post-wars global political order, the Cold War and “proxy wars,” and the struggles of nations in Africa and Asia following decolonization. This course focuses on advancing students’ abilities in analytical development and presentation, including researchbased essay writing, written and verbal argumentation based on themes and events, and presentation skills. Further, the course emphasizes primary and secondary source analysis and integration, and consideration of historical and present-day circumstances, events, and themes. Students should recognize the connections between events, time periods and themes.

Modern World History Honors

Semester course

Prerequisites: Ancient World History course or equivalent and department approval

This full-year course will cover similar topics and themes as the Accelerated course. Students enrolled in the Honors level courses read a relevant work of historical fiction and complete a historical analysis as a component of the final assessment. The honors level classes also have an expectation that students demonstrate advanced understanding and analysis of topics as evidenced in written assignments and class discussions. Students should have demonstrated skills in active reading, note taking, exam preparation, outlining preparation for writing assignments, and participation in the classroom.

United States History Accelerated

Full-year course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history

United States History examines the history of America from colonization to the present. The course covers topics such as European Colonization, growth of the American Colonies and Independence, the development of American politics, the emergence of the United States as a new nation, the Civil War and Reconstruction Era, Industrialization and Expansion, and the Great Depression, the Cold War, the development of the Civil Rights movements, and the role of the United States as a global “superpower.” The class continues to develop the skills of research and analytical writing through the year, as well as through a formal research and writing paper in the second semester.

United States History Honors

Full-year course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history and department approval

United States History Honors covers similar material to United States History Accelerated and is designed to further challenge students with additional material at an accelerated pace. Students will complete regular writing assignments and further develop research skills. The research project is longer than the assignment in the Accelerated class and includes more sources. Students are expected to have demonstrated skills in active reading, ability to obtain information independently, proactive class participation, and independent preparation for assignments and assessments.

AP United States History

Full-year course

For students in Class 11 or Class 12

Prerequisites: one full year of world history and department approval; Not available to students who have taken U.S. History or U.S. History Honors

AP United States History is offered to qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to an introductory college course in United States history. The course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the themes and developments in United States history. The course material matches the AP Topic Outline and uses a survey approach in which a textbook, with supplementary readings in the form of original documents and secondary sources, provides the substantive and thematic coverage. Students will take the AP United States History Exam in May.

AP Economics

Full-year course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history, a U.S. History course and department approval AP Economics provides a college level introduction to economics related topics and focuses on preparing students for the AP Macroeconomics Exam. Students gain an understanding of economic structures and how economic information drives government policy. The class reviews Macroeconomics through a textbook along with a variety of sources such as business publications (e.g. The Wall Street Journal), government managed websites (e.g. Bureau of Labor Statistics, St Louis Federal Reserve/FRED) and organization specific sites (e.g. World Bank). The course also covers relevant Microeconomic topics. Students have assessments based upon past AP Exam questions as well as completing projects on specific topics for presentation to the class. Due to the significant mathematical material in the course, consideration will be made with the math department regarding eligible students. Students take the AP Macroeconomics Exam in May.

AP U.S. Government and Politics

Full-year course; not offered 2023-2024

Prerequisites: one full year of world history , a U.S. History course, and department approval ; cannot be taken concurrently with AP U.S. History

AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study the U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. Students will take the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam in May.

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Full-year course

For Classes 11 and 12

Prerequisites: one full year of modern world history, a U.S. History course, and department approval ; cannot be taken concurrently with AP U.S. History

AP Comparative Government and Politics is an introductory college-level course in comparative government and politics. The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures, policies, and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students cultivate their understanding of comparative government and politics through analysis of data and text-based sources as they explore topics like power and authority, legitimacy and stability, democratization, internal and external forces, and methods of political analysis. A full year course, divided into five units, establishes connections through common global themes. Students taking this course are expected not only to engage with the primary text, but additional mandatory resources identified by The College Board as central to the course. Students will take the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam in May.

AP Art History

Full-year course

Limited Enrollment

Prerequisites: one full year of world history, a U.S. History course, and department approval

The AP Art History course corresponds to a two-semester, college-level introductory survey. The course explores such topics as the nature of art, its uses, its meanings, art making, and responses to art. Through investigation of diverse artistic traditions of cultures from prehistory to the present, the course fosters indepth and holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, constructing understanding of individual works and interconnections of art-making processes and products throughout history. Students learn about how people have responded to and communicated their experiences through art making by exploring art in its historical and cultural contexts. The course includes frequent trips to cultural institutions in the greater Boston area such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art to directly engage with works of art. These trips may frequently utilize additional time such as common blocks within the daily schedule and may also require additional weekend time. Students take the AP Art History Exam in May.

AP Human Geography

Full-year course

Limited Enrollment

Prerequisites: one full year of world history, a U.S. History course, and department approval

The AP Human Geography course corresponds to a full year introductory college course. AP Human Geography introduces high school students to college-level introductory human geography or cultural geography. This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. 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. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012).

History Electives

Electives are prioritized for Class 11 and Class 12, but some are offered to all students based on schedule availability. Electives may not be substituted for required courses.

Developmental Psychology

Semester course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history

In this course, students examine aspects of development through an individual’s lifespan; this exploration helps students to navigate and understand how nature and nurture combine to produce human behavior. With emphases on cognition, language acquisition, social and emotional development, and influences such as gender, culture, and family, this course is designed to offer students opportunities not only to appreciate the experiences of others, but also to connect with their past, present, and future selves. In addition, students will be introduced to founding theorists such as Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, while also having the chance to conduct independent research on current related topics.

Abnormal Psychology Semester

course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history

In this course, students learn to define abnormal behavior, its biological and environmental influences, and various treatment options. Students explore various categories of psychological disorders including personality, anxiety, eating, and depressive disorders. Additionally, they examine the risk factors and definitions of substance abuse and addiction. Students also consider mental wellness and practices such as mindfulness and healthy coping strategies and skills.

British Imperialism Honors: The Global impact From Magna Carta to the Middle East Semester course; not offered 2023-2024

Prerequisites: one full year of world history, a U.S. History course, and department approval

This course considers the ongoing impact of the British Empire with particular focus on India and Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, and the Middle East. The course focuses on the political, economic and cultural impacts of British imperialism in these areas and how the British actions continue to influence the geopolitical status of nations such as India, Pakistan, Egypt and Iraq. Forms of representative governments, capitalist economies and even today’s telecommunications structures can all be connected to British influence, for better or worse. The class includes presentations and writing assignments.

History of Social Justice

Semester course ; not offered 2023-2024

Prerequisites: one full year of world history and a U.S. History course

This course is designed to introduce students to the history, theory, and practice of social justice, and assist them in discovering their ability to create positive change in their world. With a balanced emphasis on historical and contemporary struggles, specific movements discussed could include religious freedom, abolition, suffrage, civil rights, labor, anti-colonial and anti-apartheid independence movements, LGBTQ issues, Occupy, affordable housing, Black Lives Matter, disability rights, #MeToo, indigenous peoples’ campaigns, environmentalism, and criminal justice reform. In addition to exploring the reasons behind social inequalities and how unjust institutional practices maintain and reproduce power, privilege and oppression, students also discuss how societal inequalities have influenced human understanding, relationships, and behavior in the past and present.

History of Boston

Semester course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history

This course investigates the history of the Boston area and surrounding New England. The course focuses on important historical, economic, social, political, and cultural characteristics of Boston and the region, including important historical figures, the impact of immigration, and local issues of class, race and gender. Beginning with the relations between Native American cultures and the early European settlers, we look at how the events in the Northeast developed a framework for the founding and evolution of the United States overall. We also review the economic and social development of the region, including the development of cultural institutions such as the great universities and museums. We use a variety of primary and secondary sources, including a review of significant current day news items.

Women in American History: From Salem to Steinem

Semester course; not offered 2023-2024

Prerequisites: one full year of world history

This course explores the role of women in participating, shaping, and writing American History. The goal of this course is to expose students to different voices and experiences and show the complexity and diversity of our nation’s history. We answer what it means to be a woman in America and examine how that answer has changed and continues to change over time. Beginning with the challenges of colonial life for both colonial women and Native American women, this course examines major moments in Women’s History: The Revolutionary War, the role of all women in the Civil War, the Suffrage Movement, WWI and WWII, Second Wave Feminism, and ends with a focus on women in the 21st century and current challenges they face. We use a variety of primary and secondary historical sources, as well as popular literature and film.

Modern Conflicts Semester

course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history and a U.S. History course

This course examines the major conflicts of the modern world from the end of World War II to the present. By focusing on the causes and effects of instability and conflict in the world today, students gain a deeper understanding of current events and threats to international peace. The course analyzes the significant international and regional conflicts that arose after World War II and throughout the Cold War period and its aftermath, and it examines the use of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction and the role of the United States and international organizations in the world today.

Constitutional Law: The Role of the Supreme Court Honors Semester

course

Prerequisites: one full year of world history, a U.S. History course, and department approval

This course examines the role of the Supreme Court in the constitutional democracy of the United States. By analyzing significant court cases, students examine the impact of the “third branch” of the federal government on American politics, economics, society, and culture. Students focus on how the Court’s policymaking sometimes leads, reinforces, or lags behind the values of American society and gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the legal process and its evolution.

Economics Honors Semester course

Prerequisites: one year of world history, one year of U.S. History, and department approval

This single semester course introduces the study of Economics. The course will cover key microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts such as scarcity and economic systems, supply and demand, structures of firms, the role of government and the Federal Reserve, and measurements such as gross domestic product, along with other related topics. Students develop an understanding of how economic structures impact people’s daily lives and global relations and events. The course focuses on the structure of market economies. The course will look at events such as the Great Recession and COVID-19 through the lens of economic impact and the use of fiscal and monetary policy to manage the societal impact. The course will utilize textbook readings as well as media sources such as the Wall Street Journal and the Planet Money podcasts. Due to the significant mathematical material in the course, consideration will be made with the math department regarding eligible students.

Modern American Society and Culture

Semester course

Prerequisites: one year of US History

This single semester course looks at a century of US history (1920-2020) through a social and cultural approach to what is known as the “American Century.” The course considers how people living in the United States experienced profound changes in their own lives as a result of the emergence of the United States as a global “superpower.” Students consider each decade of the century with focus on technology, literature, industry, film, music, and social movements. What were people watching and listening to? What technologies changed people’s daily lives? The course looks at significant events of each decade and then incorporates class projects on the focus areas. For instance, students research technological developments that had significant demographic impacts such as the rise of the automobile. Students will similarly focus on how demographics, such as the “baby boom,” have an impact on artistic developments such as the protest music of the 1960s. The course uses primary and secondary sources including film, advertising, literature, and journalistic articles to consider these historical themes. Students engage in class discussions as well as prepare presentations and complete writing assignments.

Today’s China & Japan: History, Culture, & Economy Honors

Semester course

Prerequisites: one year of world history and one U.S. History course

As the number two and three economies in the world, the countries of China and Japan are critically important to the global financial system and yet many who live in America are often unaware of the historical and culture backgrounds of these nations and how they came to be such global forces in the present. This semester course provides students with knowledge of what’s currently going on in these two nations as well as shedding light on their unique cultures and history—an often-shared experience between sometimes bitter rivals. Furthermore, as major trading partners with the U.S., it is vital to get a more thorough and balanced understanding of the region through the distinctive lenses of these two Asian powers. The course unit topics will include: basic geography; modern history, including western attempts at imperialism; WW II, and the post-war era; growth of the modern economy and governmental systems; and unique cultural attributes including: religion, family, schooling, work, art, food, pop culture; current issues and prospects for the future.

Understanding 9/11 - Attack and Aftermath Honors Semester course

Prerequisites: one year of world history and one U.S. History course

This interdisciplinary course will explore the underlying forces that led to the four coordinated attacks in the United States on September 11th, 2001. Through the varied lens of history, culture and literature, students will examine the recent political, economic, and social realities of life in the Middle East. A thorough examination of the phenomenon of terrorism and more specifically, the radical ideology of Al Qaeda and their former leader Osama bin Laden will be completed.

Students will look at how Americans initially tried to cope emotionally with the horrors of 9/11 and later pushed to permanently memorialize the 2,977 victims of the attacks. The course will also examine the various ways the US government responded to these acts of violence both on the domestic and international fronts. Specific attention will be given to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the imprisonment and interrogation of “enemy combatants,” the passing of and subsequent renewal of the Patriot Act and America’s longest wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq—especially from the soldier’s experience. Finally, the class will look at current counter-terrorism strategies as the nation and its allies try preventing future extremist attacks both here and abroad.

The World Wars and the New World Order Semester course

Prerequisites: one year of modern world history and a US History course

The focus of this class will be to develop a more in-depth understanding of the causes and impacts of the World Wars of the twentieth century. Students will review primary and secondary sources as well as media to consider the time periods just prior to the wars, during the wars, and then the impact following the wars. The class will consider the human and geopolitical impacts of the wars. Maps will be used to chart the changes in nations and the impact of decolonization.