Social Studies (Cont.)

an society. A major objective is to develop an understanding of the role choices, both at the national and individual level, played in bringing about these two catastrophic events. Students will read challenging primary and secondary sources in preparation for daily, student-led discussion. Students will be assessed on the basis of their daily participation, two analytical essays, a film critique, research paper, and memorial design. This course assumes students enter with strong reading skills as well as familiarity with the research process and Chicago-style citations (or are willing to seek additional support during Office Hours to develop these skills).

Advanced US Government (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite: Modern World History, Department Permission Required; Corequisite: Advanced US History, US History

11th, 12th

From The Holy Hill to Capitol Hill, this seminar covers some of the most important and interesting topics in the U.S. Government, with a heavy emphasis on current events and their relevance in the daily lives of Episcopal High School students. We take a civil, non-partisan journey into the meanings of Democracy, the Constitution, civil rights and liberties, public opinion & the media, campaign & elections, and the institutions of the U.S. Government. Students write position papers, prepare high-level briefings, craft their own piece of legislation, and prepare a Congressional campaign plan. The class takes advantage of Episcopal’s proximity to the Nation’s Capital to speak with diverse U.S. government officials firsthand. Ultimately this class prepares students to become more thoughtful & well-informed about some of the most important issues of the day. This course does not prepare students for the Government AP exam.

Architectural History (0.5 credit, spring only)

10th, 11th, 12th

This course will offer students the opportunity to examine the built environment, and how buildings and interior design reflect the values and technology of the time in which they were created. While considering their own philosophy on architecture, students will also come to better understand the architecture that exists in their own world and environment. The approach to our study in this course will be to examine case studies of the iconic buildings from many historical eras in chronological order. Students will also be introduced to the basic skills of hand drafting, which they will employ, along with research, writing and presenting a final project, which will be a culmination of smaller research/drafting assignments throughout the semester.

9/11 to Now (0.5 credit, fall only)

Prerequisite: Modern World History; Corequisite: Advanced US History, US History

11th, 12th

This course begins with an examination of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon as a launching point to examine a variety of international and domestic issues affecting U.S. policy decisions today. The course explores background issues leading up to the 9/11 attacks, the development of extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS and other tensions affecting the Middle East, the role that economics, religion, national security, and political pressures can play in current U.S. foreign policy decisions, and the balancing act between maintaining national security and civil liberties in the United States. Homework assignments include the use of domestic and international media sources to examine a variety of perspectives. The course emphasizes student discussions and debate as well as a series of student-generated position papers on controversial issues.

20th Century US History through Film: “Reel History” (0.5 credit, fall only)

Corequisite: Advanced US History, US History

11th, 12th

The course is designed to simulate the operation of the foreign policy wing of the US Government (USG) with the classroom acting as a Watch Office, or communications center similar to those operated by several USG departments and agencies. Students are exposed to various global economic, political and military developments as they are happening. In their role as foreign policy analysts, students sort, prioritize and assess the developments for delivery to USG policymakers. In prioritized cases, students dig deeper into the matter to assess the utility (and occasionally the politics) of specific policy responses. During the course of the semester, students meet with actual USG personnel, typically from the CIA, the Departments of Defense and State, Capitol Hill, NGOs and private “think tanks.”

Entrepreneurial Studies (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisite: Advanced US History, US History

12th

What is it like to be an entrepreneur? What does it mean to think like an entrepreneur? This course provides an introduction to entrepreneurism through discussion, off-campus visits to local enterprises and hands-on projects. You will be asked to present, defend and refine your ideas on a daily basis. We will also invite actual entrepreneurs, from a variety of industries and backgrounds, into our classroom to tell their stories. This is not a lecture-based course. You will learn by doing and engaging with actual business and nonprofit leaders. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to follow your own creative interests and develop a business or social enterprise plan which could form the basis for an actual enterprise now or down the road.

Global Studies: Africa (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisite: Modern World History; Corequisite: Advanced US History, US History

11th, 12th

Global Studies: Africa is a course that explores the diverse continent of Africa from its earliest civilizations to current life. As a more interdisciplinary course, students experience the history, literature, language, art, music and food of Africa. In the Washington, DC area, students can visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and local African restaurants. Sometimes the option exists to visit a local embassy. Assessments emphasize presentation skills and geographical awareness, as well as added research for juniors continuing the course in May.