Modern World History 31002 History

The Brunswick and Greenwich Academy History & Social Sciences Departments have developed a curriculum based on the premise that history and humankind are shaped by the past. Therefore, the examination of the past is paramount in preparing for the future. Furthermore, the study of history and the social sciences is critical to understanding the institutions and functioning of human society. At both Greenwich Academy and Brunswick, students develop historical thinking skills, learn how to analyze their own and others’ opinions, and participate in civic and community life as active, informed citizens. Reading, writing, and speaking skills are promoted rigorously throughout the program.

Opportunities for pursuing history and/or social studies beyond the classroom are:

• Current Events Clubs at both Greenwich Academy and Brunswick School • Debate teams at both Greenwich Academy and Brunswick School • Participation in National History Day Competition • Participation with other schools in the Model U. N. program and Harvard’s Model Congress • Louise Lehrman Visiting Fellow Lecture in American History

31002 Grade Level: 9th Prerequisite: None *Required course

Modern World History (1750-1945) is a required course that introduces core ideological concepts that define and dominate the modern era. The course is chronological, but explores recurring themes such as globalization and its impact, the origins of racial classification and prejudice, technology and demographic change over time, the development of social and economic systems of power imbalance within and across societies, and the influence of revolution and reform movements, both nationally and internationally. Throughout the course, students will consider the historical construction and development of human identity within and across societies and as drivers of modern world historical development. The class builds toward an understanding of the critical influence of historical events and ideologies on the present. Students will continue to develop their critical thinking skills with the use of primary and secondary sources, as well as the ability to synthesize and analyze historical events.

33000 Grade Level: 10th - 12th Prerequisite: *Required course

This course provides a comprehensive study of United States history, encouraging students to think, write and speak clearly about many of the fundamental issues in America’s past. The scope is thematic, moving from the origins of settlement to world responsibilities and the pressures of modern times. Topics for study include: New England Puritanism, the meaning of the American Revolution, Constitutional issues, the causes of the Civil War, Industrialization, Immigration, the Gilded Age and Progressive reform, the Great Depression, the New Deal, U.S. responses to the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, including the lessons of Vietnam, and the eras of Carter, Reagan, Bush & Clinton. With the help of maps and original and interpretive sources, students explore American politics, economics, society and values. Class discussions and debates help develop communication skills and stimulate ideas to be pursued in required student research and writing.

Advanced Placement courses in History (European, United States, World and Art History), U.S. Government & Politics, Comparative Government, Psychology, Economics and Human Geography are highly demanding. Admission to these courses is dependent upon approval of both the Greenwich Academy and Brunswick History & Social Sciences Departments.

Minimum grade requirements for applying to a given course are as follows:

Current Freshmen should have an A- average and least three quarter grades of A- or higher.

Current Sophomores should have at least an A- in their current non-AP course or at least a B+ in their current AP History course to be considered for an AP course for the following year.

Current Juniors should have a B+ in their current non-AP History course or at least a B in their current AP History course to be considered for an AP course for the following year. AP Psychology and AP Economics may not be taken concurrently.

Please note: Rising Seniors are given placement preference over Rising Juniors, Rising Juniors over Rising Sophomores.

All interested students must first complete and submit an application form. The respective department heads evaluate these forms, analyzing both their quantitative and qualitative merits. The criteria for acceptance include the following: the recommendation of the student's most recent history teacher, history and other relevant course grades over the past two years, the student's overall G.P.A., total academic and co-curricular commitments, and demonstrated evidence of enthusiasm for the subject matter. The final decision is contingent upon successful completion of the candidate's present history course.

Students enrolling in any AP course must take the AP Examination in that course—even if they have been accepted to college/university. In the first two quarters of the academic year, students who are performing below the normal standard for any given AP course may be asked to switch to a non-AP elective if their level of effort and/or achievement does not improve over time. Finally, students may not opt out of an AP of their own accord after the add/drop period has passed.