History and Social Science

The History and Social Science Department faculty seek to teach our students to be active, informed global citizens who can distinguish between observation, opinion, and argument, and who can reject weak arguments and bandwagon thinking. Throughout their core courses and electives in the social sciences, students will examine the actions, forces, and systems that transform society — past and present. These investigations push them to think deeply about the human condition and recognize its complexity. We are committed to cultivating student fluency in critical reading, historical reasoning, writing, discussion, collaboration, and effective research skills.

Learning activities and assessments encompass a variety of formats, ranging from Harknessstyle discussions or debates to traditional tests or document-based questions to videos or other presentations. At each grade level, students practice research-based analytical writing, with 11th grade students writing a full thesis paper. The graduation requirement for History and Social Science is 3.5 credits. Core courses in the Upper School include 9th grade Global History, 10th grade United States History, and a required semester of Government and Politics for all 11th grade students. Electives are open to 11th and 12th graders. Elective courses are subject to enrollment and may be offered in alternating years.