Core Courses
Students are required to take three full-year courses, including two years of United States History and one year of World History.
World History
Grade 9
This course is a one-year survey of world history that traces the development and contributions of civilizations in different parts of the world. Primary emphasis is placed on cultures in Europe, the Far East, Africa, and the Americas. The course begins with a brief review of major political and cultural legacies of the classical and medieval worlds. Time will then be spent examining the major historical, scientific and cultural events from the Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution. In addition, an emphasis will be placed on the impact of Western exploration and imperialism on non-Western civilizations in this era. The final units will introduce students to the major global events of the 20th century and the post WWII era of globalization. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills that allow students to understand the past and apply those skills to questions they will encounter in the future.
U.S. history I
Grade 10
PREREQUISITES: Students must complete the World History requirement prior to entry into U.S. I.
The course presents a survey of our nation's history from early colonial times through late 19th century industrialization. It aims to build in the student an understanding of the foundations of our government and the ideals on which the nation was constructed; an awareness of the problems that developed as the nation expanded; and an appreciation of the experiences and contributions of Americans in all walks of life. Students will examine current American political, social, and economic trends in light of their historical antecedents. Emphasis is placed on the development of appropriate skills that allow students to understand the past and apply those skills to questions they will encounter in the future. The role of citizens in a democracy is also investigated from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Honors U.s. History I
Grade 10
PREREQUISITES: Students must complete the World History requirement prior to entry into U.S. History 1. Admission to this course is by application.
This course is open to those students who have demonstrated the highest level of ability and interest in history. Students will be prepared in a two-year accelerated program to take the Advanced Placement American History examination at the end of their junior year. Reading and interpretative writing assignments are substantial. This full-year course covers the history of the United States from early colonial times through industrialization, with special emphasis placed on the evolution of political, economic, social, and intellectual patterns of the 19th century as they influenced the nation's development. Students analyze the trends of historical interpretation dealing with this span of history through the use of primary sources. Students will examine current American political, social, and economic trends in light of their historical antecedents. Emphasis is placed on the development of appropriate skills that allow students to understand the past and apply those skills to questions they will encounter in the future. The role of citizens in a democracy is also investigated from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
This course will require a summer assignment.
U.S. History II
Grade 11
PREREQUISITES: Students must complete the U.S. History 1 Survey course prior to entry.
The course continues the survey of United States history starting with the Progressive Era and concluding with the Obama Administration and an analysis of the future global role of the U.S. in the 21st century. The evolution of the United States from a 19th century agrarian society to its present-day, complex, post-industrial society is traced. Current affairs are analyzed in relationship to these developments. In addition, the course builds on the skills learned in World History and US 1 as students continue to analyze the American experience in both local and global terms. Historical and contemporary political, social, and economic issues are investigated as a means to develop skills that students can transfer to questions they may encounter in the future.
Honors U.S. History II
Grade 11
PREREQUISITES: Students must complete the U. S. History 1 course prior to entry. Admission to this course is by application.
Successful students in Honors U.S. History II demonstrate a deep interest in the study of history at an advanced level, the ability to analyze and write effectively and the desire to participate actively in class discussions. A considerable amount of time is spent outside the classroom on reading and analyzing a variety of sources, both primary and secondary. The course continues the survey of United States history, starting with the Progressive Era and concluding with the Obama Administration and an analysis of the future global role of the U.S. in the 21st century. Placing emphasis on historical research and the analysis and interpretation of primary sources, the evolution of the United States from a 19th century agrarian society to its present-day post-industrial society is traced. In addition, the course builds on the skills learned in World History and U.S. History 1 as students continue to analyze the American experience in both local and global terms. Historical and contemporary political, social, and economic issues are investigated as a means to develop skills that students can transfer to questions they may encounter in the future.
This course will require a summer assignment.
AP United States History II
Grade 11
PREREQUISITES: Students must complete World History and U.S. History 1 prior to entry. Admission to this course is by application.
This course is open to those students who have demonstrated a high level of ability and a deep interest in history. Students must devote a considerable amount of time to outside reading requirements and be able to participate actively in class discussion. The course continues the survey of United States history, starting with the Progressive Era and U.S. Imperialism at the turn of the century and concluding with the Obama Administration and an analysis of the future global role of the U.S. in the 21st century. Placing emphasis on historical research and the analysis and interpretation of primary sources, the evolution of the United States from a 19th century agrarian society to its present-day, complex, post-industrial society is traced.
This course will require a summer assignment. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to prepare and take the AP exam in May.