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History Instructor Russ Edes shares
his war helmet collection |
THIRD FORM
Ancient and Medieval History H112
A required course in the third form year, Ancient History explores the development of early civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. Essential elements of each civilization provide the framework for study. The areas of religion, politics, art, economics, social structure, and daily life present a well-rounded view of the origins, histories, and legacies of diverse ancient lands. Organizational, writing, and study skills are emphasized. Through creative projects and writing assignments, students develop research skills. Primary sources, videos, and maps supplement the text Ancient and Medieval Worlds by Helen and Robert Howe.
FOURTH FORM
World History H221-H
The honors level course in World History. Permission of the Director of Studies is required.
World History H222
This course surveys European political and social history from the Renaissance and Reformation to the contemporary world. Major topics include Tudor-Stuart England, the French Revolution, and the unification of Germany, nineteenth century imperialism, the Russian Revolution, and the tow World Wars.
Assignments emphasize strengthening study skills, improving reading, writing and research proficiency, and fostering knowledge of current events and issues. The textbook is supplemented by collateral readings, audio-visual presentations, and library research.
World History H223
Following the same syllabus as World History H222, this section is taught at a slower pace.
FIFTH FORM
AP U.S. History H331-AP
This accelerated Advanced Placement course covers the major political, economic, social and cultural issues ranging from the age of exploration to the contemporary era. The syllabus prepares students for the AP exam by emphasizing the interpretation of critical historical documents and the writing of analytical essays. Through class discussion, research assignments, and practice exams, students' skills are honed. Student presentations form an integral part of the course. A term paper is required. This class involves more independent preparation and factual retention than regular American History sections. It is expected that all students enrolled in this course will take the AP exam. Permission of the Director of Studies required.
United States History H332S
This course is a survey of the development of the American nation from the colonial period to World War II. Major events are presented chronologically with certain topics analyzed in depth. The course includes exploration of the colonial experience, nationalism, sectionalism, the Industrial Revolution, and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of critical reading competency, the growth of writing and analytical skills, the use of evidence in support of an argument, and learning to synthesize large amounts of information.
United States History H333
This course covers the same material as History 332S at a slower pace, with emphasis on developing reading, writing, and research skills.
ELECTIVE COURSES OPEN TO FIFTH AND SIXTH FORMERS
AP World History
This accelerated Advanced Placement course explores World History. The syllabus follows the proscribed Advanced Placement curriculum. Permission of the Director of Studies is required, as is additional summer reading. See the Summer Reading List for details.
History of China H342
This elective trimester course focuses on U.S. - Chinese relations as a means of increasing awareness of the growing presence of China in the political, strategic, and commercial life of the United States. The syllabus covers 19th and 20th Century China, and offers a variety of perspectives through lectures, debate, class discussion, and readings in primary sources and biography. Students may elect to enroll in the Modern Africa (Trimester II) and/or The History of the Modern Middle East (Trimester III).
Modern Africa H342M
This course introduces students to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of sub-Saharan Africa since European contact (1400 to the present). We look at the impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the rise and fall of the colonial system, post-war nation building, and the challenges facing modern African nations through excerpts from books, magazine articles, movies, and documentaries. (This class is a sequel to the Trimester I History of China course.)
History of the Modern Middle East
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the history, politics, culture, and religion of the Modern Middle East. It will include an introduction to Islam through an examination of the Koran, Mohammed, Ramadan, and Hajjis and the role Islam plays in the Muslim world. There will be a very brief investigation of the language, literature, art, architecture, and music of the Middle East. We will consider the legacy of colonials in, and the role of the United States in the Arab world, oil, the Gulf War, and terrorism to help students gain a perspective on the region and its myriad of issues. Readings will come from a variety of sources from primary to secondary, ancient to modern.
Principles of International Relations H442R
This Trimester I elective course introduces the student to the evolving theory and practice of international relations in light of the behavior of nation-states and international organizations as they confront the realities of the 21st Century. The global community of nations today faces challenging problems from terrorism, air piracy, nuclear threats and religion based conflicts. Each of these threatens the stability of the international order. Topics of study will include the formulation of foreign policy, the nature of power, and international law. (Trimester II: 20th Century Europe; Trimester III: 20th Century Espionage)
The Civil Rights Movement in America H342S
In 1903 W.E.B. Dubois wrote, "The problem of the twentieth century is the color line - the relation of the darker to the lighter races..." The Civil Rights Movement is one of the most significant social and political developments of the 20th Century. This course will examine the issues, events, people, and consequences of the Civil Rights Movement between 1954 and the early 1970s. Topics will include school desegregation, the struggle to attain and exercise voting rights, and the African American radicalism of the mid 1960s and early 1970s.(Trimester II: 1968, Trimester III: Fascism, Nazism and Communism in Modern European History)
The Civil War H342C
This is the Trimester I portion of a three-course offering in United States military history. Students may enroll for one, two or three trimesters. The fall course is a study of the Civil War. The winter trimester concentrates on World War II. In the spring, students examine the American experience in Vietnam. Throughout the year, original documents, literature, videos, diaries, and memoirs supplement the textbook.
1968
1968 was one of the most controversial and dynamic years in American History. Political assassinations, radical protest movements, and campus upheavals transformed America both politically and socially.
Six events will guide discussion and readings:
Vietnam and the Tet Offensive
Changes in the Civil Rights movement
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago
The Assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and
Robert Kennedy
Student Protests in Paris, the US, and Prague