The history and social science department offers courses in history, art studies, and social sciences. These courses teach close reading, analytical writing, analysis, and synthesis. They stress observation and interpretation of primary sources. They require students to assimilate ideas of the past, of their peers, and of their own.
9th and 10th grade history requirements
Typically, 9th and 10th graders complete a two-year sequence in world history consisting of four semester-long courses. In 9th grade, students take Classical Mediterranean History (H-110) in the fall and a regional history elective in the spring. 10th graders begin with a regional elective in the fall and take Contemporary World History (H-210) in the spring semester. The elective courses are different for freshmen and sophomores, and the electives may vary from year to year.
This sequence is designed to give students a chronological overview of world history, while at the same time providing opportunities to explore a region in depth. Students study a culture’s history and contact with the surrounding world, examining change over time from social, political, economic, and cultural perspectives. All the courses are designed to offer students a progression of reading, writing, research, and critical analysis skills.
