History Courses

Life Applications

Understand the events of the past and build on their work.

U.S. History

Course Description

This 2 year course will cover major events, people, and concepts from pre-colonial America to the present day. Through readings, lectures, and class discussions, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped the United States.

Throughout the course, students will be challenged to think critically about historical events and their impact on American society. They will also develop their research and writing skills through assignments such as essays and research projects.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will be able to identify major events, individuals, and themes in American history, from pre-Columbian societies to the present day.

2. Students will be able to analyze primary and secondary sources to understand historical context and draw evidence-based conclusions.

3. Students will be able to evaluate the impact of historical events and policies on different social groups and regions in the United States.

4. Students will be able to develop and support historical arguments in writing, using evidence from both primary and secondary sources.

5. Students will be able to identify connections between American history and contemporary issues, such as politics, economics, and social justice.

6. Students will be able to engage in informed discussions about American history, considering diverse perspectives and conflicting interpretations of the past.

7. Students will be able to use digital tools and resources to research and present historical information effectively.

8. Students will be able to reflect critically on their own learning, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for continued growth in historical thinking and analysis.

Topics 

• The early American colonies

• The American Revolution

• The U.S. Constitution and government

• Westward expansion and Manifest Destiny

• Slavery and the Civil War

• Reconstruction and the aftermath of the Civil War

• Industrialization and the Gilded Age

• Progressive Era reforms

• World War I

• The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression

• World War II

• The Cold War

• Civil rights movement

• Vietnam War

• Contemporary U.S. history

World History

Course Description

This course covers the entire world history curriculum, from the earliest human civilizations to the present day, in an accessible and engaging format.

Through a combination of readings, discussions, and interactive activities, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of key events, figures, and themes in world history. We will explore the major civilizations and empires that shaped the world, including ancient Greece and Rome, the Mongol Empire, and the Islamic Caliphates. We will also examine the impact of European colonialism, the Industrial Revolution, and the World Wars on global history.

Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills as we examine primary sources and historical documents. We will also discuss how the past shapes the present and the future, and how historical knowledge can inform our decisions and actions today.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the major events, people, and cultures that shaped world history from ancient times to the present day.

2. Analyze the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to significant historical events and movements.

3. Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate historical sources, including primary and secondary sources, to gain a deeper understanding of historical events and perspectives.

4. Develop effective study skills and strategies, including note-taking, summarization, and review, to retain and recall information about world history.

5. Enhance writing and communication skills by effectively communicating historical concepts and analysis through writing assignments and class discussions.

6. Understand the connections between historical events and contemporary issues, including global politics, culture, and society.

7. Develop an appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and the importance of cross-cultural understanding in a globalized world.

8. Foster an interest in further study of world history and related disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, and political science.

Topics

• Early Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley

• Ancient Greece: Politics, Philosophy, and Culture

• The Roman Empire: Rise and Fall

• Medieval Europe: Feudalism, Knights, and Crusades

• The Islamic World: Religion, Science, and Art

• East Asia: China, Japan, and Korea

• The Age of Exploration: European Expansion and Colonialism

• The Renaissance and Reformation: Art, Literature, and Religion

• The Age of Absolutism: Monarchs and Empires

• The Enlightenment: Ideas and Revolution

• Industrialization and Imperialism: Globalization and its Impact

• World War I: Causes, Course, and Consequences

• The Interwar Years: The Roaring Twenties, Fascism, and Depression

• World War II: The Holocaust, Atomic Bomb, and Cold War

• The Postwar World: Decolonization, Globalization, and the United Nations

• Contemporary World History: Human Rights, Terrorism, and the Future of the Planet

World Mythology

Course Description

This course will explore the rich and diverse world of folklore and mythology through a selection of stories from various cultures around the world. Students will be introduced to timeless tales of gods and heroes from Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology, as well as lesser-known myths and legends from Polynesia, East Africa, and India. They will also delve into the fascinating world of traditional Japanese and Russian tales of quests and enchantments.

The course will be divided into several thematic units, including Tales of Japan, Tales of Polynesia, Tales of the Sea, Tales of India, Tales of East Africa, Monstrous Tales, Ghostly Tales, Russian Tales, Nordic Tales, and Celtic Tales. Students will learn about the unique cultural contexts and historical influences that shaped each of these storytelling traditions, as well as the common themes and motifs that connect them.

Through close readings and discussion of the stories, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as an appreciation for the art of storytelling and the power of mythology and folklore to reflect and shape our understanding of the world. The course will also explore the relevance of these ancient tales in contemporary culture, from their enduring influence on literature and popular culture to their role in shaping cultural identities and worldviews.

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the importance of mythology and folktales as a means of transmitting cultural values, beliefs, and traditions across generations.

2. To analyze the themes, motifs, and archetypes present in the folktales of different cultures, and to compare and contrast them.

3. To appreciate the diversity of world cultures through the exploration of traditional stories from Japan, Polynesia, India, East Africa, Russia, Nordic and Celtic regions.

4. To identify the different types of supernatural creatures that appear in world folktales, and to understand their symbolic significance in the culture they originate from.

5. To understand the role of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and fostering a sense of community.

6. To develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting folktales from different cultural perspectives.

7. To explore the historical and social contexts in which folktales were created, and to understand how they reflect the values and beliefs of the society they come from.

8. To enhance creativity and imagination through the use of storytelling techniques and the creation of original tales inspired by the ones studied in class.

9. To develop empathy and cross-cultural understanding through the exploration of different cultural perspectives and worldviews.

10. To gain a deeper appreciation of the power of storytelling and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

Topics

• Introduction to mythology and folktales: definitions, origins, and cultural significance.

• Greek mythology: the Olympian gods, heroes and their epic journeys.

• Japanese folklore: yokai (monsters), spirits and the supernatural in Japanese culture.

• Polynesian mythology: the creation stories, demigods, and the importance of storytelling.

• Tales of the sea: myths and legends from different seafaring cultures around the world.

• Indian folklore: tales of gods, goddesses, and the power of storytelling in Indian culture.

• East African folklore: animal fables, trickster tales, and lessons in morality.

• Monstrous tales: exploring fearsome beasts and the role they play in cultural storytelling.

• Ghostly tales: examining Victorian-era ghost stories and their cultural context.

• Russian folklore: fairy tales, quests, and the supernatural in Russian culture.

• Nordic folklore: tales of gods, giants, and supernatural creatures in Scandinavian cultures.

• Celtic folklore: exploring the rich tradition of fairy tales and enchantment in Celtic cultures.

Western Civilization

Course Descriptions 

This course provides an overview of Western civilization from its origins in Ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. Using the comprehensive volume "Western Civilization: A Brief History" as a guide, students will explore the key historical events, movements, and figures that have shaped Western society and culture.

The course begins with an introduction to the foundations of Western civilization, including the development of democracy and the rise of Christianity. Students will then examine the Medieval period, focusing on the development of feudalism, the growth of the Catholic Church, and the emergence of the Renaissance.

Moving into the modern era, the course covers the Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the World Wars. Students will analyze the social, political, and economic changes that have occurred throughout this time, and explore the impact of these changes on Western civilization as a whole.

The course concludes with a look at contemporary Western society, including globalization, the rise of technology, and the challenges facing Western democracies in the 21st century.

Throughout the course, students will engage in critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, participate in class discussions and debates, and complete written assignments that require them to apply their knowledge of Western civilization to contemporary issues.

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding the chronological development of Western civilization, including major events, movements, and figures that shaped its history.

2. Developing critical thinking skills through analyzing primary and secondary sources related to the history of Western civilization.

3. Examining the cultural, social, political, and economic factors that influenced the development of Western civilization and their impact on the world.

4. Evaluating different historical interpretations and arguments related to the history of Western civilization.

5. Comparing and contrasting different periods and regions within Western civilization to identify patterns and similarities.

6. Developing effective research and writing skills through producing original work on topics related to Western civilization.

7. Understanding the significance of Western civilization in global history and its ongoing influence in contemporary society.

8. Reflecting on the complexities of the history of Western civilization and how it relates to contemporary issues and debates.

9. Engaging in respectful and informed discussions and debates related to the history of Western civilization.

10. Recognizing and appreciating the diversity of experiences and perspectives within Western civilization throughout history.

Topics

• Prehistoric Europe and the Ancient Near East

• Classical Greece: Politics, Society, and Culture

• Rome: From Republic to Empire

• The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome

• Early Medieval Europe: The Byzantine Empire and the Rise of Islam

• Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance

• Feudalism and the Medieval Church

• The Crusades and the Renaissance of the 12th Century

• The High Middle Ages: The Growth of Trade and Towns

• The Late Middle Ages: Crisis and Renewal

• The Renaissance: Humanism, Art, and Science

• The Reformation: Martin Luther and John Calvin

• The Wars of Religion: The Thirty Years' War and the Peace of Westphalia

• The Scientific Revolution: Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton

• The Enlightenment: Reason and Progress

• The French Revolution: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity

• Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars

• Industrialization and the Rise of Capitalism

• The Age of Nationalism and Imperialism

• World War I: The Great War

• The Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union

• The Rise of Fascism and Nazism

• World War II: The Second World War

• The Cold War: The United States and the Soviet Union

• The European Union: Integration and Expansion

• Contemporary Europe: Challenges and Opportunities.