History Courses

History is not only the study of man's past, but also the study of his social relationships. It draws its substance from numerous disciplines. The freshman devotes a full year to the study of the development and behavior of man. This course is required of all freshmen in order to acquaint them with the significant events of the world east and west from its beginning to and including the twentieth century. The objective of the course is to involve the students not only with these events, but also with all their effectual relations. It aims to show the students who did what, where, when, how, but especially why. There is an important emphasis placed on student readings, participation in classroom discussion, and the preparation of carefully selected written projects. A formal term paper is assigned to each student to acquaint him with the nature of historical research and to develop writing skills.  Also, the summer reading project will be evaluated in early September.

Required

Prerequisite
None

This course is a survey emphasizing the important social and political factors that have influenced the history of the United States from Colonial times to the present. Emphasis is placed on extensive readings as the source for classroom participation and involvement. The objective of the American History course is to have a better understanding of particular decisions that people have made in the past. The goal of the course is to develop in the students an ability to read historical materials critically, to weigh evidence and interpretations, and to arrive at conclusions based on this evidence and study rather than bias. A formal research paper will be assigned to each student during the year. Also, the summer reading project will be evaluated in early September.

Required
(or HIS 202)

Prerequisite
none

An Honors Course in American History is offered to selected students during the sophomore year at The Prep. This course is designed to be a more challenging analysis of the themes and issues found in our history by making demands on the student equivalent to those of an introductory college course. The students are given a thorough grounding in facts, but go beyond these facts to an examination of their significance and their cause and effect relationships. Emphasis is placed on discussions, selective reading, and working with primary source documents. Students learn to read historical material analytically and critically, to weigh historical evidence and interpretations, and to arrive at conclusions on the basis of facts rather than prejudice. A formal research paper will be assigned to each student during the year. Also, the summer reading project will be evaluated in early September. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May.

Prerequisite: Class size is limited and admission is based on interest, previous high achievement on standardized tests, such as PSST or PSAT, a consistent grade of an "A" in World History and recommendations of teachers. In addition, a qualifying test may be administered to secure placement.

Required
(or HIS 201)

Prerequisite
see description

The purpose of this course is to study the political traditions in American government. The course will commence with an examination of the historical foundations that have helped to shape American government. Next, students will study how and why government functions in American society today. Finally, students will compare American government with different systems of government that exist in today's world. In addition to the regular examinations, students will be expected to have read the summer books thoroughly. Additional readings and documentaries will be scheduled for additional insights into current topics. A college level textbook will be used in this course. Also, students will be expected to complete a research paper designed to examine and explain some aspect of this course. Government may be taken as a 7th course in junior year.

Prerequisite
none

This course is designed to give students a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires a familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. The course will focus on the Constitutional underpinnings of American Government, Political Beliefs and Behavior, Political Parties and Interest Groups, the Institutions and Policy Decisions. In order that students are fully prepared to meet the rigors of college level studies, AP American Government students will be expected to complete a research paper designed to examine and explain some specific aspects of the course. To test students' analytical skills, the course will require the study of primary source materials, as well as the discussion of assigned articles, which are germane to the course. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May.

Prerequisite: A minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and the recommendation of History Department.

Prerequisite
3.5 GPA
see description

An Honors Course in American History is offered to selected students during the junior and senior years at The Prep. This course is designed to be a more challenging analysis of the themes and issues found in our history by making demands on the student equivalent to those of an introductory college course. The students are given a thorough grounding in facts, but go beyond these facts to an examination of their significance and their cause and effect relationships. Emphasis is placed on discussions, selective reading, and working with primary source documents. Students learn to read historical material analytically and critically, to weigh historical evidence and interpretations, and to arrive at conclusions on the basis of facts rather than prejudice. A formal research paper will be assigned to each student during the year. Also, the summer reading project will be evaluated in early September. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May.

Prerequisite: Class size is limited and admission is based on interest, previous high achievement on standardized tests, such as PSAT, PSST, and recommendations of teachers.

Prerequisite
see description

The Honors Course in European history is offered to select students during their junior or senior years. The requirements of this course resemble the demands of a course in college. The goals of the course are threefold: a) to familiarize the students with a sense of the past and to explain present day Europe in light of its history; b) to acquaint students with the methods of inquiry used by historians; and; c) to develop more fully the faculties of critical thinking. Admission to the course is limited based on teacher recommendations. A formal research paper will be assigned to each student during the year. Also, the summer reading project will be evaluated in early September. Students are required to take the College Board AP Exam in May.

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation

Prerequisite
see description

This course is designed to study the history of the United States since the 1960's, with emphasis on interpretation and analysis of the material by contemporary historians. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the factual material before embarking on discussions or offering opinions. The topics, which includes both the studies of history and current events, are an attempt to gain perspective on the present political, economic, and social developments in recent United States history. Also, a formal research paper will be assigned to each student. This course will run during the first semester only.

Prerequisite
none

The purpose of this course is to study current events in the United States and around the world using the writings of contemporary historians and journalists for analysis and interpretation of selected topics. Concentration will be placed on American foreign policy with political, economic, and social developments throughout the world as its focus. Also, formal writing will be assigned to each student to investigate current issues. This course will be offered in the second semester only.

Prerequisite
none