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History/Geography 5: The Medieval World
The course begins with an introduction to world geography and an overview of the major contributions of the Romans as a prelude to the study of the Medieval Period in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Units on European feudalism and monasteries and the rise and spread of Islam, provide focal points for historical thinking. A variety of resources, including novels, plays, and engaging mini-texts, as well as interdisciplinary art activities and projects, form the core of the curriculum.
Coursework emphasizes aspects of daily life, religion, science, government, and art. The course is designed to respond to a range of learning styles. Through a variety of interactive, hands-on projects, students research topics involving mapping, models of Gothic Cathedrals and mosques, literature, and calligraphy, for example, to deepen their understanding. The goal is to foster confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning; to challenge students to do their best; and to provide a strong foundation in the reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills that will become tools for future learning in the humanities.
History/Geography 6: The Eastern Hemisphere
Building on a firm foundation of geography and cultural studies, sixth graders explore the continents of the Eastern Hemisphere, including societies in Africa and South, West, and East Asia. Students become familiar with maps of all kinds and the course offers experiences in the arts, folklore, and music of the various societies as students explore the daily life, government, religion, gender roles and economy of these regions. The course is skills-based, with a focus on reading comprehension, writing, and note-taking, as well as research and map-reading skills. Hands-on projects enrich the curriculum and participation in the National Geography Bee stimulates global awareness as students become aware of current issues and build an understanding of historical and cultural themes as they are reflected in the modern world. The goal is to instill a genuine curiosity and interest in culture, peoples, and geography that are relevant to students' lives as they explore international cultures and begin to connect with the modern world.
History/Geography 7: The Western Hemisphere
Continuing to build on the study of geography, seventh graders focus on Latin America, the United States, and Canada. Art, music, film, and literature enliven the course and enable students to visualize distant cultures and environments, both rural and urban, from the High Andes to the Rockies and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes the indigenous cultures of the Americas so that students build the geographical context and understanding of Native American cultures with which to begin their study of United States history in eighth grade.Current issues relating to globalization, economic challenges, religious conflict, and international relations stimulate discussion on a daily basis. Research projects and group activities provide the opportunity for initiative and engagement with topics of individual interest. Students develop map-reading, writing, note-taking, reading comprehension, and research skills as they explore the dynamics of our ever-changing world.
History/Geography 8: American History
This course highlights major events, individuals, social movements, and legislation in the history of the United States, beginning with the Colonial Era and moving chronologically through the Cold War. An extensive unit on the writing and ratification of the Constitution provides students with essential knowledge of American civics, preparing them to analyze the extent to which America has lived up to the ideals upon which it was founded. An important goal of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand and examine current events in a historical context. To this end, the course maintains high standards in class discussion, primary document analysis, research strategies, expository writing, knowledge of geography, perceptions of cause-effect relationships, and oral presentation skills. These efforts culminate in a fourth quarter research essay, which challenges students to work independently on a salient topic relating to an individual, theme, or event of particular note. A class trip to Washington, DC provides students with an engaging opportunity to apply what they have learned while exploring historical sites in our nation's capital.