History Department
Department Mission Statement:
The History Department, as part of a Catholic, Jesuit institution, is committed to: (a) excellence in education, (b) a broad based study of the human past, (c) encouragement of student interest in all areas of history, (d) dynamic scholarly activity, and (e) a critical sense of history and the contemporary world. The Department promotes investigation of and reflection on the accumulated knowledge and diverse experience of human societies, which leads to an understanding of and appreciation for the past.
Department Requirements: 3 years required for graduation. One year must be World History and one year must be United States History. Senior year allows for students to select elective courses.
Courses:
- World History-- 9th or 10th grade
- United States History--11th grade
- American History—taught in conjunction with American Lit.--11th grade
- Advanced Placement U.S. History--11th grade
- Senior History Electives:
- History of Classical Music
- Contemporary World Affairs and American Government
- U.S. Since 1945
- Holocaust and the Human Experience
- AP European History--12th grade
- AP Government and Politics--12th grade
Course Descriptions:
World History: World history is a freshman/sophomore level class. It is a survey of the history and development of world civilizations from antiquity through the 20th century. In addition, students will be introduced to political and physical geography and the role geography plays in the development of civilizations.
U.S. History: A full year course covering the background, experience, political thought, and development of the American people. Stressed are critical reading, insights, and skills which are building blocks to success both in high school and college. Prerequisite: junior.
Advanced Placement U.S. History: This is a college level course for the student who wishes an in-depth study of American history. Critical reading and writing techniques are emphasized. The student has an opportunity to delve deeply into the American background in an attempt to gain a much greater evaluation of the American experience. Primary sources in history, literature, and society are utilized. Prerequisites: History Department approval, juniors only. Fulfills junior history requirement.
Advanced Placement European History: This is a course in European History from the Reformation to the present. It is for the better student who wishes to have a more in-depth study of major phases of Western civilization. It will afford the student the opportunity to read, write and learn about the great leaders and their ideas which have shaped and been the basis of many of our 20th Century ideas. Prerequisite: History Department approval, seniors only. Fulfills senior history requirement. .
Senior History Electives: History of Classical Music,
Contemporary World Affairs and American Government,
U.S. Since 1945, and Holocaust and the Human Experience