History

Philosophy

The history curriculum in the Middle School is designed to show the student that the nature of life is to grow and change. As students become more aware of the changes in the past, they will be better prepared to adapt to change in the future. Through learning the rudiments of the historian’s discipline, students focus on processes, concepts, and skills. The content serves as the vehicle through which the student develops reading, writing, note-taking, and research skills. Learning the importance of geography in the study of history and the relationship of the past to current events are additional goals of the department.

Grade Five: Experience World Culture and Heritage

This course studies the geography, culture and heritage of the world in which we live today. Through exposure to different cultures, the students will gain a knowledge and appreciation for the differences and similarities that exist between these cultures and their own. This course is cross-curricular, and several American literary works such as Number the Stars, The Cay, My Brother Sam is Dead, and Watsons Go To Birmingham are integrated into the historical narrative. Map skills, note taking, and computer literacy are emphasized. The students will be assigned a project to complete each trimester relative to the subject matter being studied. The main text used is Houghton Mifflin We the People Discover Our Heritage: World Cultures and Geography.

Fall Term: Europe, Asia, and Australia in the Modern Age

In this term, we begin with an exploration of our world including the different regions and their culture. We then move to an investigation of Europe, focusing on the geography and patterns of living of its citizens. Lastly, we study Asia and Australia, including their geography, history, culture, and discussions revolving around current events.

Winter Term: North, Central, and South America in the Modern Age

The students will take a comprehensive look at the western hemisphere. The boys will be exposed to the rich past and present of this region. The boys will be assigned a trimester-long project involving library research, note taking, and a Hyper Studio presentation. The unit will culminate with Latin America Day, a celebration of these wonderful cultures.

Spring Term: Africa in the Modern Age

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the different countries, cultures, and people of Africa. The boys will focus on the geography, history, and current events of this vast continent.

Grade 6: Ancient and Medieval History

This course is designed to introduce students to the earliest known civilizations, the rise of Greece and Rome, and political and religious developments in Medieval Europe. Emphasis is placed on writing, analysis of sources, classroom discussion, and note-taking skills. Research and study skills continue to be introduced and practiced throughout the year.

Fall Term: Ancient Civilizations

This sequence begins by exploring the origin of river valley civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt and the growth of kingdoms and empires in the Middle East with the rise of Hebrews, Assyrians, and Persians.

Winter term: Greece and Rome

In this segment the boys focus on the evolution of Greek city-states and their contribution to Western civilization as well as the growth of the Roman Republic and the emergence and fall of the Roman Empire.

Spring Term: Medieval Europe

The boys explore the richness of history during the Middle Ages in Europe. The rise of the Christian Church, Charlemagne, and the Crusades are studied.

Form I: American History

This course begins a two-year sequence in American History for both Forms I and II. This sequence in Form I will cover the period from 1776 until 1900 and, beginning in 2004, Form II will study the period from 1900 to the present. This course is an essential vehicle for the transmission of such important skills as verbal comprehension, the ability to assess the reliability of evidence, the ability to draw inferences from sources, and the detection of bias. Emphasis will be placed on a wide variety of primary source documents and secondary texts. This course is an in-depth investigation of the important forces which shape American government and society.

Fall Term: The Birth of the Nation

Students focus on the American Revolution, the Constitution, and the evolution and survival of the early Republic.

Winter Term: A Nation Divided

This segment focuses on sectional division, the nature of American slavery, and the origins and course of the American Civil War.

Spring Term: A Nation Restored

This segment examines the Reconstruction era and its significance for African-Americans. Industrialization, westward expansion, and Native Americans and the growth of reform movements are also studied.

Form II

Form II American History II 1865-present. This course begins where Form I History breaks off, and follows American history through the 20th century. Students continue to use their textbooks from part one of the course for background knowledge, and the topics are enhanced with the use of primary sources and class discussion.

Fall Term: 1865-1919

The course begins in 1865, with American efforts to rebuild after the Civil War. From a domestic standpoint, the growth of modern America characterizes this time—the industrialization, rapid immigration, westward expansion, and urbanization that define this time period are examined in depth. America’s role on the world stage begins to be defined during this period as well, as we investigate the USA's early forays with Imperialism and America’s role in World War One.

Winter Term: America Between the Wars

This term continues chronologically, with the domestic focus of the 1920s and 1930s, providing students with an opportunity to understand the legacy of this important period in regards to modern US economics and politics.

Spring Term: 1945-present

During the spring term, the course investigates the US experience in the latter half of the 20th century, from both a domestic and foreign policy perspective. Connections will be drawn as we approach “recent history” to decisions and events that are closely linked to current events.