History Courses

World History

1st year students One (1) year / One (1) credit

Through a geographical approach, World history examines important themes and impacts on the development of civilization. From the development of early river valley civilizations and early forms of government through the empires of the ancient world, students discover the legacies of those who have gone before us and who have laid the groundwork for our current social system. Students then learn about the developments and advancements of Medieval Europe including the lasting impacts of documents like the Magna Carta and events like the Crusades. Additionally students will discover the advancements in science, religion, government, education and philosophy of the Renaissance and how they continue to impact our lives. Students will study the Civilizations and development of other geographic regions like the middle east, Asia and Africa and the major world religions. Finally, students will gain an understanding of global interactions and impacts through a study of the Age of Exploration and the first Global Age. In addition to the textbook, resources such as historical documents, films and role-playing will be utilized to enhance the students' learning. Several group and individual projects will be assigned throughout the school year.

United States History I

2nd or 3rd year students One (1) year / One (1) credit

US History I is a full year course, generally taken in the sophomore year, which can fulfill one of the three required credits in history and one of the two required credits in US History. US I is a survey course that attempts to cover all the major events from the Native American period before Columbus to the Civil War. Major themes of this course include the roots of the American identity, the origins of American political culture and the role and legacy of slavery in American society. Skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and analysis will be of particular concern in order to prepare students for the CAPT.

United States History II

2nd or 3rd year students One (1) year / One (1) credit - Prerequisites: United States History I

United States History II explores the major developments in American History between the end of the Civil War and the middle of the 20th Century. Major themes of this course include: the struggle for legal and political equality by African-Americans and other ethnic minorities, the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans of the Plains, the impact of industrialization urbanization and immigration on American society and government, social reform movements of the 20th century and the development of the United States as a world power. In addition to the textbook, students will examine historical documents, films and photographs, and will utilize simulations, debates and mock trials to make the lessons of history come to life. Students will complete several essays, presentations and research projects throughout the year.

20th Century History

2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students One (1) year / One (1) credit

20th Century History is a full year course that can fulfill one of the three required credits in history and one of the two required credits in US History. Unlike a survey course that attempts to cover all the major events of a particular period, 20th Century covers several critical developments in depth. Each unit therefore, is longer and more detailed than those in other history courses. In addition, there is a particular focus on the development of essential skills such as writing and critical thinking. Central themes to be explored include the impact of technology and industry, the changing role of government in society, the concept of just war, the issue of race and ethnicity in American society, and the role of morality in individual and collective decision making. The units included in the course are:
  • East Bridges of New York: America at the Peak of the Industrial Age
  • The Great Depression and the New Deal
  • World War II: A Just War?
  • The Cold War, The Nuclear Arms Race and Just War Theory
  • The Civil Rights Movement
  • Vietnam War: A Just War?
  • Watergate


Civics

2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students One half (1/2) year / One half (1/2) credit

Democracy depends upon the participation of an educated public. Understanding the institutions of government and its role in our everyday lives is the primary focus of this course. Using a thematic approach, students will explore the growth of democracy, federalism, and the importance of civic participation. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening study skills, critical thinking, and writing through individual study, participation in class discussion and involvement in group activities. Students will complete essays and presentations throughout the semester. Electives: Students may choose among the following semester electives to be paired with their one semester of Civics.

Maritime Culture

2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students One half (1/2) year / One half (1/2) credit - (Elective) (can be paired with the half year of Civics)

This is a team taught course intended to combine maritime history with an exploration of the cultural life of the sea especially as it was expressed in the sea music of the 19th Century. The course covers the maritime history of New England from the beginning of European settlement to the end of the age of sail at the end of the 19th Century. At the same time, students learn and analyze work songs (often called sea chanteys) and ballads which relate to the historical themes of each unit. Trips aboard the Schooner Quinnipiack (and possibly other larger sailing vessels), the rowing dories and the 35 foot New Haven Sharpie are used to give students hands-on experience in maritime technology, the maritime environment and shipboard life. Trips to Mystic Seaport and overnight sails on large schooners are included in years when schedule and financial resources allow.

Natural History of New England

2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students One half (1/2) year / One half (1/2) credit - (Elective) (can be paired with the half year of Civics)

This history course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective. We will study the geological, ecological and human history of New England and how they interact over time. A special focus will be placed on Long Island Sound. The course will include field trips to local museums and natural areas and weekly nature observation in the local marsh preserve. Natural history readings will be assigned each week from authors including, Edward Abbey, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold and Henry David Thoreau. Other readings will come from several sources: Written In Stone by Chet Raymo and Maureen E. Raymo, Changes in the Land by William Cronon, Reading the Forested Landscape by Tom Wessels, This American River: Five Centuries of Writing about the Connecticut edited by W.D. Wetherell and This Fine Piece of Water, An Environmental History of Long Island Sound by Tom Andersen. The course will combine the study of history with science, art and literature.

Constitutional Law

2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students One half (1/2) year / One half (1/2) credit - (Elective) (can be paired with the half year of Civics)

An extension of the civics curriculum into a focused look at the judicial Branch of the Federal Government. This course will examine in depth the workings of the Supreme Court and the cases it has decided over the years. A focus will be placed on the understanding of Landmark decisions and their long-term effects on our society. Students will create research papers and presentations to enhance and demonstrate their learning in this course.

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