The History Department aims to introduce students to the heritage of our past, particularly Western Civilization, and to extend their sense of the political and economic world in which they live. The courses provide fundamental factual material in the context of broad trends in human development. All courses include a strong emphasis on geography. Students are taught how to do research and how to organize, analyze, and present historical material.
U.S. History(Grade 7)
Students gain an understanding of significant events in early American History through a chronological survey beginning with pre-Columbian times and ending with the Civil War. Major topics include Exploration and Settlement; the American Revolution; the Constitution; and the Civil War. In addition, study skills, including note taking, time management, essay writing, and test taking, will be an integral part of this course.
Geography(Grade 8)
Through the study of the Five Themes of Geography (Place, Region, Movement, Interaction with the Environment, and Location), this course will cover the following geographical topics: the geographical features of various countries, similarities and differences between various cultures, and the development and downfall of past cultures. The class will discuss different cultures, how they developed, and the similarities and differences between the American culture and other world cultures.
Ancient World History(Grade 9)
This elective course will cover the span of time from prehistory to 1300. The study of various civilizations will include Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, India, China, Islamic empires, the Americas, the Byzantine Empire and Medieval Europe. In this course, students will study and compare the political, cultural, religious, economic, and social forces that shaped the Ancient World.
Modern World History(Grade 10)
Students will gain an understanding of the major events in world history from 1300 to the present. Influential empires and nations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas will be examined, focusing on major political, cultural, religious, economic, and social influences. Students will study the diversity of world cultures, as well as the growing interrelationships that dominate the world today. Special emphasis will be placed on global interaction and conflict arising from trade, exploration, and conquest.
U.S. History(Grade 11)
Students will study the major forces and events in U.S. history, focusing on the period of 1740–1980. Major topics include: the Constitution; the Civil War; the Industrial Revolution; the reform movements of Populism, Progressivism, the New Deal, and the Great Society; and the United States as an international power. Students will also write a 2,000-word research paper on twentieth-century America.
Advanced Placement U.S. History(Grade 11)
Advanced Placement U.S. History surveys the entire span of American History, from the colonial period to the end of the twentieth century. The AP level is more demanding, and is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college course. Practice exercises and sample tests are included to prepare students for the AP exam, which all students enrolled in this course must take. Students will complete a research project in lieu of a final exam. Department Head permission is required.
History Electives
History electives are designed to give Seniors an opportunity to study a more focused topic after having taken broad survey courses in the 10th and 11th grades. History electives also allow teachers to pursue in depth particular areas of study in which they have special interest and expertise. There are both whole year and semester electives. The final determination about which history electives are offered, and in the case of semester courses, whether they will be offered in the Fall or Spring, will be based on student enrollment. History electives are open to 11th graders by permission of the instructor and if scheduling permits.
FULL-YEAR ELECTIVES
Modern German History(Grades 11–12)
In this elective course, students will undertake an in-depth study of the events and highlights of modern German history from 1815 through World War II, with a particular focus on developments pointing toward the emergence of National Socialism. The course will conclude with a discussion of recent developments in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Pursuit of Freedom (Grades 11–12)
This course examines the history of African-Americans from tribal Africa to the present. Topics include tribal kingdoms, the slave trade, slavery in the Americas, emancipation, reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, the civil rights and black power movements, and current events. Students will use a textbook, the miniseries Roots, music recordings and special class projects to understand and appreciate the resiliency of African-Americans.
SEMESTER ELECTIVES
Current Issues in Government (Grades 11–12)
This course begins with an analysis of the U.S. Constitution as a framework for all future discussions. It will then examine various domestic and foreign policy issues that face voters today. Students will research opposing perspectives on issues in preparation for class debates and a paper. Students will also follow the major votes of a particular U.S. Senator or Representative throughout the semester. At the culmination of the semester, the students will write an analytical paper comparing the framework and rights of a foreign government with the U.S. government. Semester Course—1/2 credit.
Economics(Grades 11–12)
Students will look at the choices society makes to allocate scarce resources. Macroeconomics topics include money and banking, taxing, and capital formation; microeconomics will focus on market structure and pricing. Students will gain an understanding of the stock market and its role in the U.S. and world economies. Discussion of current events will be integral to the course. Fall Semester only—1/2 credit.
History of the Sixties(Grades 11–12)
This course introduces students to the political, economic, cultural and social issues of modern American society by focusing on the turbulent and dynamic 1960’s. Students evaluate the presidencies of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, American involvement in Vietnam, and the successes and frustration of the Civil Rights Movement. Moreover, students are exposed to popular culture (art and music), the pivotal year, 1968, and various movements throughout the decade. Class activities include small and large group discussions, oral presentations, role-playing simulations, projects and guest speakers. In addition to formal assessments of tests and quizzes, students are expected to keep a journal and to complete a major research project. Fall Semester only—1/2 credit.
Modern Middle East (Grades 11–12)
Why is the Middle East so important in the world today, and why is it such a volatile region? In this course, students will examine major developments in the Middle East from the start of the 20th Century to the present. This dramatic story includes wars, revolutions, new political and religious ideologies, famous and infamous leaders, the Israel-Palestine conflict, the importance of oil, and more. Special attention will be paid to the role of the U.S. in the Middle East. Spring Semester only—1/2 credit.
Reel History(Grades 11–12)
This course will examine the relationship between the reality and representation of history in film. Students will be asked to evaluate the validity of film as a source for studying history. Assigned texts will include historical background and academic scholarship of the films viewed. Students will be required to write short analyses of films, larger papers comparing and contrasting themes and representations of history in film, and daily journals to document class discussion and individual interpretations. In addition to the coursework accompanying topics and films, students will be required to complete a creative film-related project based on a primary document. Spring Semester only—1/2 credit.
History Faculty
Ben Ladd Chair
Peter Emanuel
Bill Furgueson
S. Macy Kleinfelder
John Knudsen
The Williams School • 182 Mohegan Avenue • New London, CT • 06320-4110
