United States history is best studied in the context of the greater world in which it resides.  While history doesn't repeat itself, it does rhyme and we can learn to see themes that cross across centuries and millennia and apply those to current World situations.

 

Some of the events covered include the New World; Western Europe; Asia (China, Japan, India), and Eastern Europe; the American Revolution; the Age of Napoleon; Africa; Rebellion and Repression. 

 

While this class can stand alone, there is an overall goal for all history students.  In taking all four years of history, students will have an overall understanding of human history from the beginning through the year 2000. Understanding history includes understanding different perspectives, motivations, biases, even location. Students will learn to sift primary and secondary sources, determine a viewpoint that is consistent with known understanding of events, grasp the subject in order to participate in intelligent discussions, and understand this subject across multiple contexts including literature, philosophy, natural sciences, and even our common culture/literacy.

 

In addition to studying our text, each year will also have an additional focus:

 

• Ancient - Confessions by St. Augustine

• Medieval - The Comedies by Dante

• Early Modern - Multiple Passages of Memorization

• Modern - 12 Years a Slave, The Great Gatsby, Unbroken, Anthem