Upper School Curriculum Guide

The purpose of the study of history and the social sciences is to help individuals understand themselves and their relationship to history and culture through the study of the human experience. The History & Social Science Department (formerly Humanities Department) curriculum provides opportunities for a student to investigate many areas of this experience: intellectual, aesthetic, religious, philosophical, political, economic, social, and psychological.

History courses introduce students to the techniques of investigation through the study of both primary and secondary sources. The emphasis in all courses is on developing students' ability to express themselves clearly and logically, both verbally and in writing. We use art, literature, and music to enrich student understanding.

Students in the RCDS Class of 2027 are required to pass three years of History & Social Science  Department courses to graduate. Starting with the RCDS Class of 2028, students will be required to pass four years of History & Social Science courses to graduate. The successful completion of two, year-long courses taught in the History & Social Science Department—World History and United States History—is required for graduation. In addition, the Department offers electives in various areas. Qualified students may also enroll in Advanced Placement courses in American and European history, psychology, and/or art history.

Students interested in contemporary domestic and international issues have become active in related extracurricular activities often supported by the Department. Thus, the History & Social Science curriculum offers students many opportunities to explore their world both past and present.

Course Selection Guidelines

All students are encouraged to discuss course options in the History & Social Sciences Department with a member of the History & Social Science faculty.

The History & Social Science Department offers courses on two levels of rigor: AP/AP-equivalent and college-preparatory level. All students in Grade 9 take World History (all college-preparatory level); students in Grade 10 may take AP US History or US History, and students in Grades 11 and 12 have several options—both year-long and semester courses are available.

AP Courses Include (all are year-long):

• AP Art History
• AP European History
• AP Psychology
• AP United States History

AP-Equivalent Courses Include (one semester, unless otherwise indicated):

• Introduction to Philosophy (year-long)
• American Civics & Contemporary Politics 
• China & India After World War II 
• Civil Rights and Black History in the 20th Century
• Historical Research 
• History of American Immigration Policy and Trends
• Macroeconomic Policy: Efficiency, Equity, and the Global Economy
• Microeconomic Decision-Making: Rational Choice or Behavioral Bias?
• New York Through Art and Architecture
• Oceans in World History
• Politics & Culture I (1914-1945)
• Politics & Culture II (1945-present) 
• Big History (year-long; cross-listed with Science)
• The Roman Empire (year-long; cross listed with Classics)

College-Preparatory Level Courses Include (one semester for Grades 11 and 12 unless otherwise indicated):

• World History (year-long; required in Grade 9)
• United States History (year-long; required in Grade 10 (starting with the Class of 2028) and Grade 12 for those members of the Class of 2027 who have yet to complete this requirement)
• AI in Business and Global Challenges 
• Cooperation and Conflict in the 20th and 21st Centuries
• Environmental Economics and Policy 
• Global Issues, Local Action I
• Global Issues, Local Action II 
• Leadership in Action: Lessons from History and Practice 
• World Religions 

Tentative Schedule for 2026-27 Semester Offerings
subject to change

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
American Civics & Contemporary Politics  Environmental Economics and Policy  Global Issues, Local Action I History of American Immigration Policy and Trends Historical Research  Leadership in Action: Lessons from History and Practice  Macroeconomic Policy: Efficiency, Equity, and the Global Economy New York Through Art and Architecture Politics & Culture I (1914-1945)	AI in Business and Global Challenges China & India After World War II Civil Rights and Black History in the 20th Century  Cooperation and Conflict in the 20th and 21st Centuries Global Issues, Local Action II Microeconomic Decision-Making: Rational Choice or Behavioral Bias? New York Through Art and Architecture Oceans in World History Politics & Culture II (1945-present)  World Religions

 

AP Homework Guidelines

• AP United States History: Students report spending an average of about 45 minutes a night (or roughly 15-20 pages of secondary and primary sources). In addition, essays are routinely assigned, and these take a variable amount of time.
• AP European History: There will be, on average, 30-45 minutes of reading (text, primary and secondary sources) each night. In addition, essays are routinely assigned, and these take a variable amount of time.
• AP Psychology: There will be, on average, 30-45 minutes of reading each night.
• AP Art History: There will be, on average, 45 minutes of reading and/or viewing each night. In addition, essays and smaller writing assignments are routinely assigned and these take a variable amount of time.

Departmental Policies Regarding Entry Into AP/AP-Equivalent Courses

Students who want to have the option to take AP courses in the History & Social Sciences Department must follow the application procedures announced each spring. Students are welcome to speak to the instructor before applying. The admissions requirements for the different AP History & Social Sciences courses are below. Please note that students may be removed from an AP course if their work in it falls consistently below the B- level. For AP History & Social Sciences courses, the Department Chair may require the student to take a course entrance examination in some cases.

If the student is applying for AP U.S. History:

1. The student’s current History & Social Science teacher should support the student’s candidacy.
2. The student must earn an A- or higher in World History (year-end grade) (for the Class of 2027: A- or higher in World History I: Foundations). 

If the student is applying for AP European History or AP Psychology:

1. The student’s current and previous History & Social Science teachers should support the student’s candidacy.
2. The student should have earned an A- or higher grade in US History or a B+ or higher grade in AP US History (year-end grade).

If the student is applying for AP Art History:

1. The student’s current and previous History & Social Science teachers should support the student’s candidacy.
2. The student should have earned a B or higher grade in AP US History or a B+ or higher grade in US History. 

If the student is applying for AP-equivalent courses in the History & Social Science Department:

1. The student’s current and previous History & Social Science teachers should support the student’s candidacy.
2. The student should have earned a B or higher grade in AP US History or a B+ or higher grade in US History. 
    

For students in the Class of 2027: Within their three required years of History & Social Sciences (formerly Humanities), students must pass two History & Social Sciences Department courses to graduate: World History I: Foundations, taken in 9th grade; and U.S. History or AP United States History, normally taken in 11th grade but occasionally in 12th grade. Most 10th graders take World History II: The 20th Century and Beyond. World History II: The 20th Century and Beyond taken in the 10th grade is strongly encouraged by the department. Many juniors and seniors enroll in AP and non-AP electives in areas such as European, United States, non-Western, and Art history; and social sciences such as Economics, Government, and Psychology. In the chart below, with regard to World History I: Foundations, World History II: The 20th Century and Beyond, and US History, a large majority of students follow the path listed first, with each subsequent path less common than the one above it.

For students in the Classes of 2028 and beyond: Students are required to take four years of History & Social Sciences (formerly Humanities), including World History in 9th grade and U.S. History or AP United States History, which has been offered in 10th grade starting with the Class of 2028. Currently, many juniors and seniors enroll in AP and non-AP electives in areas such as European, United States, non-Western, and Art history; and social sciences such as Economics, Government, and Psychology. The History & Social Sciences Department plans to add additional electives for 11th and 12th graders over the next few years. 

Sequence for students in the Class of 2027:

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
World History I: Foundations	World History II: The 20th Century and Beyond Electives	U.S. History AP U.S. History Electives	AP Electives Non-AP Electives
World History I: Foundations	—	U.S. History AP U.S. History	AP Electives Non-AP Electives
World History I: Foundations	World History II: The 20th Century and Beyond Electives	Electives (Rare)	U.S. History (rare) AP U.S. History (rare) AP Electives Non-AP Electives
— (rare)	World History I Foundations (rare)	U.S. History	AP Electives Non-AP Electives

Sequence for students in the Class of 2028 and beyond:

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
World History	U.S. History AP U.S. History Electives	AP Electives Non-AP Electives	AP Electives Non-AP Electives

WORLD HISTORY
This year-long course surveys World History from early civilizations to the modern world. The development and interactions of political, economic, social, cultural, and religious traditions is examined. Skill development centers on reading, writing, and note-taking, as well as techniques useful in research and test preparation. Students write essays and paragraph responses throughout the year that require critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. Through individual and group projects, students develop skills of historical analysis, organization of information, and effective communication of ideas. (1 unit; Grade 9; required)

U.S. HISTORY 
This year-long course surveys United States history from before the colonial period to the present. It focuses on those issues and themes that have emerged to shape American culture, politics, and policies, both foreign and domestic. The course hones student skills in critical analysis through exercises that require locating, evaluating, and integrating various kinds of historical data in debates, presentations, writing assignments, and other assessments. (1 unit; Grade 10 and Grade 12 for those members of the Class of 2027 who have yet to complete this requirement; this or AP version required)

AP U.S. HISTORY 
This year-long, college-level course in American history traces the development of American culture from the initial interactions of peoples of African, European, and Native American descent up through the modern era. Readings from primary and secondary sources, as well as class discussions, offer students the opportunity to probe deeply into the values of American society as they have evolved over the course of time and to consider the complexity of our society—in particular those aspects that have served to promote a sense of national identity and those features that have caused profound disagreement over what "American" really represents. Frequent essay assignments encourage students to clarify and define their thoughts in an ordered, well-defended fashion. (1 unit; Grade 10 and Grade 12 for those members of the Class of 2027 who have yet to complete this requirement; this or regular version of US History required; department approval required)

AP ART HISTORY
This year-long course explores the development and history of the visual arts (e.g., painting, sculpture, and architecture) in major world cultures from prehistoric times to the present day, with particular attention to historical, political, and social contexts. Artistic traditions examined include: African, Asian, European, Indigenous American, and Pacific/Oceanic. Skills emphasized include visual and contextual analysis along with the ability to accurately express that analysis. (1 unit; Grades 11,12; Interested students should contact Mr. Flynn for entrance requirements; department approval required)

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Students in this year-long course concentrate on developing a sense of history by pursuing a careful program of study of the history of modern Europe from the Renaissance to the present. Political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual trends are all examined. Topics include the Reformation and Wars of Religion, the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon, the cultural and social changes during the last half of the 19th century, the wars of the first half of the twentieth century, and the emergence of Modern Europe. Extensive reading is done in primary and secondary materials. A part of class time is used to discuss the issues brought up in the readings. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; department approval required)

AP PSYCHOLOGY
This year-long course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The curriculum allows students to explore key psychological concepts, theories, and research findings across a range of topics, including biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, cognition, personality, clinical psychology, and social psychology. Emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills, the course covers a vast range of content and challenges students to apply psychological principles to real-world situations and evaluate research methods and ethical considerations. The course seeks to prepare all students to take the AP Psychology exam. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; department approval required)

AI IN BUSINESS AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES
This course provides a broad introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing influence on business and society. While designed for students with an interest in business, technology, and global issues, this course does not require a technical background. Students will explore how AI is transforming fields such as real estate, fashion, and finance, examining both its benefits and challenges. Through case studies and discussions, they will analyze real-world applications of AI, from automating business operations to enhancing decision-making and customer experiences. In addition to understanding AI’s impact on industries, students will also consider its ethical and societal implications, including issues related to equity, regulation, and responsible AI use. The course culminates in hands-on projects where students apply AI concepts to tackle global challenges, fostering problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration. This course and the STEAM Department's Innovation and Entrepreneurship course complement one another. (½ unit; one semester; Grades 11 and 12)

AMERICAN CIVICS & CONTEMPORARY POLITICS
This semester-long course will offer a close analysis of the structure and function of the American federal government, with a particular emphasis on current events, civic participation, and media literacy.  The course will include a unit on comparative politics, allowing students to learn other systems of government around the world and where they align with/differ from the U.S. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12; department approval required)

BIG HISTORY
This college-level elective is designed for students with a keen interest in exploring the interconnectedness of our universe, planet, life, and human society. Big History provides an interdisciplinary framework that synthesizes knowledge from diverse fields -- natural, physical, and social science and history -- to address profound questions about our existence. Using the concept of complexity thresholds, students will trace the origins and development of the universe, life, and human societies from the Big Bang to the present and beyond. Students will engage in a variety of inquiry-based activities to foster critical thinking, including data analysis, laboratory work, evidence-based reconstruction, research projects, and analytical writing, always asking what do we know and how do we know it?  Student understanding will be assessed via scientific and social scientific writing (e.g., technical lab report, evidence-based argumentation), quizzes, and the iterative creation of models of complexity thresholds. Additionally, a year-long research project will focus on tracing the progression of an object or idea from its cosmic origins to the present. Students will gain an appreciation of the complexity and interconnectedness of all things as well as an informed perspective on the future of humanity within the larger context of the cosmos. (1 unit - either History & Social Science or Science; Grades 11, 12; department approval required) 

CHINA & INDIA SINCE WORLD WAR II
The rise of India and China from World War II to today has represented one of the most dramatic shifts in the modern global order.  The course aims to analyze the varying political and economic tracks these two nations undertook over the past 80 years or so, and where they find themselves in the current geopolitical environment.  Course materials will include primary documents, academic journals, and contemporary analyses, and assignments will include written reflections, presentations, and opportunities for more in-depth research. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12; department approval required)

CIVIL RIGHTS & BLACK HISTORY IN THE 20th CENTURY
This course will walk with students through the history of the American Civil Rights Movement from the Reconstruction era to the early 2000s. It focuses especially on the American South, where much of the movement’s organizing, leadership, and ideas took shape. Throughout the semester, students will study the social, political, cultural, and economic conditions that shaped the movement. The course highlights key individuals and organizations, the strategies they used to create change, and the relationship between local efforts and national movements. At the end of the semester students will be tasked with completing a cumulative, critical thinking research project. The goals of this assignment will be to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the history of the Civil Rights Movement. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

COOPERATION & CONFLICT IN THE 20th AND 21st CENTURIES
This course examines global conflicts that affected all of humanity in the 20th and 21st centuries and how conflict led to alliances, connections, and cooperation. The course takes a global perspective on World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and conflict and cooperation in the 21st century. Themes of the course include the relationship between conflict and technology, the challenges of regional and global cooperation, the growth of an interconnected global economy, and the ripple effect of conflict in one region on the rest of the world. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12

ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY
This course introduces students to the concepts of economics and challenges them to use frameworks of economic thinking to consider issues related to the environment and climate change. Students will encounter principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics and pay particular attention to cost-benefit analysis, externalities, regulation, and international trade/globalization. Over the course of the semester, students will complete an analysis of a specific public policy related to the environment or climate change. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12)

GLOBAL ISSUES, LOCAL ACTION I & GLOBAL ISSUES, LOCAL ACTION II
In these semester-long courses, students will investigate current events and issues of global significance and apply this knowledge toward creating positive social change in our local community. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will serve as our broad-reaching and optimistic design framework. Students will practice techniques for understanding alternative viewpoints and develop competencies to build critical thinking and empathy. These skills and competencies will be applied to a series of topics including free and fair elections and border and migration issues. Students will learn how to better engage with difference and how to listen carefully for understanding, and they will then be expected to design and facilitate classroom dialogues and to demonstrate their ability to incorporate different perspectives into their work. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their learning and will be empowered to take action both around campus and in the local community. (1/2 unit, Grades 11, 12) The issues covered in Global Issues I will differ from Global Issues II. The course can be taken in either order.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH
This semester-long course offers students an opportunity to pursue original research, whether through archives, databases, non-textual artifacts, oral history, or some other combination of methods and sources. Students in this homework bearing course will have regular assignments each night involving their research topic. Class time is used for discussions about the readings from the primary course text, as well as research updates from each student based on their work outside of class. By the end of this course, students will be able to evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources, and will have the ability to create a research question and develop a thesis statement culminating in a formal 12 page research paper and presentation. This course is ideal for students with exceptional time management skills and a desire to learn more about writing an analytical research paper. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12; department approval required)

HISTORY OF AMERICAN IMMIGRATION POLICY AND TRENDS
Immigration and immigration policy feel more important today than ever before. However, the debates surrounding government policy and social attitudes are not new. Since the origin of our country, debates about immigration have repeatedly focused on the same major issues and have often been just as intense as they are today. These discussions usually involve questions about fairness in the economy, national identity, and who has power in society.This course examines these immigration debates, how they connect to real data about migration, and the policies that come from them. It looks at immigration from different perspectives, including how immigrants and their families find work, how borders are built and enforced, how refugees are treated differently from immigrants, and how migration can connect communities, economies, and political systems. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
This course seeks to inspire students to question and debate what they think they know about our world. This one-year elective explores the historical foundations of philosophical thought and examines the ideas presented by philosophers from different regions of the world. This course primarily encompasses the branch of philosophy known as epistemology, the study of knowledge, which studies how we “know” our so-called reality within various disciplines. Topics and debates in the class will include questioning the way we know the world—using reasoning, emotions, or senses. It also includes the areas in which we question knowledge, such as in history, ethics, science, and the arts. Each class session is primarily discussion-based and founded on a rich variety of readings. Assessments will involve a combination of tests, presentations, and essays. This course will help you to build an open mind, and requires a willingness to speak both freely and frequently in class. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; department approval required

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: LESSONS FROM HISTORY AND PRACTICE 
This is a discussion-based elective designed for 11th and 12th-grade students who want to explore the principles of effective leadership and apply them in their daily lives. Through historical case studies, readings of various genres, self-assessments, and a core text on leadership, students will examine various leadership styles while identifying their own strengths and areas for growth as a leader. They will analyze the traits, decisions, and challenges of influential leaders across different fields. As a culminating project, students will design and lead a lesson for their peers. Each student will lead their peers in both the development and implementation of their project’s plan. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of leadership in history and within themselves while engaging in real-world leadership experiences. The ultimate goal of the class is to help students build confidence to take on leadership roles and develop the skills to inspire and lead within our community and beyond. (1/2 unit; Grades 11, 12)

MACROECONOMIC POLICY: EFFICIENCY, EQUITY, AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
This college-level elective is designed for students with a strong interest in understanding macroeconomic theory and its application to real-world issues. The course examines how policymakers make decisions for national and international economies, analyzing the impacts of those decisions through the lenses of efficiency and equity. Students will learn how to measure and interpret the health of the macroeconomy using key indicators such as GDP, unemployment, and inflation, and will explore how fiscal and monetary policy tools are used to pursue various macroeconomic goals. The course also delves into global trade dynamics, international development, and the economic forces behind income inequality and wealth distribution. Through the analysis of current events, case studies, and regular use of theoretical models and graphing, students will build the data gathering and analytical skills needed to make sense of today’s complex economic landscape. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

MICROECONOMIC DECISION-MAKING: RATIONAL CHOICE OR BEHAVIORAL BIAS?
This college-level elective is designed for students interested in understanding how people and businesses make decisions. The course begins by exploring the fundamentals of microeconomic theory, including how individuals and companies use limited resources, respond to incentives, and interact in markets. Students will frequently engage with economic models and graphing to illustrate real-world phenomena and deepen their understanding of market behavior. Building on these foundations, students will explore concepts of behavioral economics, learning how human thinking, habits, and biases can influence choices in ways that traditional economic models do not always predict. Through applied analysis, discussion of current events, and hands-on activities, students will develop the tools to understand and evaluate how human behavior shapes markets, business decisions, and public policy. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

NEW YORK THROUGH ART AND ARCHITECTURE
This course explores the history of New York State from its Indigenous roots to the present through the lens of the visual arts and architecture. As a microcosm of the American experience, New York reveals the nation’s political, economic, and cultural transformations while celebrating its diversity. Students will examine how artists, architects, and communities have shaped and reflected the evolving identity of both the state and the nation. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

OCEANS IN WORLD HISTORY
Often, we look at maps and define regions by land mass, but in doing so, we often deceive ourselves. Over the course of world history, seas, oceans, and other waterways have often connected regions that might, at first glance, seem to be distant from one another. This course examines those connections. We start with growth of trade and spread of knowledge on the Ancient Mediterranean, then shift to cultural and religious connections facilitated by the Indian Ocean, before looking at the role that the Atlantic Ocean played in the development of the concept of race and the sparks that lit political revolutions. The course finishes up by exploring the Pacific Ocean as a spark for technological innovation, and then finally the emergence of the Arctic Ocean as a newer global connection during the Cold War and in the 21st century as climate change opens up new pathways. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

POLITICS & CULTURE I (1914- 1945)
This course explores the political and cultural forces that led to the rise of authoritarianism and totalitarian regimes in the early 20th century.  Through the study of fascism, communism, and military dictatorships, students will explore how leaders like Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler consolidated power and controlled society. Through political analysis and cultural artifacts—including art, literature, and music—students will examine how these systems shaped and were shaped by society. From Nazi propaganda and Soviet Socialist Realism to Picasso’s Guernica and Orwell’s dystopian fiction, we will analyze how culture served both as a tool of oppression and as a means of defiance.  By the end of the semester, students will understand how authoritarianism rises, sustains itself, and is ultimately challenged. The course will encourage critical thinking about the relationship between power and cultural expression in shaping modern history. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

POLITICS & CULTURE II (1945 - Present)
This course explores the postwar struggle between authoritarianism and democracy during the Cold War and beyond. It will build on the first semester course, but can be taken on its own. Students will examine the ways totalitarian regimes maintained control through propaganda, censorship, and repression, as well as the cultural and political resistance movements that challenged them. Topics include the Soviet Union’s grip on Eastern Europe, uprisings like the Prague Spring, the fall of military dictatorships, and the eventual collapse of the Cold War order. Through the works of Camus, Solzhenitsyn, and 20th-century protest art and music, students will analyze how culture became a battleground for ideological conflict. The course concludes by examining modern authoritarian trends, digital propaganda, and ongoing struggles for democracy in the 21st century. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12; department approval required)

THE ROMAN EMPIRE/LATIN 4/5: THE ROMAN EMPIRE
The Roman Empire is a topic that has tremendous relevance for students of history and students of classics, as well as for anyone who wants better to understand the origins of our own political system and how those political systems change over time.  Students will grapple with questions of authority, power, and censorship, and make inquiries into the nature of autocracy and what it means for existing political systems and individual participants in government.  Beginning with the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of Octavian, the course will offer a deep dive into the establishment, maintenance, and final fall of the Roman Empire through an investigation of its beginnings in civil war, the changes undergone by Republican political systems, the expansion of Roman territory through conquest, important socioeconomic patterns, and culture of all types, including religion, art, architecture, and Roman daily life. Through this thorough examination, students will enhance their critical thinking skills and their ability to assess varying perspectives, analyze political, cultural, and economic development over time, think carefully about how we know what we know about the Romans, and explore the diversity of the Empire while also examining how the Romans welcomed some and “othered” other groups.  Through autonomous exploration of a topic of particular and individual interest, students will develop essential skills in research, analytical reading and writing, communication, and creativity.  (1 unit - either History & Social Science or Classics; Grades 11 and 12; Prerequisites - if taking for Classics credit, completion of Latin 3 or Honors Latin 3; for History & Social Science credit, department approval required; To be offered in alternating years with The Roman Republic/Latin 4/5: The Roman Republic)

WORLD RELIGIONS
This course provides students with an introduction to the major religious traditions that have shaped human civilization. Students will explore the beliefs, practices, sacred texts, and cultural impact of various faiths while developing skills in comparative analysis, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. The course emphasizes understanding religions from both insider and scholarly perspectives. (½ unit; Grades 11 and 12)

 

Anticipated courses to be offered by the History & Social Science Department in 2027-2028

BREAKTHROUGHS: INVENTION ACROSS CULTURES
This course examines moments of innovation and invention across the globe and at different points in history. Through a series of case studies, students will analyze factors that facilitate innovation and the effects that new technologies have upon cultures, economies, and political structures. Throughout the semester, students will engage in a research project that includes work in the Makerspace. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12; offering planned for 2027-28)

ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY THROUGH TRANSFORMATIVE EVENTS
This course examines transformative events when humans have shaped the environment around them, and in turn, the environment has shaped humanity. Through a series of case studies including the Columbian Exchange, the Industrial Revolution, the Dust Bowl, and the Green Revolution, students will consider how the environment has shaped (and been shaped by) economics, culture, politics, and technological innovation. Students will complete a local environmental history project as part of the course. (½ unit; Grades 11, 12; offering planned for 2027-28)

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
This year-long course explores the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students will examine influential theories and research that have shaped our understanding of topics such as sensation and perception, development, learning, memory, thinking and language, and social interactions. The course also introduces students to major psychological disorders, their multiple causes, and various approaches to treatment. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and class projects, students will have the opportunity to explore topics of personal interest, apply psychological concepts to real-world situations, and develop critical thinking skills that enhance their understanding of themselves and others. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12)

THE ROMAN REPUBLIC/LATIN 4: THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
In this year-long course, cross-listed in the Humanities and the Classics Departments, students will examine thoroughly the origins, political systems, expansion, conquests, socioeconomic patterns, and culture of the Roman Republic, a topic that has tremendous relevance for students of history, classics, and anyone who wants better to understand the origins of our own political system.  Students will practice and improve their critical thinking skills by learning how to assess varying perspectives, analyze political, cultural, and economic development over time, think carefully about how we know what we know about this time period, and explore the diversity of Rome while also investigating the ways in which the Romans welcomed and “othered” certain groups of people. While much of the syllabus will be consistent for all students, those taking the course for Classics credit will read primary sources in Latin, while those taking the course for Humanities credit will read additional sources in English.  The first semester will trace the origins, development, and eventual disintegration of the Roman Republic, from the expulsion of the Roman Kings in 501 BCE up to the death of Augustus in 14 CE.  In the second semester, the course becomes a student-directed, research-based course, with students engaging in autonomous exploration of a topic of particular and individual interest, thereby developing and honing essential skills in research, analytical reading and writing, communication, and creativity. (1 unit - either History & Social Science  or Classics; Grades 11, 12; Prerequisites - if taking for Classics credit, completion of Latin 3 or Honors Latin 3; for History & Social Science credit, department approval required) To be offered in alternating years with The Roman Empire/Latin 4/5: The Roman Empire; next offering planned for 2027-28.