HISTORY & GLOBAL STUDIES The History & Global Studies Department is committed to developing entrepreneurial thinkers who are able to access a variety of skills from the social sciences to investigate and understand complex global issues. It is the belief of the department that a modern citizenry must have an understanding of the origins of cultures, peoples and economics across the globe and across time. In addition to specific subjects and content, our goal is to expand each student’s academic skills including critical reading, note taking, discussion, research, structured writing and academic documentation. These skills are necessary to ensure students’ success in their post-secondary education, as well as in higher social science, business or entrepreneurial endeavors. Sample course progression: Grade 9 Options World History U.S. History for ESL
Grade 10 Options Human Geography AP Human Geography U.S. History for ESL
Grade 11 Options U.S. History AP U.S. History Honors Government & Diplomacy Term Electives
WORLD HISTORY Level: Introductory, required Grade 9
Starting with the emergence of agriculture, this course investigates the development of humans, technology and the environment. Students will explore world history through themes of power, identity, justice and moral codes. Using A Compact History of Humankind: The History of the World in Big Eras, the course content includes a combination of broad historical backgrounds and in-depth case studies of specific groups, regions and people. Throughout the year, we cultivate the necessary skills sets to succeed in a history-based course, including comprehension of content, research, analysis and interpretation, chronological reasoning and application of historical concepts. Students develop these skills by critically reading primary and secondary sources, writing, presenting, negotiating and working collaboratively.
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Level: Intermediate, Grade 10 Prerequisite: none
This course is an in-depth study of geography and emerging themes in globalization, with a focus on key geographic regions of the world, emerging economic issues in globalization, the role of the entrepreneur and leader and traits inherent in current and past global leaders and their key decisions. The course aims to create an understanding of the interconnectedness of the modern world and to build students’ confidence in their ability to be global citizens and leaders. Students gain skills in critical reading, researching, writing, note taking, outlining and verbal skills through class discussion, presentations and written formats.
Grade 12 & PG Options Honors Government & Diplomacy AP World History Term Electives AP European History - online
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Level: Advanced Placement, Grade 10 Prerequisite: Departmental permission
This college level course is an in-depth rigorous study of how geographic interaction has shaped the world in which we live, particularly the themes of globalization and cultural diversity. Students will examine geography from a social science perspective, though physical science will also be emphasized in order to contextualize the region of study. The course is organized into seven units of study: Geography - its Nature and Perspectives; Population; Cultural Patterns and Processes; Political Organization of Space; Agriculture and Rural Land Use; Industrialization and Economic Development; and Cities and Urban Land Use. Students will investigate key geographic, economic and social themes with a focus on improving their critical reading of text and maps, researching, writing, note taking, outlining and verbal skills through class discussion, presentations and written formats. Students will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of the modern world and build confidence in their ability to be global citizens and leaders. The AP exam in May is mandatory. Exam fee charged.
UNITED STATES HISTORY Level: Grade 11 Prerequisite: none
Students survey American historical development from the colonial period to contemporary times. Topics considered include: nationalism, industrialization, the emergence of the U.S. as a world power, protest and reform movements and development of the modern U.S. political and economic structure. Students develop critical reading and analytical skills of primary and secondary source materials through research, writing, note-taking, outlining and verbal communication accomplished with a variety of discussion and writing formats. 20
