Upper School History Curriculum
The History Curriculum seeks to develop informed citizens who develop an appreciation and understanding for events both past and present. The skills necessary to gain this knowledge are introduced in the middle school and consistently reinforced in every future course. Students learn how to effectively read texts and primary sources, efficiently take notes, conduct oral presentations, and employ maps, tables, and charts. Students at all levels will also make use of technology in the classroom to enhance the social studies curriculum.

The upper school history curriculum seeks to engage students in the pursuit of historical knowledge that contributes to their development of a critical consciousness of self, society and the world. All upper school courses work to enhance the skills presented in the middle school and refine the student’s ability to read, retain and think critically about historical concepts. Ninth grade students begin a two-year study of World History by taking World History I. This course explores the earliest historical records to the Renaissance time period. Students in tenth grade continue this study in World History II by examining the events and issues from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. In the eleventh grade, juniors take American History. This survey course examines the social, economic and political issues in America’s history from the Age of Discovery to the twentieth century. An Advanced Placement course in American history is available to students with the necessary recommendations. Twelfth graders are required to take American Government. This course examines the history of America’s governing bodies and the responsibilities of American citizens. Students may opt for a yearlong Advanced Placement Government course (if approved) or a semester-long standard course. Students taking the semester course in government are also required to choose from one of the semester-long history electives. Previous electives have ranged from Ethics of War to America Since 1941. A list of current history electives is available in the course catalog.

A brief description of the classes offered by HRA are available in our Course Catalog. You may also view these Course Descriptions online.