History | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

History 5 is an introduction to the geography and cultures of the diverse regions of the world.  Through defining geographical terms and identifying cultural norms, students will begin to classify people groups and illustrate the cause and effect of geography on culture.  The course will emphasize the differentiation of people groups and their cultures and begin to develop students’ ability to report historical correlations through a formal historical writing style.  An introduction to primary source documents and personal accounts allow for an age-appropriate introduction to formal discussion.  This approach allows students to begin to formulate arguments and critique ideas they are presented with through reading authentic materials and first-hand accounts. 

History 5 Advanced is an introduction to the geography and cultures of the diverse regions of the world.  Through defining geographical terms and identifying cultural norms, students will begin to classify people groups and illustrate the cause and effect of geography on culture.  The course will emphasize the differentiation of people groups and their cultures and begin to develop students’ ability to report historical correlations through a formal historical writing style.  An introduction to primary source documents and personal accounts allow for an age-appropriate introduction to formal discussion.  This approach allows students to begin to formulate arguments and critique ideas they are presented with through reading authentic materials and first-hand accounts. 

History 6 is an introduction to the major issues and events that have formed our nation’s history from European colonization (1492) to reconstruction (1877).  The course will introduce students to the use of primary source documents including, charts, maps, and illustrations.  Units of study will require that students think critically rather than simply recall facts.   Students will be introduced to historical writing and the components that make this style unique.  Through the use of period literature and historical context, students will begin to develop the skill of discussion. 

History 6 is an introduction to the major issues and events that have formed our nation’s history from European colonization (1492) to reconstruction (1877).  The course will introduce students to the use of primary source documents including, charts, maps, and illustrations.  Units of study will require that students think critically rather than simply recall facts.   Students will be introduced to historical writing and the components that make this style unique.  Through the use of period literature and historical context, students will begin to develop the skill of discussion. 

History 7 is an introduction to the major issues and events that have formed our nation’s history from post-Civil War Reconstruction (1878) to modern times (2023).  Through the use of primary source documents, students will begin to analyze the cause and effect of historical American events rather than just reciting facts from memory.  The skills of historical writing and discussion will be a focus of this course through various assignments and learning strategies.  A highlight of this course is a trip to Washington, DC.  Students have the opportunity to observe, reflect, write, present, and discuss all manner of American History as they prepare for and visit the nation’s capital.

History 7 is an introduction to the major issues and events that have formed our nation’s history from post-Civil War Reconstruction (1878) to modern times (2023).  Through the use of primary source documents, students will begin to analyze the cause and effect of historical American events rather than just reciting facts from memory.  The skills of historical writing and discussion will be a focus of this course through various assignments and learning strategies.  A highlight of this course is a trip to Washington, DC.  Students have the opportunity to observe, reflect, write, present, and discuss all manner of American History as they prepare for and visit the nation’s capital. 

Ancient Civilization 8 is an introduction to the development of Western Civilization from the rise of agriculture in Sumeria to the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus. Units of study will focus on the historical events and the cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome through the use of archaeological and written primary sources.  Students will develop critical thinking skills as they analyze the geography, economics, and government within each culture.  An emphasis will be placed on analyzing sources and developing historical theses as students develop a foundation understanding of the cultures, worldviews, and politics of ancient Western societies.

Ancient Civilization 8 is an introduction to the development of Western Civilization from the rise of agriculture in Sumeria to the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus. Units of study will focus on the historical events and the cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome through the use of archaeological and written primary sources.  Students will develop critical thinking skills as they analyze the geography, economics, and government within each culture.  An emphasis will be placed on analyzing sources and developing historical theses as students develop a foundation understanding of the cultures, worldviews, and politics of ancient Western societies.

American Government is an examination of the government of the United States, its historical background, and governing principles.  The founding principles and beliefs of the United States are taught in order to provide the basis from which students understand modern American government and politics.  The course creates a framework of knowledge in the structure, function, and powers of government at all levels.   Units of study include popular sovereignty, separation of powers, republicanism, federalism, and individual rights.  Specific time and attention will be given to the modern American political system.  This course requires that students be able to analyze foundational principles and recognize how they apply to modern trends in American politics. This is a senior-level course designed to prepare students for independent learning and a collegiate style of learning and expectations.  The course is held in a large whole-grade lecture format on Mondays and then individual subsections of the course meet for Seminar/Harkness discussion on subsequent weekdays.  Students have independent work to complete on days where they are not required to attend a lecture or seminar (1 credit).

European History will examine all key historical events from the period 1500 A.D. to the present era through the use of primary source documents.  Through frequent Harkness discussions, the students will address what makes an event historically significant and the variety of ways this question can be answered.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking by exploring the causes and effects of events and the impact of those events in the present.  The course will identify and examine individuals, philosophies, trends, artistic works, and technology that have impacted civilization.  Students will be expected to incorporate proper historical writing techniques through research assignments and document based questions (1 credit).

World Civilizations provides a focused study of the rise of early influential civilizations.  Using primary source documents and extensive Harkness discussions, students will examine the rise and fall of Rome, the evolution of China from warring states to a unified nation, the origins of India and its Hindu culture, and the early kingdoms of North Africa.  Students will also have extensive exposure to the Middle Ages and the early Mesoamerican civilizations of the Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, and Incas. The study of these nations and people groups will focus on critically analyzing influential individuals and their lasting impact on culture.  Historical writing will continue to be developed and emphasized as students incorporate more advanced research techniques into their academic writing (1 credit).

World Civilizations Honors provides a focused study of the rise of early influential civilizations. Using primary source documents and extensive Harkness discussions, students will examine the rise and fall of Rome, the evolution of China from warring states to a unified nation, the origins of India and its Hindu culture, and the early kingdoms of North Africa. Students will also have extensive exposure to the Middle Ages and the early Mesoamerican civilizations of the Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, and Incas. The study of these nations and people groups will focus on critically analyzing influential individuals and their lasting impact on culture.  Historical writing will continue to be developed and emphasized as students incorporate more advanced research techniques into their academic writing. In addition to the units of study in the college-preparatory World Civilizations course, students will begin to write on formal document based questions and be expected to produce more historical writings and insightful Harkness connections in discussion (1 credit; weighted on maximum 4.5 point scale).

Advanced Placement European History is designed to give students the experiences needed to be successful on the College Board European History exam.  This course provides an intense study of Modern Europe and the role it has played in the history of the world.  The course will focus on the time period from the fall of Constantinople (approximately 1450) to the fall of the Berlin wall and the Soviet Union (1990’s).  Emphasis will be placed on the social, economic, cultural, political, and diplomatic history of this region.  Units of study will develop an understanding of the major time periods, social movements, and themes that characterize European History.  All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in May (1 credit; weighted on maximum 5 point scale).

Advanced Placement US Government and Politics is designed to give students the experiences needed to be successful on the College Board US Governments and Politics exam.  This course centers on the foundational, constitutional underpinnings of the United States.  Units of study include political parties, Congress, the presidency, the federal courts, civil rights, civil liberties, and the concepts of economics. Harkness discussion is utilized to form a basis for understanding the constitutional, judicial, and economic theories taught in the class.  Students will also be expected to recall specific facts and create connections between those facts and theories in historical writing assignments.  All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in May (1 credit; weighted on maximum 5 point scale).

Advanced Placement US History is designed to give students the experiences needed to be successful on the College Board US History exam.  In addition to the units of study in the college preparatory US History course, students will be expected to have an exhaustive understanding of the dates, movements, and themes throughout all of America’s history. Specific time and attention is given to historical writing in the form of document-based questions. While Harkness discussion is still utilized to help students make thematic connections, a greater emphasis on the breadth of the knowledge base is required in this course.  All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in May (1 credit; weighted on maximum 5 point scale).