History | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

History 5 is a continuation of learning about 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. An introduction to primary source documents and personal accounts allows for an age-appropriate introduction to formal discussion. 

History 6 is an introduction to the major issues and events that have formed our nation's history from the First Americans & Pre-History to Reconstruction (1877). Students are introduced to the use of primary source documents and are challenged to think critically rather than simply recall facts. A highlight of this course is developing foundational historical writing and discussion skills.

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. Through the use of primary source documents, students analyze the cause and effect of historical American events. A highlight of this course is a trip to Washington, D.C., where students observe, reflect, write, present, and discuss American History firsthand.

History 8 is an introduction to the civilizations of the Ancient world from the Sumerians to the Romans. Units of study will focus on the historical events and cultures of Egypt, Babylon, China, and Greece using primary source documents whenever possible. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they analyze the geography, economics, and government within each culture.

American Government is a full-year course that introduces twelfth-grade students to the principles, structures, and processes of American self-governance. Beginning with the philosophical foundations of constitutional democracy, students progress through the three branches of government, federalism, economic policy, civil rights and liberties, elections and political participation, and the role of state and local governments. Throughout the year, students develop as readers and thinkers through primary source analysis, thesis-driven writing, research, and structured Harkness discussion (1 credit).

Business and Personal Finance is a required course for all students in the graduating classes of 2028 and beyond. The course equips students with the economic reasoning, financial literacy, and practical decision-making skills they will need as consumers, earners, and citizens. Students move through the economics of markets and business structures, marketing and consumer behavior, data and financial technology, banking and money management, accounting fundamentals, investing and credit, and risk management and insurance — building knowledge that compounds across units and applies directly to life beyond high-school. (1 credit).

European History provides a study of Modern Europe from the fall of Constantinople (approximately 1450) to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union (1990s). Emphasis is placed on the social, economic, cultural, political, and diplomatic history of this region (1 credit).

European History MAC covers the same examination of key historical events from 1500 A.D. to the present in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

United States History is a comprehensive study of the history of America from early European colonization to modern day. Through the use of primary source documents, students study the chronological time periods in American history, with emphasis given to themes that recur throughout the country's chronology through extensive Harkness discussions (1 credit).

US History MAC covers the same focused study of early influential civilizations in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

World Civilizations Honors covers the same units as the college-preparatory course with the addition of formal document-based questions and more extensive historical writing. This course is designed to prepare students to take AP European History in the following school year (1 credit; weighted on maximum 4.5 point scale).

World History will examine all key historical events from 1500 A.D. to the present era through the use of primary source documents and frequent Harkness discussions. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking by exploring the causes and effects of events and their impact in the present (1 credit).

World History MAC covers the same examination of key historical events from 1500 A.D. to the present in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

Advanced Placement European History provides an intense study of Modern Europe from the fall of Constantinople (approximately 1450) to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union (1990s). Emphasis is placed on the social, economic, cultural, political, and diplomatic history of this region. 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 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 economic concepts. 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. Students are expected to have an exhaustive understanding of the dates, movements, and themes throughout all of American history, with specific attention given to historical writing in the form of document-based questions. All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in May (1 credit; weighted on maximum 5 point scale).