Social Studies Department
Overview
The History Department prides itself on the variety of courses offered and by the rigor of the program. The Department offers courses in US History, World History, Pacific Studies, Latin American Studies, Hawaiian History, Sociology, and Psychology. AP courses are offered in Psychology, European History and American History. Students in history classes learn to be good writers, good debaters, good speech makers, and good analytical thinkers. The History Department will continue to take pride in preparing students to be well informed, culturally and intellectually aware citizens of the world.
9th grade: Students take one semester of Hawaiian History. During their
freshman year, students have no choice as to the level of history class. That is, there is no Honors or AP Hawaiian History. This counts for 0.5 history credits.
10th grade: Students must take a full year of world history. However, now students must choose between a regular (sophomore) level course, and an AP World history course. The AP is more reading and writing intensive, and at the end of the year, students are required to take the standardized AP exam that is written by ETS. (All history department AP courses are similar in requirements and work level to AP World).
11th grade: Students must take a full year of United States history. Again, students must choose between a regular (junior) level course, and an AP United States history course. During the junior year, some students may choose to take history department electives.
12th grade: If students have not taken at least 3 credits in history by their 12th grade, they must complete their last half credit this year. They may do that by taking one of the one semester electives offered that year. These classes frequently change. For current listing see the course catalog. Students may of course choose to earn more than 3 credits in history.
Possible careers in the field of Social Studies:
- Anthropologist
- Art Historian
- Civic Service
- Economist
- Foreign Affairs
- Historian
- Lawyer
- Museum Curator
- Politician
- Psychologist
- Sociologist
- Stockbroker
- Teacher
_________
AP European Studies
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
This course gives students an in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the development and contributions of Europe during the past 500 years, beginning chronologically, from the Italian Renaissance and Reformation to the world of the 21st century. The main focus is to refine critical thinking skills. Current events are an important part of this course. Students also trace political, economic, social, cultural, ecclesiastical, and intellectual change and are introduced to different systems of government. Students will take a standardized Advanced Placement examination in May. Those who score well may receive college credit.
AP World History
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course emphasizes relevant factual knowledge in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. Periodization, explicitly discussed, forms an organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity throughout the course. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with the consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study.
AP Psychology
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Senior classification (Juniors with approval from the assistant headmaster). Grade 12+ level reading competency.
This is a year course recommended for seniors. Juniors may take the course with department approval. Students entering this course should be competent readers (grade 12+ level) with excellent study skills.The course is designed to introduce students to the scientific approach to understanding the mental processes and behavior of human beings. The five major domains of psychology will be explored, including psychology and its methods, life span development, bio-psychological, cognitive, and socio-cultural. Students will learn about significant contributions to the field of psychology over the past century and explore psychologists’ differing theories. Assessment is primarily through chapter tests. Students will be expected to write essays and complete quarterly projects. The course is designed to prepare students for the AP Psychology exam in May.
AP United States History
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and teacher recommendation
This course is taught as a college-level survey of United States History. While narrative and chronological in style and content, special emphasis is placed on understanding historical interpretation and analysis. Students will take a standardized Advanced Placement examination in May. Those who score well may receive college credit.
Ethics in History – A Course in Applied Ethics
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces students to the foundational theories of ethics and encourages application of these theories to global, national, communal, and personal ethical issues and dilemmas.
Hawaiian History
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Modern Hawaiian History is a required course for all incoming freshmen. This course seeks to provide a solid and thorough foundation in understanding important historical events focusing on the time period between 1893 and the end of the 20th century.History Seminar: Historical Analysis of Genocide
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This semester course defines and researches instances of genocide in history. This course will cover some of the theoretical explanations on the causes of genocide, review historical events, as well as discuss the implications of genocide in relation to human nature. The course can be divided into several parts: history and theoretical background to the academic discipline of studying genocide, the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, the Cambodian genocide, the Rwandan genocide, a study of current events in Darfur, and a concluding analysis of theory and prevention of genocide. If time permits, we will discuss other instances of genocide.History Through Film
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the analysis of films as they relate to the historical period in which they were produced. Students view about 12 films per semester—ranging from the very beginning of motion picture making in the United States to some of the most recent movies released by Hollywood—and write a short paper (2-3 pages) for each film.
World History Honors
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Sophomore, junior, or senior classification
This course provides students with a perspective on people and events that have helped shape and form the present world. The class progresses chronologically, beginning with the Sumerians and ending with the world of 2008. The material concentrates on the progression of Western history, becoming more of a world history course when entering the 20th century. World History Honors is designed for students planning to take AP Social Studies courses during the last two years of their Upper School career.
Introduction to World Religions
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to some of the world’s religious traditions and how those traditions impact our world globally. Students learn the seven dimensions of religion identified by scholars that include experiential, mythic, doctrinal, ethical, ritual, social, and material.
Economic I
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces students to microeconomic concepts including demand, supply, the price system, and market structures. Content is connected to current events and everyday life. Students engage in activities to develop practical life skills and complete a final project at the end of the semester.
Economic II
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces students to macroeconomic topics including government revenue and spending, fiscal policy, the Federal Reserve, and international trade and globalization. Content is connected to current events and everyday life. Students engage in activities to develop practical life skills and complete a final project at the end of the semester.
Psychology I
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on two important themes in psychology: human development over the life span and the biological bases of behavior. Related topics including sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, stress and health are covered. Throughout the semester, emphasis is placed on the scientific approach to understanding psychology and the contributions of major theorists including Piaget, Erikson, and Maslow. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, participate in activities designed to develop self-understanding and complete a final project.
Psychology II
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the cognitive domain of psychology including learning, memory, language and intelligence. Socio-cultural issues in psychology are addressed including psychological disorders and their treatment. Throughout the semester, emphasis is placed on the scientific approach to understanding psychology and the contributions of major theorists including Pavlov, Skinner and Freud. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, participate in activities designed to develop self-understanding and complete a final project.
Sustainable Living
Term: 1 or 2 semesters
Prerequisites: junior or senior classification
The purpose of this course is to understand the impacts of our contemporary industrial society on humanity and our environment and to discover and practice sustainable living solutions. Sustainable Living is divided into five units—Food and Water, Clothing, Shelter, Energy and Recreation. Each unit consists of classroom research that includes readings and presentations that illustrate the economic, political, social and environmental issues related to that topic. Following the research, each unit will conclude with a hands-on project. Students who complete this course will leave with the knowledge to make an educated plea for change and some practical skills to make that change happen.
United States History
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification
This course is a survey of our nation’s past from the colonial period to the 1970s. Students are expected to build an understanding of the events, individuals, and trends that were critical to the country’s development, utilizing a variety of sources to complement the text. Emphasis is placed on mature and well-organized writing supported by historical evidence.
World History
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
World History provides students with a perspective on people and events that have shaped much of the environment in which they live. This course progresses chronologically, beginning with the ancient Sumerians and ending with the world of the 21st century.
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