Social Science

The social science curriculum is designed to graduate students with a core of historical knowledge that will allow them to link the past to the present, and facilitate the understanding of the link between the personal and the general. Classes in philosophy, economics and psychology complement classes that cover US, World, European and Asian histories. Students are introduced to different philosophical concepts, the intricacies of research work, and the basic structures and process of our political and economic systems. Through unique interdisciplinary programs like IDC for Freshmen and Humanitas for Seniors, the social science department encourages students to gain a holistic approach to the cultural aspects of history.

World History I: History of China and History of the Islamic World
This two-semester course is part of the freshman Interdisciplinary Curriculum (IDC).In their history courses, freshmen study first China and then the Islamic World. Simultaneously, their English course includes novels, poetry, philosophy, short stories and religious texts from the Western, Chinese and Islamic traditions. Teachers work collaboratively to reinforce themes and content. This format teaches strong analytical skills and encourages a complex understanding of the relationship between philosophy, religion and historical development in China and the Islamic World.

World History II : Renaissance & Reformation and Revolutions
First semester of sophomore year, Renaissance & Reformation examines the establishment and development of societal institutions in Western Europe during the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation. Revolutions, second semester, gives students the opportunity for in-depth study of the French Revolution of 1789 and the Russian Revolution of 1917. Whereas the first semester explores the slow construction of societal institutions, the second semester focuses on the causes and processes that bring about rapid change as those structures are radically altered or eradicated. Chronologically, geographically and thematically, the course builds upon the concepts and skills taught during the ninth grade.

Humanitas
This is a required course for all seniors. First semester, Humanitas explores the political philosophies central to the Western canon including, importantly, the concept of the "social" contract in the historical context of the basic beliefs and ideals that underlie American democracy. This course presents the "American political culture" with its uniqueness and its dynamism. Second semester students apply their philosophical knowledge to the analysis of modern, post-World War II American history. Humanitas, is an interdisciplinary program in which students and faculty seek to draw connections among all the liberal arts and scientific disciplines they have studied during their high school years.

Economics
This one-semester elective course is designed to introduce students to the discipline of Economics. The course makes extensive use of games and simulations to help students derive fundamental Economic concepts through personal experiences. The intention of the class is to show students the ways in which Economics is both theoretically exciting and practically useful in understanding the world around them.

Psychology
This one-semester elective course is designed for eleventh and twelfth grades. It allows students to gain insight into many different fields of psychology, including cognitive, behavioral, developmental, abnormal, and social. Topics of study include the brain and behavior, consciousness and altered states (dreams, meditation, hypnosis, and psychoactive drugs), sensation and perception, memory, emotion and learning, personality and development (psychosocial and psychosexual), abnormal behavior (neurotic and psychotic), health, stress and coping.

U.S.History
The course explores the development of central ideas, institutions and practices in the United States. Students develop their familiarity with events and ideas in United States History in a chronological progression. At the same time, however, each unit focuses on themes in American identity and advanced skills relevant to the study of history in general. Juniors revisit the skills developed in earlier years to make sense of their own nation. They explore the connections between American philosophies and values, and national decisions and trace the establishment and development of our political institutions. Emphasis is placed on historical literacy and analysis.

U.S.History Honors
An advanced version of the U.S. History course open to students who have received an A- or better in World History II, and who have passed the English department Writing Proficiency Test. It follows the same timeline as the standard US history course, but students also read relevant novels and non-fiction to enhance the depth and breadth of their knowledge and their sense of historical context for major events.