The cultures of the ancient Middle East, China, India and sub-Saharan Africa are studied, as well as those of Classical Greece and Rome and medieval Europe. Students learn research techniques and complete a research paper. The major areas of focus include the Renaissance and Reformation, the development of the European state system, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolutions, the origins of Liberalism, Nationalism, Socialism, and Marxism, the world wars, the Russian Revolution, Fascism, and Europe during the Cold War. Skills emphasized include reading for understanding using both secondary, primary, and interpretive sources, map comprehension, and reinforcement of the basic writing and research techniques introduced in the freshman year.
All students write a thesis-based research paper.
Students work with a college level textbook and other primary and interpretive sources. In preparation for the AP exam, students complete a number of written assignments and document based questions. Tests are infrequent but inclusive with extensive objective sections reviewing both the factual and conceptual content of the material being examined. United States History is a traditional survey course from America's colonial origins to the present. The core of the course focuses on such basic themes as the historic experience of American society and culture, the U.S. Constitution and its continuing impact on government and law and the exercise of U.S. foreign policy.