History

The program in the History Department leads the student to a knowledge of man as he lived in the past and as he relates with society in the present, so the student might comprehend the complexities of his own life and be capable of making mature judgments regarding men and ideas of his own time. In the acquisition of skills and knowledge in history and social sciences, the student is challenged beyond simply mastering certain factual data. He develops his intellect through practice in the skills of analysis and synthesis. He learns how historians and social scientists select evidence and make use of primary and secondary sources. He is encouraged to grow intellectually through active class participation, through extensive reading assignments, through writing interpretive and research essays, and through independent work in primary and secondary sources.

Courses

HS001 HS051 HS101 HS201 HS301 HS401 HS403 HS405 HS602 HS606 HS609 HS610

World Cultures 07 US History 08 Ancient & Medieval History European History American History Contemporary US History International Relations Introduction to Philosophy AP European AP American AP US Government & Politics AP Economics

HS001 World Cultures 07 6cr {07} RQ

This course is designed to provide the student with an "insiders" perspective of the various cultures of the world. Specifically, it encourages the student to view civilizations very different from his own with a sensitivity and appreciation for the richness and diversity of mankind. In short, the course has as its focus the exploration of the various customs, values, histories and lives of the world's peoples. Such an exploration is intended to challenge the student to reflect on his own Western culture as well as on our common humanity. The contents of this course are examined through lectures, readings, films, discussions and activities.

HS051 US History 08 6cr {08} RQ

This course will explore the major themes of United States history from the Age of Exploration to the Civil War. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the Age of Exploration, Colonial development, the American Revolution, the Constitution and the Civil War. Because of the significant role our local (Morristown New Jersey) history has played in many of the above events / issues, we will examine the local history concurrent with the national development of the country. The overriding questions that we will ask as we go through the "big picture" historical development of the nation will be: What was happening in Morristown New Jersey during this time period? and What role did Morristown New Jersey play in shaping this country's development? As an age appropriate measure, a variety of local field trips will be woven into the curriculum, such as: Jockey Hollow, Washington's Headquarters, Waterloo Village, Ellis Island, Local Indian Tribes, etc.

HS101 Ancient and Medieval History 6cr {09,10} RQ

The student is introduced to the discipline of history by a selective approach to themes recurrent in the ancient civilizations of the western world. The student learns the basic historical methodology through a use of primary and secondary sources. Increasingly the student is encouraged to draw his own conclusions and insights about history. The important civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome are studied as is the Medieval period.

HS201 European History 6cr {10,11} RQ~HS605 [HS101]

This course surveys the years 1450 - present. Topics treated include: Renaissance and Reformation, dynastic and religious wars, Absolutism, Revolutions, Nationalism, Totalitarianism, economic life of the world community, and other topics in cultural and intellectual history. Students read, discuss, and analyze, in document form, the works of major historians. The textbook provides a basic chronological survey, and students utilize primary and secondary sources as provided by the instructor.

HS602 AP European History 6cr {10} EL [HS101, DptRec]

The course treats the major historical events of the period from the Reformation to the middle of the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed upon the political, economic and social developments of the period. Students are asked to engage in historical interpretation of documents and emphasis is placed upon analytical interpretation of historical events. Extensive reading in the works of major historians is required. Specific test skills are also treated. At the conclusion of the course, students take the AP European History exam, administered by the College Board.

HS301 American History 6cr {11,12} RQ~HS605 [HS201 or HS602]

The required course in the junior year is a chronological survey of American History from the period of exploration to the 1960's. Concentration on certain topics (as determined by the individual instructor) in political and social history superimposes a topical framework on the chronology. Areas of concentration include: Puritanism, colonial democracy, the Revolution, Constitution and the development of political parties, Jacksonian Democracy, causes of the Civil War and pre-war reform, slavery and abolition, freedom and migration of the black American, populism and progressivism, war and diplomacy in the 20th century, the growth and role of the federal government and the presidency in the twentieth century.

HS606 AP American History 6cr {11} EL [HS201 or HS602, DptRec]

The course considers the political, social and economic development of the US from the period of exploration through Gulf War II. Students interpret historical documents and evaluate historical interpretations. The works of outstanding historians are read. Significant attention is given to research, essay writing, and analytical skills required for test taking. At the conclusion of the course, students take the AP US History exam, administered by the College Board.

HS401 Contemporary US History 6cr {12} EL

Relying largely on current events, this course examines some key problematic issues in America today, including the economy, foreign policy, cultural issues, and the use of nuclear weapons. It also examines the growth and role of the federal government, with particular emphasis on the presidency. Finally, it studies post WWII foreign policy as it relates to the onset of the nuclear age. Specific topics include the Vietnam conflict, NATO, Central America and the Middle East, with a focus on the curent war on terrorism.

HS403 International Relations 6cr {12} EL

This course examines both the twentieth century history of the United States in foreign affairs and contemporary issues of international relations. By examining the rhetoric and actions of key US actors, it encourages students to try to understand foreign cultures, different economies and various ideologies. Finally, the course enables students to begin an evaluation of various foreign policies and of the nature of the world order.

HS405 Introduction to Philosophy 6cr {12} EL [DptRec]

Philosophy has traditionally been conceived as the discipline which attempts to achieve the most comprehensive understanding of reality and of the role of human existence. This course introduces students to fundamental philosophical issues concerning the nature of reality (metaphysics), the possibility of knowledge (epistemology), and the nature of value (ethical theory) through a reading of a number of important primary texts of thinkers such as Plato, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Spinoza, Liebnitz, Berkeley, etc.

HS610 AP Economics 6cr {12} EL ,[DptRec]

This is an introductory course in economics and includes consideration of individual and collective action conditioned by the availability of scarce resources. Students will develop an understanding of economic problems that face individuals and societies. Course content will deal with the following macroeconomic topics: Determinants of aggregate employment and national income, evaluation of government policies to alleviate inflation and unemployment, money and the banking system (Monetary Policy), International Trade and prospects for world trade. The course explores differing points of view in answering the four central questions confronted by any economic system: (1) What determines what is to be produced? (2) What determines how it is to be produced? (3) What determines how a society's productive output is distributed among its members? and (4) What determines the rate at which a society's productive capacity will grow? At the conclusion of the course the students take the AP MacroEconomics exam, administered by the College Board.

HS609 AP Governement & Politics 6cr {12} EL ,[DptRec]

This course undertakes an academically rigorous study of the structure and function of American Government. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of the formal and informal institutions of the US Government and the contribution each makes to the policy making process which influences our daily lives. Students will also study the relationship of the individual to government through political parties, interest groups, elections, and the media. In addition to content material, students will develop writing, critical thinking, research, and oral argument skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will take the AP US Government and Politics exam administered by the College Board.