History

Courses

• HS001 World Cultures 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.

• 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.

• HS400 Comtemporary Issues 6cr {12} EL

  This course examines the key problematic issues in our world today and relates the general trends of the 20th century to the current events of the 21st century. The course focuses on economic, scientific, cultural, political, and military issues which affect all areas of the globe. Topics covered include the Arab-Israeli conflict, modern Africa, our current global economic crisis, global warming, the global dependence on oil, alternative energies, and a history of terrorism throughout the 20th Century. All major current events will be discussed daily.

• 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]

  The discipline of philosophy attempts to develop a comprehensive vision of the world and human existence. This course introduces students to the fundamental philosophical questions concerning the nature of reality (metaphysics), the possibility of knowledge (epistemology), and the nature of value (ethical theory) by engaging seminal thinkers including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Hume, and Kant. The course content is examined through primary and secondary source materials, lectures, films, oral presentations, student projects, and class discussions.

• 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.

• HS604 AP World History 6cr {12} EL [Dpt Rec]

  AP World History offers motivated students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the processes that, over time, have resulted in increasing interactions of different peoples, societies, and cultures. The purpose of the course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies as well as comparisons among major societies. This understanding is achieved through a combination of factual knowledge and analytical skills. Students learn to “do history” by learning the steps a historian would take in analyzing historical events and evidence. The course offers balanced global coverage, with Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania all represented.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.