Written by McD

History Department Course Descriptions

FRESHMAN YEAR

In order to guide incoming Freshmen with history course selection, the social studies department suggest that the results of the High School Placement Test (HSPT)  be averaged (reading, verbal, and language).  If the average score is:

• 78-99%: we suggest that the student enroll in Humanities I History 318 (H)
• 35-77%: we suggest that the student enroll in World History and Culture 310 (A)
• 1-34%: we suggest that the student enroll in World History and Culture 311 (B)

310 (A) World History and Culture - 1 year, 6/6, A, 1 credit, Prerequisite 35-77% on the HSPT

The course highlights the world's great civilizations from ancient times to the French Revolution.  The main objectives are to understand the geographic, economic, political, and cultural factors that shaped and affected modern nations.  Emphasis is placed on cause and effect, action and reaction to events and challenges.

311 (B) World History and Culture - 1 year, 6/6, 1 credit, Prerequisite 1-34% on the HSPT

The scope of this global approach to World History is from the development of the ancient civilizations to the present cultural changes in the world.  The content, concepts, and supportive skills direct and reinforce a firm foundation for historical thinking.  Geography and basic research and writing skills are stressed.

318 (H) Humanities History I - 1 year, 6/6, H, 1 credit, Prerequisite 78-99% on the HSPT

This course is the first half of a team-taught, sequential Humanities program beginning with human evolution and concluding (at the end of sophomore year) with the French Revolution and its ramifications.  The historical framework coordinates with the literature and includes aspects of philosophy, religion, anthropology,science, and art.  Humanities History I must be taken in conjunction with Humanities English I.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

320 (A) Modern World Studies - 1 year, 6/6, A, 1 credit

This course is broken into two main areas of study.  The first semester emphasizes the study of geography, the second semester focuses on war and peace throughout Europe and the world from the 18th century tot he end of the 20th century.

323 (B) Modern World Studies - 1 year, 6/6, B, 1 credit

This course is broken into two main areas of study.  The first semester emphasizes the study of geography; the second semester focuses on war and peace throughout Europe and the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.  This course is also designed for students to be able to identify key concepts, list and define vocabulary, and develop an interest in the content area.

324 (A1) British Studies History - 1 year, 6/6, A1, 1 credit, Prerequisite Teacher Recommendation

This course offers an analysis of English history with an in-depth study of the reigns of English Kings from Richard II to Richard III.  This will be combined with the course in Shakespeare's plays which covers the same period of history.  An evaluation and comparison of factual history and Shakespearean history is studied.  This course is team-taught and must be taken in conjunction with British Studies English.

328 (H) Humanities History II - 1 year, 6/6, H, 1 credit, Prerequisite Humanities I (318)

This course is the continuation of Humanities History I, covering the Middle Ages and continues through the French Revolution.  This course must be taken in conjunction with Humanities English II.

JUNIOR YEAR

330 (A) American History I/Government - 1 year, 6/6, A, 1 credit

This is a survey course in American History and Government.  Study begins with the collision of cultures from Europe, Africa, and the Americas and ends with the Civil War.  The course is designed for students to be able to identify key historical figures, analyze historical data, and compare influential eras.

331 (B) American History I/Government - 1 year, 6/6, B, 1 credit

This is a survey course in American History and Government.  Study begins with the collision of cultures from Europe, Africa, and the Americas and ends with the Civil War.  The course is designed for students to be able to identify key historical figures, list and define historical vocabulary, and develop an interest in history and government.

338 (H) American History I/Government - 1year, 6/6, H, 1 credit, Prerequisite 80% in British Studies, 90% in Modern World Studies

This is a survey course in American History and Government.  Study begins with the collision of cultures from Europe, Africa, and the Americas and ends with the Civil War.  The course is designed for students to be able to interpret historical data, describe and comprehend large amounts of information, and write succinct essays and research papers.  The course includes an introduction to document-based question techniques.

JUNIOR/SENIOR ELECTIVES

341 (A1) Psychology - Accredited "Dual Credit" course from Alvernia University, 1 year, 6/6/ A1, 1 credit, Prerequisite 85% in academic history course

This course is designed as an introduction to psychology.  Some of the topics studied are the history of psychology, the psychological basis of behavior, perceptions, learning, memory, intelligence, developmental psychology, abnormal behavior and treatment, and social psychology.  This course has also been approved by Alvernia University.  Therefore, students may also receive (for an additional fee) three (3) college credits upon successful completion of the course.  This course is an elective for Juniors and Seniors only.  As an elective, it cannot be substituted for either American I or American II History.

343 (A1) Introduction to Sociology - Accredited "Dual Credit" course from Alvernia University, 1 year, 6/6 A1, 1 credit, Prerequisite 85% in academic history course

This course is designed as a general introduction to Sociology.  Some of the topics studied are examining social life, cultural diversity, social conformity, and adaptation, social structure, the adult in society, deviance and social control, race relations and social institutions.  This course has also been approved by Alvernia University.  Therefore, students may also receive (for an additional fee) three (3) college credits upon successful completion of the course.  This course is an elective and therefore it cannot be substituted for either American I or American II History.

345 (H) American Government - Accredited "Dual Credit" course from Alvernia University, 1 year, 6/6, A1, 1 credit, Prerequisite 85% in academic history course

This course looks at the American government process.  It will begin with a study of the U.S. Constitution and the election process and then review each major branch of government.  Particular attention is paid to current events as they relate to American government, the Constitution, and the rights of American citizens.  This course has also been approved by Alvernia University.  Therefore, students may also receive (for an additional fee) three (3) college credits upon successful completion of the course.  This course is an elective for Juniors and Seniors only.  As an elective, it cannot be substituted for either American I or American II History.

SENIOR YEAR

348 (H) American History II/Economics - 1 year, 6/6, H, 1 credit, Prerequisite (H) American I or (A) American I, Teacher Recommendation

This is a survey course which begins with the Reconstruction Era and ends with current events in U.S. government, economics, and society.  Students will emphasize an expanded scope and sequence of topics.  Writing, individual research, and extensive reading are required.

353 (B) American History II/Economics - 1 year, 6/6, B, 1 credit

This is a survey course that is designed as a continuation of American history I.  Study begins with Reconstruction and concludes with current events in U.S. government, economics, and society.  The course is also designed for students to be able to identify key historical figures, list and define historical vocabulary, and develop an interest in history and economics.

357 (A) American History II/Economics - 1 year, 6/6/ A, 1 credit

This is a survey course that is designed as a continuation of American History I.  Study begins with Reconstruction and concludes with current events in U.S. government, economics, and society.  General economic terminology is incorporated into lessons and students should be able to identify key historical figures, analyze historical data, and compare influential eras at the conclusion of the course.

358 (AP) American History II/Economics - 1 year, 6/6, AP, 1 credit

This course is designed to provide a college-level experience in United States history.  APUSH stresses content from the Civil War to present while emphasizing the interpretation of primary and secondary documents, promotion the mastery of content information, encouraging the writing of critical essays, introducing historiography, and developing historical themes.  All students enrolled in Advanced Placement United States History are required to take the AP test in May.