“Walker’s is [what] strengthened my passion and devotion for community service.”
MS History
By its very nature, history is a synthesizing discipline which seeks to clarify contemporary issues and concerns in light of past experience and changing concepts that invite us to rethink the record of human experience. In all courses our goal is to lead students to an awareness of the forces and conditions that transform human society. We are committed to developing the basic competencies for academic achievement — critical reading, reasoning, writing, speaking, listening, and effective research skills. Our objective is to enable our students, through thoughtful examination of the human environment, past and present, and the development of basic competencies, to gain a deeper understanding of their social, cultural, and physical environments and to empower them with the tools they will need for a lifetime of learning.
Courses in this department:
History
American Identity
Students begin the year by examining cultural encounters set in motion by the arrival of Europeans to the Americas, and conclude their study of American History with a detailed discussion of Reconstruction. They finish the year by picking a cultural event in American History of their choice to explore in a research paper. Students use primary documents as well as discussion and video to understand everyday life and significant events that have shaped American society. Essay writing is a skill that is emphasized throughout the course. Students are taught to write outlines that provide a sound structure for these essays. The use of thesis statements, supporting evidence, and primary sources to strengthen their writing is also learned. Students are assessed based on nightly homework assignments, tests, and occasional reading quizzes.
Required course for Grade 8
Ancient Cultures
Ancient Cultures is offered in conjunction with Modern Cultures. Ancient Cultures begins with a detailed look at how historians learn about the past. Through discussions about prehistory, written documents and material remains, students identify the sources that inform the study of history. This year-long course primarily focuses on the study of ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and China. In each unit, students gain an appreciation for the geography, government, art and architecture, religion, daily life, and major achievements of each civilization. With a combination of individual and group work, students learn analytical and critical thinking skills while also developing collaborative skills.
Required course for Grades 6 and 7
Offered alternating years; will be offered in 2013-2014
Modern Cultures
This course focuses on the same regions of the world during different time periods. This class allows students to see that landforms and resources that affected life thousands of years ago still affect people today. Students who learn about Ancient Egypt in Ancient Cultures will learn about Northern Africa in Modern Cultures. Other regions covered will include the Middle East and East Asia. Before studying specific regions, students will undertake a unit on reading and understanding maps, as well as a unit on important "geography" terms, including the study of geography itself, climate, and vegetation.
Required course for Grades 6 and 7
Offered alternating years; will be offered 2012-2013
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– Friya, ‘11
