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

Ancient Cultures

Required course for Grade 6

Ancient Cultures is offered in conjunction with Modern Cultures. Ancient Cultures places an emphasis on how anthropologists and historians study 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.

Modern Cultures

Required course for Grade 7

This course focuses on the same regions of the world during modern 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, East Asia, Europe and North America. 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. They will then move into more abstract topics such as the concept of place, how trade affects an area, and the movement of ideas.

American Identity

Required course for Grade 8

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.

Reunion 2013

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Meet Allie, '13

Favorite class: Freshman year English class was my favorite so far. I have always been a perfectionist of sorts and my teacher made me see that perfection was the journey I took to get there combined with my finished results; not just the grade on my papers. - Allie, '13 Connecticut

“Walker’s is [what] prepared me for college.”

– Alicia, ‘01