History
The study of history is global in its approach and grounded in the chronological study of human activities from pre-history to the present. History courses cover some dates of battles and exploits of kings, but students also study the religious beliefs, philosophical values, aesthetic sensibilities, and the cultural mores of each era and place. Furthermore, the histories of those traditionally “without history” — the women, the children, the poor, and cultures outside of the mainstream — are studied to provide a fuller sense of human endeavor.
In sixth grade world geography students study both physical geography of the land and human geography of demographics, economics, culture and our impact on the environmental. In seventh grade, student study United States history, examining not only the major events and figures but also the daily life, social and political movements, and the experiences of a wide variety of Americans. History 8, 9, and 10 together offer an integrated chronological sequence of almost the entirety of world history. At the upper division level, United States history is offered as both regular and Advanced Placement sections. In twelfth grade, students take in the first semester either civics or Advanced Placement Government to prepare them to be engaged citizens. They have the option of continuing in the second semester to explore in depth the modern Middle East.
Each year’s course comprises a survey of major movements and events combined with in-depth studies of selected areas of interest. At each level, students undertake individual research projects that develop valuable skills and add greater depth to understanding of the era. Class format includes lectures, discussions, group study activities, simulations, student presentations, debates, mock trials, slide shows, and films. In all grades, but especially during middle school years, assignments and course expectations are designed to give students opportunities to practice such skills as note-taking, material organization, time-management, test preparation techniques, cooperative skills, and clear oral and written expression.
In all courses, a general text provides overall structure to the course content. Extra readings, such as primary sources, secondary sources, historical literature, mythology, and other real and fictional voices from the past promote a more vivid understanding of remote historical ages. These readings train students to approach texts critically and identify bias and its effect upon message.
To see a complete listing of course descriptions please use the Curriculum Catalog.
Santa Cruz County National History Day Competition
Saturday, March 17
Great Hall at Kirby, 425 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz
National History Day is a national history-research competition that judges group and individual projects at a variety of levels: school, county, state, and national. This is the second ever Santa Cruz County National History Day contest, and the theme this year is “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” For more information about the county contest, or to register your school or students, contact Kirstin Olsen at kolsen@kirby.org or (831) 234-5523. For more information on the competition, rules, formats, and past contests, go to www.nhd.org.
