HISTORY/Social Studies
Teachers in Baylor’s History and Social Studies Department prepare their students to make a positive difference in the world by elucidating the present through study of the past, cultivating self-directed learners equipped with essential college-level academic skills, and developing responsible local, national, and global citizens.
History / Social Science Progression: In the upper school, Baylor students take three consecutive years of History. Possible progressions are:
9th Grade - World History I
10th Grade - World History II or AP World History
11th Grade - U.S. History or AP U.S. History
Enrichment Opportunities
While doing so does not qualify to fulfil a required course or general graduation credits, students may further enrich their experience in the history department by participating in these clubs, activities, and groups:
- Harvard Model Congress
- Mock Trial
- Model UN
- Youth in Government
- History Club
CLASSES
Course Description: 9th Grade
World History I
World History I is a general introduction to the study of history and to some of the major developments, personalities and events that have shaped the modern world. Topics of study are drawn from across the world during the time frame from the Late Paleolithic to the Renaissance and serve as vehicles for the development and improvement of a wide range of student skills, including critical reading, formal essay writing, group collaboration, and primary document analysis. This year-long course is a requirement for freshmen.
Course Descriptions: 10th Grade
World History II
World History II is a continuation of World History I, covering some of the major developments, personalities and events from across the world during the last 500 years. The focus remains on developing and improving students' basic academic skills and on illuminating the historical roots of our modern world. This year-long course is a requirement for sophomores.
AP World History
AP World History is a year-long course focused on global history from Neolithic times to the present. Employing primary and secondary materials to study how the modern world is a product of the past, students consider prominent individuals, developments, patterns, and connections across six historical periods and five broad themes. Priorities are the development of analytical thinking skills, including comparison, chronological reasoning, and argumentation, as well as other essential academic skills such as critical reading, expository writing, and self-discipline. Students must take the AP World History Exam at the end of the school year. Admission to this college-level course is open to sophomores as an alternative to World History II and requires departmental approval.
Course Descriptions: 11th Grade
United States History
U.S. History is a year-long introduction to American history from colonial times to the present. Course content focuses on the major events and personalities that have created and shaped American political and cultural institutions. In addition, the course seeks to enhance students' responsibility for their studies while cultivating such essential skills as expository writing, note taking, primary document analysis, and class participation. Various student-driven projects and learning activities may be assigned at the discretion of each instructor. Course materials include reading assignments from a variety of online resources as well as digital documents provided by the instructor.
AP United States History
AP U.S. History is a year-long survey for self-motivated juniors seeking college credit or advanced standing. Students consider significant individuals, events, developments, and processes in American history, making connections between periods as they follow key themes throughout the year. This course prepares students for college by sharpening their critical reading, expository writing, and analytical thinking skills, with success heavily dependent on self-discipline and academic maturity. Course materials include a summer reading book, a standard college-level textbook, and supplementary readings, especially primary sources. Students must take the AP U.S. History exam in May. Enrollment is open to juniors and requires departmental approval.
Course Descriptions: Electives
AP Art History
AP Art History is a year-long, college level overview of painting, sculpture and architecture from prehistory to the present. Focusing on 250 works from diverse artistic traditions, students investigate art as human reflection, as a mirror of history, and as a driver of culture and society. The goal is to provide students with an in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. The course combines self-directed reading, research, and writing with class discussions, and course materials include a standard textbook as well as supplementary readings from a variety of sources. In addition to completing the requirements of the course, students must take the AP Art History Exam at the end of the school year. Admission to this course is open to seniors and requires departmental approval.
AP European History
AP European History is a year-long course focused on the politics, society, and culture of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. Primary and secondary sources are used to illustrate the changes experienced by European civilization over the course of 500 years. Students will learn about prominent individuals, movements in art and literature, as well as the main political events and ideologies of these centuries. This course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, reading comprehension and analysis, as well as expository writing. In preparing to take the required AP European History Exam in May, students write essays in various styles and complete assessments designed to facilitate success. Enrollment in this college-level course is open to seniors and requires departmental approval.
AP Human Geography
AP Human Geography is a year-long course focused on identifying, describing, and predicting the patterns of activities associated with human settlement and occupation of the earth. Students use models and case studies to understand patterns of population, migration, language, religion, ethnicity, development, agriculture, industry, services, and city planning. The course focuses on analytical thinking skills, especially deduction, extrapolation, and the recognition of patterns, as well as on practical skills like the ability to write clearly and specifically. In addition to completing the requirements of the course, students must sit for the AP Human Geography exam in May. Admission to this college-level course is open to seniors and requires departmental approval.
American Government
Americans are still arguing over how their government should work, even though what started as an experiment over 200 years ago is now regarded as the world's leading democracy. American Government is a one-semester elective which explores the origin, development, and functions of American's governmental system. With the U.S. Constitution as a starting point, particular topics of study include the division of powers, individual rights and responsibilities, the development of a true democracy, political parties, money and politics, and the role of government in contemporary American social, economic, political, and foreign affairs. Course materials include primary and secondary sources selected from traditional and modern media of every sort.
Economics
Economics is a one-semester introduction to basic economic literacy. The goal is for students to understand how the American economy works and to interpret the news of the day. Students relate fundamental economic principles to domestic and international events, consider the economic aspects of their own lives (including personal finance), and examine current business practices and problems. The preferred format for the class is the college seminar, and conversations can be wide ranging and challenging. Course materials include a standard economics text and supplementary readings.
History of Entrepreneurship
Modern entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk have created some of the largest and most impactful companies in the world by leveraging new technologies into companies. Why and how do these startups impact society? How do you create a company? Starting with a survey of historically important innovations such as the printing press, electricity, the internet, and cryptocurrency, this semester-long class examines how innovations and the companies they create have impacted history and today. From start-up to exit, students also learn about the life cycle of building a company from scratch. Leveraging local and national experts as guest speakers, this course supplements its historical perspective with real-world case studies. Students also use the knowledge gained during the course to develop their own startup business plans.
Ethics
Ethics examines fundamental questions of "right" and "wrong," which have challenged human beings throughout history. What makes something good or right? What is a good or right way to live? How can we know the answers to these and other questions that are basic to our lives? When we differ in our answers, how can we live together with mutual integrity and respect? Why, if at all, does morality matter? These questions and the answers to them form the foundation of this semester-long course. Through fiction, film, biography and texts from across the world and across time, students have an opportunity to examine both their own historical and cultural contexts and those of others who may be quite different. In addition, they have an opportunity to develop their own moral perspective. In the area of applied ethics, students select a topic relevant to the course and of personal interest, take steps to act in ways consistent with their moral convictions and reflect upon the learning that results from living out one's moral commitments. [ATHLETES TAKE NOTE: This course no longer fulfills NCAA requirements.]
History of Christianity
This semester elective is a survey of the important biblical, theological, and world events that have shaped the Christian faith for nearly 2000 years. The course begins with the origins of Christianity as a movement within Judaism and the figures and councils that led to the development of early Christian doctrine. The course then discusses medieval Christianity including the rise of the papacy, monasticism, and the emergence of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy as two separate Christian movements. Detail will be given to the Reformation and the many Protestant denominations it continues to produce. The course concludes with considerations of Christianity in the modern world including various ecumenical, interfaith, and social movements. Upon completing the course, students will have an understanding of the biblical and theological teachings of Christianity, be exposed to a diversity of Christian practice around the world and develop an appreciation for the similarities and subtle differences between major Christian denominations.
History of Global Affairs and Modern Contemporary Issues
In this course, students gain a full introduction to International Relations. Through a thorough analysis of geopolitical and economic issues of the 21st Century, students examine contemporary global issues such as migration, border disputes, ethnic conflict, resource disputes, the rise of nationalism, ethnic cleansing, and the complicated web of alliances. Before diving into each topic, students investigate the history of the region in question in order to understand why life in the region is as it is today.
The History of the Middle East
In this course, students begin with a look at the region’s history of empires and imperialism. And then shift focus to examine the 20th and 21st centuries along with major events and topics of the Middle East region. Students examine the different ethnicities, religions, resources, levels of development, civil war, foreign invasions, sectarian violence, and birth and growth of terrorist groups within countries in the region. Completion of this course provides students with a better understanding of the geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance of the Middle East region.
History of the Modern United States
America enjoys the benefits of constant innovation, political and economic superpower status, and a democratic government. Nevertheless, many Americans believe their civilization is in decline, feel threatened by terrorists, and are alienated by modern politics. How did the country arrive at this juncture? History of the Modern United States is a semester elective which examines the origins of today's America in cultural and historical developments since 1945. Taking advantage of the abundant documentation available for modern times, including film, we explain the present by examining post-World War II developments in this country, from Silicon Valley to the Internet of Things, from the Cold War to 9/11 to the Islamic State.
Global History of Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict
In this course, students examine the artifacts, mentifacts, and sociofacts that create human cultures, how those cultures distinguish themselves from one another through the construct of ethnicity, and how they combine to weave the rich human tapestry. Students go on to examine how ethnicity and ethnic identity not only create distinctions and diversity but also contribute to divisions and discord. Through a close study of the concept of nations and nationalism, the class considers the modern concept of “the country” and the difficulties of forming and sustaining one peacefully with a multi-ethnic population. Over the semester, students investigate several current and historical case studies internationally including a close look at “the great American experiment.”
Global History of Women, Gender and Society
In this course, students begin with a study of women, gender, and society in the 20th and 21st centuries in the United States and consider issues of political and legal rights, social status, access to education, standing in the workplace, and positions of power. The class then looks on a global scale into issues faced by women and constructs of society. Students also investigate the history and status of women in other countries around the world. The overall goal is to compare how gender distinctions have shaped human experiences and opportunities across different cultures and countries from the 20th century to the present day.
History of World Religions
This one-semester elective examines the historical origins, central teachings, and devotional practices of the major world religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The goals of the course include student understanding of the essential doctrines and institutions of the world’s religions and an understanding of the similarities and differences of thought and practice among the traditions.
World War II in a Global Context
World War II resulted in at least 50 million deaths and changed the course of history. It laid the technological, political, and economic foundation of the modern era, and it raised serious philosophical questions about human nature and man's capacity for good and evil. This one-semester course is largely video-based, taking advantage of the enormous and growing archive of documentary films on the characters, events, and technological innovations of the war. Students also examine war era propaganda generated by both the Allies and the Axis powers. An important aim of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the conflict and of its importance to the world of today.