History Curriculum

Philosophy

The history program at Saint David’s reflects the mission of the school to "engender intellectual curiosity" in students and to educate them “through deliberate moral introspection and critical analysis of ideas and issues.” To achieve these objectives, we emphasize creating opportunities for students to think like historians, reflect on what they are learning, and make connections among historical ideas. Teachers bring passion to their instruction; draw on multiple resources, venues, instruction and assessment methods; use activities centering on active processes of research and interpretation; and think of themselves as guides rather than mere dispensers of information. Our students are valued as learners and given opportunities to develop the tools they need to think independently and critically. It is our aim that our graduates regard the study of history as compelling, important, and enjoyable.

Goals

• To possess a love for the study of history and to respect cultural, ethnic, gender, and religious diversity in our world.
• To interpret and analyze the stories of history through the study of influential civilizations, individuals, ideas, and events.
• To explore geography, economics, government, civics, the arts, and current events in a historical context.
• To recognize cause-and-effect, as well as the interplay of time, place, and culture in history.
• To interpret primary and secondary historical sources critically and objectively by noting the point of view and possible bias of the author.
• To learn of the origins and evolution of the democratic ideas that bind us together as American citizens.
• To embrace one’s civic responsibility and value being a contributing member of school, local, national, and global communities.