Yearlong Courses

World History I focuses on the worldwide influence of political, social, and economic structures as well as the development of cultural and religious traditions. Students examine events before the rise of the first civilizations, Eurasia’s classical civilizations to 500 A.D., medieval civilizations in Eurasia through 1500, and civilizations outside of Eurasia . This course, the first part of a two-year sequence in history, helps develop student study skills, especially expository essay writing. [Full year. One credit. Open to freshmen.]

World History II examines the history of the world from 1500 to the present, especially the nature and transformation of civilizations in the Middle East , Asia , Africa , the Americas , and Europe . Through classwork, reading, essay writing, and research, students explore the interaction between these regions, competing economic and political systems, developing nationalism and the rise of the West, and industrial capitalism. This course is the second part of a two-year world history sequence but has no prerequisite. [Full year. One credit. Not open to freshmen; it should be taken by sophomores or juniors before taking U.S. History.  AP Modern European History may be taken in place of or subsequent to this course.] All LFA students must take World History II or AP Modern European History.

AP Modern European History examines the history of Europe from 1400 to the present, beginning with the Renaissance and the Reformation and progressing through the aftermath of World War II. This course examines traditional political and economic underclasses, emphasizing Europe ’s interaction with the rest of the world. Students receive special preparation for the AP exam, conduct individual research, perform independent reading, and learn to approach primary sources with the discerning eye of an historian.  [Full year. One credit. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors upon approval of the department.]

U. S. History surveys the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian period to the present, including the colonial period, national independence, slavery, the Civil War, urbanization and industrialization, the expanded role of the federal government, and the involvement of the United States overseas. Students review the U.S. Constitution and the operation of federal and state governments, and explore the experiences of women, workers, and ethnic and racial minorities. Students write a major research paper.  [Full year. One credit. Open to juniors and seniors who have taken World History II or AP Modern European History.] All LFA students must take U.S. History or AP U.S. History.

AP U.S. History covers similar topics to those in U. S. History but examines them in greater depth and devotes more time to considering changing historical interpretations. Instead of completing a single, large research paper, as is required in U.S. History, students in this course conduct smaller research projects throughout the year. This course also devotes time to preparing students for the sorts of essay questions which appear on the AP exam.  [Full year. One credit. Open to juniors and seniors who have taken World History II or AP MEH and with departmental approval.]

History Electives

NOTE: Seniors may take history electives upon request; juniors may take history electives upon approval of the department.

Fall Electives

Anthropology explores the diversity of cultures by studying various populations, their linguistics, art and culture, religion and magic, marriage and the family, attitudes toward race and sexuality and methods of conflict resolution.  Students use anthropological insights to consider their own place within the larger culture, complete an anthropological field study of an identifiable “mini-culture’ within the school community, and analyze the culture portrayed in a novel about West Africa . [Half year. Half credit.]

Economics introduces students to the basic principles of economics and their application and relevance to current public policy issues. Students examine the development of the contemporary global economy and are introduced to basic theoretical tools that help them analyze important economic and business issues. These tools include both micro- and macro-economic theory,  which the students use to solve economic problems and construct a research paper on the international economy.  [This course is open to seniors only. Half year. Half credit.]

Psychology focuses on the development of the individual.  Topics studied include learning, memory, the nervous system, motivation, emotion, perception, stages of development, personality theories, and abnormal behavior.  Students are required to keep a journal, which allows them to apply what they are learning from the class to their own experiences.  The goal of this course is to provide students with the concepts of basic psychology so that they might be better able to understand human behavior and their own development. [Half year. Half credit.] 

Twentieth-Century China    During the past 100 years, China has experienced dramatic change and has had a significant effect on world affairs. Students will examine the history of the world’s most populous country, from the collapse of imperial China through the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Topics will include the effects of imperialism, the government of Chiang Kaishek, the revolutions of Mao Zedong, and the reforms of Deng Xiaoping. Students will learn how changes in leadership and in political philosophy have affected China ’s people, its neighbors, and the world. Special attention will be devoted to related events in Korea and Japan . [Half year. Half credit.]

Twentieth-Century Middle East    Events in the Middle East have had a dramatic impact upon the world. It is becoming increasingly important to understand this region. This course will examine the Arab-Israeli conflict, Palestinian nationalism, and events in Iran and Iraq .  Emphasis will be placed on identifying the roots of conflict and the ways in which past events shape our present concerns. [Half year. Half credit.]

Spring Electives

AP Economics  Students study the organization of markets, theories of economic development, and the role of governments in all areas of the global economy.  Special attention is given to contemporary development concerns, such as issues in the economies of health, education, and the environment, as well as to the development of world trade and the expansion of global business. This course prepares students for the AP examinations in micro- and macro-economics. [Economics is a prerequisite. Half year. Half credit.]

The Cold War World  In the late twentieth century, the ongoing confrontation between the Soviet Union and the United States had a fundamental impact upon world affairs. This course will focus on the origins of this confrontation, its impact on Europe , Asia , Latin America and Africa , and its resolution and consequences.  Topics will include the nuclear arms race, NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan , and the fall of the Berlin Wall. [Half year. Half credit.]

The Vietnam War The United States’ defeat in Vietnam shattered America ’s confidence and sense of mission, and it continues to shape American policy decisions. The war also dramatically changed the lives of peasants, soldiers, and anti-war activists. This course will examine American policy in Vietnam , but it will also focus on the stories of individuals whose lives were affected by the war. [Half year. Half credit.]

World Religions offers an overview of major religions and examines the development of the different theologies, belief systems, worship practices and cultural expressions that surround our globe.  This course looks not only at the historical development of religions but also at the roles that religions and religious people play in contemporary world events. Students regularly bring in articles that focus on different world events involving religious beliefs.  The course does not require students to be personally religious, but calls for open-minded discussion and respect for faiths [perspectives] other than one’s own. [Half year. Half credit.]