Course Descriptions

World History

This survey of human history is required of all Freshmen.  It is a chronological and topical study of the humankind's social and political development from the beginning of written records through the 20th century.

The first semester will begin with the earliest river valley civilizations and move through an overview of early Asian, African, and Native American history, to a more detailed examination of ancient Greece and Rome.  Study of the major religions of the world is included in this first semester.  

The course then examines Europe's Middle Ages as a transition between ancient and modern times.  The second semester examines the European exploration and colonization of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.  It also explores the development of modern political systems and nation-states.  It examines the social, political, and industrial revolutions of the 18th, 19th, and 20thn centuries.  The course concludes with the two world wars and an examination of the world since 1945.  

Textbook Farah, M., & Karls, A. 2001. World history: The human experience. New York, New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.     

United States History

This survey of American History is open to upperclassmen who have completed the World History course.  United States History investigates the political, social, and economic history of the American people from the Age of Exploration to the present.  Major events such as the American Revolution, the Constitutional Convention, the Civil War, and the two World Wars receive special emphasis.  Classes explore such recurring issues as revolution, depression, race relations, imperialism, and civil rights in their historical setting.  All students must complete this course in order to graduate from Prep.  

Textbook  Appleby, J., & Brinkley, A. 2003.  The American vision. New York, New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.