Upper School History

This course is a college-level introduction to politics and government in the United States and seeks to prepare students for active, informed participation in civic life. We will examine the historical and philosophical origins of the U.S. Constitution and trace the ways that government institutions, laws, and political culture have changed over time as we grapple with modern political dilemmas. Students can expect to read and discuss a wide variety of “texts,” from the Federalist Papers and Supreme Court decisions to public opinion polling data and cable news clips. We will also learn to account for bias as we interpret data and develop evidence-based arguments about political issues of personal importance to each of us. Prerequisite: Successful completion of United States History. Meets 4 times per week.

This course is required for students interested in gaining recognition as a Thayer Academy Global Scholar. The course will encourage students to consider the meaning of “global citizenship” as we explore the role of national, multinational, and non-governmental organizations and assess their efforts in the areas of global health, education, human rights, and economic development. Together we will examine the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and evaluate the status of those rights in the world today; we will connect with Thayer graduates and discuss their experiences as “global citizens”; we will consider the limitations and the promise of NGOs as they set goals and try to improve our world; and with the support of the course teacher or another faculty mentor, students will develop an independent project to be completed in the second semester and presented to the community in the spring. Application required. Meets 4 times per week. Qualifies for Global Scholars.

By introducing basic economic theory and examining both micro and macro concepts, this course provides students with an understanding of the many ways economics affects people’s lives. These theories are examined under the critical eye of the main economic ideologies, an approach designed to give students a perspective on the differences of opinion that dominate current economic discussions regarding inflation, unemployment, military spending, and consumer protection. Meets 4 times per week.

In this psychology course, we will learn about some of the major areas of psychology (scientific research in psychology, learning and cognition, cognitive and social development over the lifespan, sleep and hypnosis, memory, motivation, personality, the treatment of psychological disorders) and topics in social psychology (attitudes, prejudice, conformity, obedience, attraction, antisocial behavior, prosocial behavior, etc.). Our exploration of the field will rely on nightly reading assignments, discussion, and review of both current and classic research in the field. Students will learn to be critical consumers of research studies and to understand the components involved in designing a good research study. If you are interested in gaining a more scientific and objective understanding of why we humans act the way we do, particularly in relationship to one another and in groups (the social context), this course will interest you. Meets 4 times per week.

This course is designed to study American Pop Culture (music, television, advertising, fashion, etc.) since 1950. Students will use a specific form of analysis called semiotics to look at various signs and symbols of American culture, with particular emphasis on race, class, and gender issues, to gain a greater understanding of each era and of cultural trends across the decades. Students will use a mixture of research, analysis, reasoning, and thoughtfulness to learn about American Pop Culture and to complete a variety of individual and group projects and papers. Meets 4 times per week.

This course is required for students interested in gaining recognition as a Thayer Academy Global Scholar. Building upon the work undertaken in the fall component of the course, and with the support of the course teacher or another faculty mentor, students will develop an independent project to be completed in the second semester and presented to the community in the spring. Application required. Meets 4 times per week. Qualifies for Global Scholars.

This course emphasizes the social, economic, and cultural history of Africa from ancient to modern time. The study of representative events and issues from selected areas of Africa enables students to develop an understanding of the complexities of African history and provides the background to study effectively the Afro-American experience. The latter portion of the course concentrates on nineteenth- and twentieth-century figures, events, and issues. Use is made of novels, biographies, monographs, and films. Meets 4 times per week.

In this psychology course, we will learn about some of the major areas of psychology (scientific research in psychology, learning and cognition, cognitive and social development over the lifespan, sleep and hypnosis, memory, motivation, personality, the treatment of psychological disorders) and topics in social psychology (attitudes, prejudice, conformity, obedience, attraction, antisocial behavior, prosocial behavior, etc.). Our exploration of the field will rely on nightly reading assignments, discussion, and review of both current and classic research in the field. Students will learn to be critical consumers of research studies and to understand the components involved in designing a good research study. If you are interested in gaining a more scientific and objective understanding of why we humans act the way we do, particularly in relationship to one another and in groups (the social context), this course will interest you. Meets 4 times per week.

In this course, students will explore the relationship between sports and society in the United States. Students will consider the importance of sports to local, regional, and national identity; the concepts of the hero, antihero, and role model; issues of racial and gender equality; positive and negative values promoted through sports; and connections between sports, religion, and politics. The course will depend upon a wide range of sources, including excerpts, articles, feature films, documentaries, and works of fiction. Meets 4 times per week.

This second semester senior course delves into the questions of how movies explore and reflect the ideas, values, and conflicts of their era. Students will examine the intersection of film history and major historical moments, treating film as a resource that helps us understand culture and society. Topics may include: the Great Depression; the Nazi regime’s use of film propaganda and the U.S. film industry’s own cinematic propaganda during World War II; the House on Anti- American Activities and the Hollywood Blacklist; Civil Rights and the black power movement; women’s rights and the Me Too movement. Students will be exposed to a variety of film genres from a wide span of film history, including comedy, drama, documentary, science fiction, and the western. Meets 4 times per week.