History

In this course, students investigate developments from 1450 through the global crisis of World War I. We trace the rise and fall of empires across the world and consider the impacts of increased trade and cultural interaction during the first global age. Then, we explore the political, economic, and social revolutions of the late 18 th through 19 th centuries. Finally, we examine the causes and course of World War I. To end the year, students will immerse themselves in a model UN-style diplomacy simulation where they grapple with the difficulties of rebuilding the world in 1919. Along the way, students cultivate the reading, writing, and research skills necessary for success at the secondary level. Full-year, one credit

In this course, students trace the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments from World War I through the present in order to understand how our current world came to be. Particular attention is paid to the ways that global forces shaped the experience of each region of the world. To conclude the course, students participate in a model UN-style diplomacy simulation focused on the global climate crisis. This diplomacy project serves as a capstone that requires a synthesis of students’ knowledge of world history and the application of research, writing, and public speaking skills developed in the World History courses. Full-year, one credit

The major focus of this course is the development of the American nation as its population has diversified, its economy has matured, and its responsibilities have multiplied. The course emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of historical information. Students read primary documents, as well as a basic textbook. Class discussions, lectures, and films help students integrate and appreciate what they are reading; additionally, they learn to synthesize ideas and facts by writing a major research paper. The Advanced Placement curriculum emphasizes various interpretations of American history and requires students to complete a substantial amount of college-level reading and writing. Full-year, one credit

This honors course will grapple with the history of American democracy by investigating important moments of tension in our nation’s past and imagining how we would have made difficult and important decisions if we had been alive at the time. Rigorous analysis of these difficult moments will help us build a robust understanding of the dilemmas of democracy and inform our response to issues of democracy today. The course will utilize case studies developed by Harvard Business School and effective participation in case-method discussions will be essential to success in the course. This course fulfills the United States History requirement. Full-year, one credit

The purpose of this class is twofold: first, to use historical and literary resources to explore the role of law in American society; and second, to prepare for participation in the annual statewide Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the Mass Bar Association. Readings, discussions, films, and other resources support the study of specific court cases in history and literature and provide an introduction to legal issues prominent at different times in American history. Additionally, the mock trial portion of the class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about legal methods and the legal process. This course does not fulfill the history graduation requirement. Full-year, 1/2 credit​​​​​​​

This course introduces students to the field of psychology, which helps to explain why people think and act the way they do. Topics include: the biological basis of mental processes and behavior, cognition, development and learning, social psychology and personality, and mental and physical health. Students will also learn to connect psychological concepts and theories to real-life scenarios, interpret data, analyze psychological research studies, and make and support claims based on psychological research. Full-year, one credit

Relying on textbook readings, MIT OpenCourseware lectures, and in-class discussion sessions, problem sets, and supplementary work, this course provides a true college-level introduction to the fields of microeconomics and macroeconomics. In microeconomics, we explore the fundamentals of supply and demand in a market economy by focusing on the factors influencing the decisions of consumers and producers, and we consider how those decisions play out under the conditions of perfect competition, oligopoly, and monopoly. In macroeconomics, we examine how principles of economics apply to an economic system as a whole. Topics in macroeconomics will include national income, economic performance measures, the financial sector, monetary policy, economic growth, economic inequality, and international economics. At the conclusion of this course, students will be prepared to take both the AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exams. Prerequisites: successful completion of United States History and strong math skills. Full-year course, one credit

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 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 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. Full-year, one credit

This one-semester college-style seminar delves deeper into the historical complexities of class, gender, and race/ethnicity in the United States (within a global context) and the ways in which these topics have shaped policies, practices, and cultural norms. Features of this course include the opportunity to explore local historically significant sites in Massachusetts, archival materials, personal narratives, and historical documentation of moments of resistance, resilience, and progress. Semester 1, 1/2 credit. 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 prominent 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. Semester 1, 1/2 credit

This course is required for students interested in gaining recognition as a Thayer Academy Global Scholar. The course encourages 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 examine the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and evaluate the status of those rights in the world today; we connect with Thayer graduates and discuss their experiences as “global citizens;” we 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 develop an independent project to be completed in the second semester and presented to the community in the spring. Application required. Semester 1, 1/2 credit. Qualifies for Global Scholars.

This first-semester course explores the rich intersection of history and cinema during one of America’s most transformative decades: the 1950s. Students will delve into the cultural, political, and social dynamics of the post-war era. Through an analysis of iconic movies such as High Noon (1952), Rear Window (1954), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), and Some Like It Hot (1959), the class will examine how the movie industry channeled and shaped the anxieties, aspirations, and values of mid-century America. Topics will include post-war prosperity and its discontents, the Cold War and fears of communism, the rise of suburban and teenage culture, the emerging Civil Rights Movement, and the shifts in family structures and gender roles. Students will learn to critically analyze films as both artistic works and historical documents to gain deeper insight into the complexities of this pivotal era in United States history. Semester 1, 1/2 credit

In this psychology course, we 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 relies on nightly reading assignments, discussion, and review of both current and classic research in the field. Students 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. Semester 1, 1/2 credit

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. Semester 2, 1/2 credit

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 develop an independent project to be completed in the second semester and presented to the community in the spring. Application required. Semester 2, 1/2 credit. Qualifies for Global Scholars.

In this second-semester elective, students will explore the dynamic relationship between film history and American history, examining Hollywood’s portrayal of national crises and the cultural zeitgeist. Specifically, the course pairs classic movies with contemporary movies to understand how different eras of cinema illuminate similar issues throughout U.S. history. By comparing works such as Modern Times (1936) with The Florida Project (2017), Night of the Living Dead (1968) with Get Out (2017), and Thelma & Louise (1991) with Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), students can appreciate how filmmakers from different generations use diverse genres to address recurring themes. Through screenings, discussions, and projects, the course will provide a grounding in film history and investigate the ways that narrative film reflects, interrogates, and interprets its times. Semester 2, 1/2 credit

In this psychology course, we 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 relies on nightly reading assignments, discussion, and review of both current and classic research in the field. Students 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. Semester 2, 1/2 credit

In this course, students explore the relationship between sports and society in the United States. Students 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 depends upon a wide range of sources, including excerpts, articles, feature films, documentaries, and works of fiction. Semester 2, 1/2 credit