While Voltaire
lamented that “history is a pack of tricks we play on the dead,” at
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy we think the study of history is the study of
the
human story. Central to this process is the practice of the written
argument.
Our students are taught to interpret ideas and events in a step-by-step
process, looking for cause and effect, constructing a logical argument.
Precision and clarity of expression creates the understanding of the
content
that we seek.
In all courses, our faculty urge students to become more knowledgeable
about
the many peoples, cultures, events, controversies and ideas that have
shaped
human history. Our students gain practical experience as historians by
reading
a range of sources, participating in discussion-oriented classes. Our
emphasis
is on the learning process, an endeavor linking teachers and students on
a
daily basis that fuels a life-long hunger for discovery – and the skills
and
tools that make it possible.
All required history courses have summer reading requirements.
Course Offerings
ANCIENT WORLD HISTORY
Grade 9
This course presents a study of the important people, events and trends of the ancient world beginning with prehistoric man and concluding with a study of the early Middle Ages. Emphasis will be placed on teaching an in-depth understanding of major trends and circumstances that impacted lives in both ancient and modern times. Particular attention will be given to the major economic systems, major religious systems, and the major cultural systems that defined man’s existence both then and now. Skill development will focus on library research, critical thinking skills and writing skills necessary for interpretation and synthesis.
MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Grades 10, 11, 12
The culture, religion, economics, politics and society of Africa, India, China and Europe from 1400 to the present will be examined. The course emphasizes the use of primary sources, rigorous daily discussion and the development of research, and writing skills. In addition to tests, quizzes, and homework assignments requiring a sophisticated level of interpretation, all students will complete an oral presentation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: English and history teacher recommendations based on classroom performance, a writing sample and a suggested ACT English or Reading score of 23 or higher.
Advanced Placement European History is a highly challenging course taught on the college level covering trends in Western Civilization from 1400 to the present. Students will complete summer reading assignments, analyze primary sources, complete extensive essay assignments and work on test-taking strategies including multiple choice and timed essay writing. Emphasis will be given to understanding the major historical trends from a cultural, political, religious, social and economic perspective. NOTE: Students who are accepted in AP European History will take a national Advanced Placement exam. Many colleges grant course credit or placement in an upper level course or both for a qualifying score on the exam.
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade 11
Designed to provide students with a chronological and thematic view of American history, this course begins with the Native American migration throughout the Americas and concludes with the present. The course content focuses on major historical events and their effect on United States history, major themes throughout United States history, and the analysis and interpretation of history. In addition, skill development will focus on critical thinking, writing and research. Finally, the course will attempt to link events of the past with contemporary American issues.
HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on classroom performance, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher.
A more rigorous version of U.S. History, this course requires more primary source reading, historical research and written analysis. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. The focus is the American Revolution to the twentieth century. Students investigate the various social and political factors that have shaped American democracy, the emergence of the United States as a world power, the economic problems caused by changing conditions and the various social forces and movements that have reshaped the basic fabric of American society.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on classroom performance, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher.
Advanced Placement U.S. History is designed to give students a foundation in both the chronology of American history and the major interpretative questions that derive from the study of selected themes. To prepare to the Advanced Placement exam in U.S. History as prepared by the College Board, special emphasis is placed on analysis of primary sources, reading comprehension and essay writing. NOTE: The demands placed on students in this course are equivalent to those of an introductory college-level history course. Many colleges grant course credit or placement or both for a qualifying score on the AP exam.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Grade 12
This course provides students the opportunity to take an in-depth look at American political institutions at all three levels of operation: local, state and federal. This course focuses on making connections between the theoretical and the practical by building upon the basic introduction to American political philosophy offered in U.S. History. Special emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding of the workings of each of the three branches of government and on the citizen’s role and obligation within the democratic framework. Use of primary sources, contemporary media and technological sources will enhance the learning experience. Skill development will focus on sophisticated interpretation and synthesis, making value judgments from informed positions, formal research, historical writing and oral presentations.
HONORS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on U.S. History achievement, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher.
This course is designed for the senior government student who wants the challenge of longer and more advanced reading and writing assignments than in American Government 12. Course content will include the constitutional underpinnings of United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, mass media, state and local government, the three branches of government, civil rights and liberties, and institutional and policy processes. Instruction will be provided in advanced research skills and critical analysis of political readings and current events. Students will be expected to develop competency in these areas.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on U.S. History performance, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher.
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics is a fast-paced course that will cover the following major content areas: constitutional underpinnings of United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, mass media, Congress, the presidency, bureaucracy, federal judicial system, institutional and policy processes, civil rights and civil liberties. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the analysis of current events throughout the year as they relate to the material. Students are expected to conduct most of their work individually in preparation for the AP exam at the end of the year.
Grade 9
This course presents a study of the important people, events and trends of the ancient world beginning with prehistoric man and concluding with a study of the early Middle Ages. Emphasis will be placed on teaching an in-depth understanding of major trends and circumstances that impacted lives in both ancient and modern times. Particular attention will be given to the major economic systems, major religious systems, and the major cultural systems that defined man’s existence both then and now. Skill development will focus on library research, critical thinking skills and writing skills necessary for interpretation and synthesis.
MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Grades 10, 11, 12
The culture, religion, economics, politics and society of Africa, India, China and Europe from 1400 to the present will be examined. The course emphasizes the use of primary sources, rigorous daily discussion and the development of research, and writing skills. In addition to tests, quizzes, and homework assignments requiring a sophisticated level of interpretation, all students will complete an oral presentation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: English and history teacher recommendations based on classroom performance, a writing sample and a suggested ACT English or Reading score of 23 or higher.
Advanced Placement European History is a highly challenging course taught on the college level covering trends in Western Civilization from 1400 to the present. Students will complete summer reading assignments, analyze primary sources, complete extensive essay assignments and work on test-taking strategies including multiple choice and timed essay writing. Emphasis will be given to understanding the major historical trends from a cultural, political, religious, social and economic perspective. NOTE: Students who are accepted in AP European History will take a national Advanced Placement exam. Many colleges grant course credit or placement in an upper level course or both for a qualifying score on the exam.
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade 11
Designed to provide students with a chronological and thematic view of American history, this course begins with the Native American migration throughout the Americas and concludes with the present. The course content focuses on major historical events and their effect on United States history, major themes throughout United States history, and the analysis and interpretation of history. In addition, skill development will focus on critical thinking, writing and research. Finally, the course will attempt to link events of the past with contemporary American issues.
HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on classroom performance, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher.
A more rigorous version of U.S. History, this course requires more primary source reading, historical research and written analysis. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. The focus is the American Revolution to the twentieth century. Students investigate the various social and political factors that have shaped American democracy, the emergence of the United States as a world power, the economic problems caused by changing conditions and the various social forces and movements that have reshaped the basic fabric of American society.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on classroom performance, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher.
Advanced Placement U.S. History is designed to give students a foundation in both the chronology of American history and the major interpretative questions that derive from the study of selected themes. To prepare to the Advanced Placement exam in U.S. History as prepared by the College Board, special emphasis is placed on analysis of primary sources, reading comprehension and essay writing. NOTE: The demands placed on students in this course are equivalent to those of an introductory college-level history course. Many colleges grant course credit or placement or both for a qualifying score on the AP exam.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Grade 12
This course provides students the opportunity to take an in-depth look at American political institutions at all three levels of operation: local, state and federal. This course focuses on making connections between the theoretical and the practical by building upon the basic introduction to American political philosophy offered in U.S. History. Special emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding of the workings of each of the three branches of government and on the citizen’s role and obligation within the democratic framework. Use of primary sources, contemporary media and technological sources will enhance the learning experience. Skill development will focus on sophisticated interpretation and synthesis, making value judgments from informed positions, formal research, historical writing and oral presentations.
HONORS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on U.S. History achievement, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher.
This course is designed for the senior government student who wants the challenge of longer and more advanced reading and writing assignments than in American Government 12. Course content will include the constitutional underpinnings of United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, mass media, state and local government, the three branches of government, civil rights and liberties, and institutional and policy processes. Instruction will be provided in advanced research skills and critical analysis of political readings and current events. Students will be expected to develop competency in these areas.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on U.S. History performance, a writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher.
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics is a fast-paced course that will cover the following major content areas: constitutional underpinnings of United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, mass media, Congress, the presidency, bureaucracy, federal judicial system, institutional and policy processes, civil rights and civil liberties. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the analysis of current events throughout the year as they relate to the material. Students are expected to conduct most of their work individually in preparation for the AP exam at the end of the year.
History and Social Sciences Electives
PSYCHOLOGY
Grades 10 (with instructor's permission), 11, 12
This course offers students an opportunity to explore practical applications of psychology as a means of better understanding themselves and others. Emphasis will be placed on studying the practical aspects of the discipline of psychology, as well as on gaining an understanding of how knowledge of psychology can benefit one in daily life. This course is not a prerequisite for Advanced Placement Psychology; however, students who take this course may subsequently take AP Psychology.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology achievement, recommendation of the history teacher and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher. This course is open to students who have completed Psychology.
Equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course, Advanced Placement Psychology is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology including research methods, biological bases of behavior, testing and individual differences, abnormal psychology and treatment of psychological disorders. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Thinking about how and why people perceive, feel, think and behave the way they do is the focus of this course. Anyone who has an interest in why people do what they do would enjoy this class.
PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS
Grades 11, 12
Presenting a broad overview of economic theory, development and application, this course introduces terms, definitions, policies and philosophies of market economies. It not only provides some comparison with other economic systems but also includes research and discussions related to microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts as well as personal finance. In addition to discussing and writing about these topics, students will complete individual and group projects, presenting their research before the class.
HISTORY OF FILM
Grades 10, 11, 12
In this course, students will study film from a historical, artistic and technical perspective. The goals are to help students understand how American culture is reflected on film and to help them watch film from a more analytical perspective. Watching and discussing about one movie per week, students will focus on short written assignments on genres, symbolism, mise en scene, lighting, music, camera angles and acting styles. They will study films in chronological order and explore the evolution of cinematic technique and style while gaining exposure to Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Jimmy Cagney, Orson Welles, Marlin Brando, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Alfred Hitchcock and other cultural icons of the twentieth century.
SENIOR SEMINAR: MODERNITY AND OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Score of 3 or higher on the AP European History exam and AP U.S. History with a recommendation from the instructor. Class size is limited to four students.
Taught by the Head of School in his office, this seminar-based course will examine the forces that shape our American Heritage. Students will revisit the constitutional tensions that built the under-girding of the American experience. Each student will be called upon to present position papers on topics and themes that will bridge the Age of Enlightenment and our contemporary times. Topics and themes on freedom, social order, free enterprise, rugged individualism, religion, partisanship, equality, historiography and the development of global democracy will be considered.
Each student will be presented and Apple iPad (at no cost to student) for his or her use during the school year. The iPad will contain all the materials (essays, articles, books, music, art and video) that he or she will need over the course of study. Thus, the course will also examine the role of technology in our American Heritage in the context of today's classroom and the tenets inherent in the study of America's tradition.
Grades 10 (with instructor's permission), 11, 12
This course offers students an opportunity to explore practical applications of psychology as a means of better understanding themselves and others. Emphasis will be placed on studying the practical aspects of the discipline of psychology, as well as on gaining an understanding of how knowledge of psychology can benefit one in daily life. This course is not a prerequisite for Advanced Placement Psychology; however, students who take this course may subsequently take AP Psychology.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology achievement, recommendation of the history teacher and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher. This course is open to students who have completed Psychology.
Equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course, Advanced Placement Psychology is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology including research methods, biological bases of behavior, testing and individual differences, abnormal psychology and treatment of psychological disorders. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Thinking about how and why people perceive, feel, think and behave the way they do is the focus of this course. Anyone who has an interest in why people do what they do would enjoy this class.
PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS
Grades 11, 12
Presenting a broad overview of economic theory, development and application, this course introduces terms, definitions, policies and philosophies of market economies. It not only provides some comparison with other economic systems but also includes research and discussions related to microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts as well as personal finance. In addition to discussing and writing about these topics, students will complete individual and group projects, presenting their research before the class.
HISTORY OF FILM
Grades 10, 11, 12
In this course, students will study film from a historical, artistic and technical perspective. The goals are to help students understand how American culture is reflected on film and to help them watch film from a more analytical perspective. Watching and discussing about one movie per week, students will focus on short written assignments on genres, symbolism, mise en scene, lighting, music, camera angles and acting styles. They will study films in chronological order and explore the evolution of cinematic technique and style while gaining exposure to Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Jimmy Cagney, Orson Welles, Marlin Brando, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Alfred Hitchcock and other cultural icons of the twentieth century.
SENIOR SEMINAR: MODERNITY AND OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Score of 3 or higher on the AP European History exam and AP U.S. History with a recommendation from the instructor. Class size is limited to four students.
Taught by the Head of School in his office, this seminar-based course will examine the forces that shape our American Heritage. Students will revisit the constitutional tensions that built the under-girding of the American experience. Each student will be called upon to present position papers on topics and themes that will bridge the Age of Enlightenment and our contemporary times. Topics and themes on freedom, social order, free enterprise, rugged individualism, religion, partisanship, equality, historiography and the development of global democracy will be considered.
Each student will be presented and Apple iPad (at no cost to student) for his or her use during the school year. The iPad will contain all the materials (essays, articles, books, music, art and video) that he or she will need over the course of study. Thus, the course will also examine the role of technology in our American Heritage in the context of today's classroom and the tenets inherent in the study of America's tradition.
