The Christchurch School History and Social Science Department engages students in the study of the interaction of individuals, groups, and nations.  The department and its members maintain and develop courses that use historical knowledge and analysis as a means to foster both departmental specific skills and broader cross-curricular skills.  The department recognizes and embraces the notion that such knowledge is important insomuch as it enables students to possess effective tools with which to become responsible and active members of an increasingly global community.  In all of its work, department members attempt to foster the 21^st century skills as outlined in the broader Academic Curriculum.  The curriculum and department incorporate the standards outlined by the National Council for Social Studies as a model by which to develop departmental curriculum, chart specific course content, and reflect on best teaching practices.  While recognizing the benefits of national and state standards as effective guidelines, the department, as a member of an independent school community, tailors the curriculum to the specific demands of the Christchurch School community.  In particular, the Christchurch History curriculum uses the broader integrated skills and thematic approach to the schools curriculum to develop specific courses.  In the end, the primary goal of the History and Social Science Department is for our students to develop the desire to ask important questions, the ability to explore and synthesize answers to those questions, and to engage in critical dialogue with themselves and others about their role in the nation and world community in the 21^st Century.

 

To meet Christchurch graduation requirements students must successfully complete four years of study in history.  The curriculum sequence intentionally moves students from a place-based curriculum to a progressively more global curriculum.  In that way, students leaving Christchurch will be able to evaluate the impact the decisions of individuals and a particular place in time has on the global community.  The required course of study begins with the ninth grade course Colonization and Conflict in Early Americas.  This course’s primary focus is to use the clash of cultures, European, Indian, and African, in Tidewater Virginia as a way to investigate the colonization of the New World.  Equally as important, this course establishes the groundwork for future historical inquiry and critical thinking skills.  In the tenth grade, students explore the consolidation of power through colonialism in Modern World History.  This course places special emphasis on the growth of the colonial power structure and the eventual collapse of that system in the early 20^th century.  In keeping with the overall structure of the schools curriculum, in this course students frame their investigation of world civilizations around the manner in which those civilizations use waterways to develop a unique culture.  Eleventh grade students explore the shaping of the United States of America and the role the individual plays in the continual growth and refinement of the nation.  This course will use American history to explore the central issues of the growth of the United States as a world power, the proper role of the government in our daily lives, and realization of the American ideal.  Seniors conclude the required course of study by investigating the struggles between developing and developed nations over contemporary political, economic, and cultural issues.  This course places special emphasis on the manner in which the conflict over resources contributes to many of those global conflicts.  The goal of the final year of study is to understand the world after the collapse of colonialism and the ongoing global struggles all citizens must grapple with in order to be citizens in the 21^st century.  For those students wishing to advance their studies of history and government, we offer elective courses in Contemporary Environmental Issues, The American Civil War and Reconstruction, and The American Indian and Westward Expansion as well as Honors courses in Modern World History, United States History, and a Honors Senior Seminar.

 

Department teachers recognize the importance of the Christchurch mission, values, and curricular goals in developing strategies to present course-specific content.  Teachers attempt to meet Christchurch’s diverse student population through varied teaching methods, student products, and assessment techniques.  Additionally, teachers incorporate technology not only as a means to educate and encourage participation from diverse learners, but also to prepare students for a world that increasingly functions through technology.  More importantly, students are encouraged to express their views and to debate cogent topics through informal conversations and formal assignments.  In accepting controversy, and at times encouraging it, teachers engage students in important skills necessary for being conscientious members of a democratic community.  Moreover, in such dialogue students learn that each student and his or her opinions have “infinite value.”