IB GROUP 3: INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES COURSES

(History & Anthropology)

A central goal of the Verde Valley School mission is to imbue students with a respect for other cultures. What we mean by "respect" involves at least some knowledge and understanding of other cultures and an ability to look at one's own cultural assumptions from the perspective of those who don't share them. Students are expected to develop the ability to detach themselves, to some degree, from their own values and cultural assumptions and look at themselves from an outside perspective.

The Individuals and Societies curriculum also offers a sequence in which students are asked to closely examine the past through historical analysis combined with an anthropological perspective. Through a careful examination of places, people, events, and developments, we expect our students to develop the intellectual tools and ethical predisposition to question the status quo as it relates to matters that affect the dignity of humankind and in so doing support this institution's commitment to its mission as a private school with a public purpose.

IB GROUP 3: INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES COURSES

(History & Anthropology)

9TH GRADE COURSES

World History I and II - In World History I students will be introduced to the study of World History. This will include not only the content of early world history and cultures but also the skills historians use. The first semester’s content will cover the following main topics: early civilizations and world religions; the rise of the modern world-system; and the French and American Revolutions. Students will also be introduced to skills used by historians that will be useful for success in the IB Program, such as analysis of documents, critical analysis, and research writing strategies.

In World History II students will use the general content and skills background established in the first semester to begin more in-depth analysis and practice of IB History Material. As such, much of the content will focus on Modern Europe and The Middle East, including the rise of nationalism, World Wars I and II, and present-day issues and conflicts. Students will also use their historical skills of critical analysis and research to write several essays similar to IB-level work.  After completion of World History I and II students should have a solid foundation of content and skills required for future success in the IB Program.

10TH GRADE COURSES

US History I and II - In United States History I students will be introduced to the study of the History of the United States and will continue to improve their historical investigation skills useful for IB success. The major theme of this course comes from the title of the course’s textbook, which is called Visions of America. Students will understand that the history of the US is filled with numerous and varied visions and interpretations. As such, students will view early America from both the Native American and early colonists’ visions; understand the struggles for American Independence; and will explore in-depth the debates surrounding the founding of the American Republic and its Constitution.  The semester will conclude with the debates around slavery and the Civil War. Students will also continue to refine their historical investigation skills such as analysis of documents, writing research essays, and presenting oral reports and debates.

In United States History II students will continue to study the different visions of the United States and its history, in addition to improving their own historical investigations. The content will cover post-civil war US history to the present, with particular emphasis on World Wars I and II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War Era, and modern day issues. Students will also be asked to use the historical skills developed so far to produce and perform several tasks, including writing a research paper, assembling a portfolio examining one issue in greater depth, and participating in several debates about Modern US History and Politics.  After this course, students should better understand the present-day issues and problems confronting the United States, the historical development of these issues, and how to research and debate their causes and solutions.

11TH AND 12TH GRADE IB GROUP 3:

HIGHER LEVEL SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY – Two year sequence
In this course students study how anthropologists view cultures and seek to understand human nature by comparing and contrasting many peoples in many times. Our examination includes an overview of anthropology’s main fields – physical anthropology (the study of humans as organisms), archaeology, linguistics, and ethnology – but concentrates especially on ethnology, the study of culture. Students come to understand the extremely wide range of adaptations people have made to their environments, and by doing so, they gain a greater perspective on their own society and why they do the things they do. Most importantly, students will learn to view others and themselves without the kind of judgment that interferes with true understanding.  

The course illuminates the anthropological perspective through a careful study of cultural relativism; its European antecedents; its development in the late 19th century; and its application in today’s world. The careful exploration of bias (even by anthropologists) reveals the inner workings of culture and its pervasive influence on the minds and behaviors of all peoples. By studying ethnocentrism in this way, students come to understand their own biases and the tools which anthropology offers to foster intercultural understanding.

This HL course includes an understanding of theoretical perspectives in Anthropology and an Internal Assessment that involves a participant observation of a micro-culture.

STANDARD LEVEL AND HIGHER LEVEL HISTORY  – Two year sequence
In IB 20th century World History, students develop an understanding of historical method and different interpretations of history in order to develop a sense of social and civic responsibility and a concern for peace and justice. Students will acquire the skills requisite for the successful completion of the IB internal and external assessments. The IB external assessment consists of three exams: Paper 1, 2, and 3, each about 2 hours in duration.  SL students are only required to complete Paper 1 and 2, but HL students must also complete Paper 3.

While many of the skills of studying history are common to both SL and HL, the HL student is required, through in-depth study, to synthesize and critically evaluate knowledge and historiography. The greater depth of study required for HL, and the greater demands this makes of the student, are aimed to help the student succeed on the Paper 3 portion on the IB exam.

Along with completing a 2000 word independent historical investigation for their internal assessment, both SL and HL students are required to read and analyze primary and secondary source documents, distinguish between fact and opinion, write essays developing and supporting a thesis, and, finally, participate actively and positively in class discussions and debates in order to prepare themselves fully for IB exams.

The course begins with a study of European diplomacy before World War I. We next examine the peace settlements during the interwar period before studying World War II. Finally, we take an in-depth look into the Cold War specifically targeting the Soviet Union and life behind the Iron Curtain. Although the course has a European focus, a range of countries will be covered, and a variety of case studies have been drawn from other regions in order to provide a wider context in which to examine the political, religious, social, economic, cultural and technological aspects of societies during the 20th century.