Curriculum Detail

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History

The History Department fosters in Upper School students an appreciation for the richness of their world by discovering the impact of social, political, geographic, economic and cultural patterns within and across time periods; researching primary sources
that present different perspectives on historical events, along with the ideas and debates behind them; and analyzing and synthesizing their sources to produce original research. Our core program continues the global history sequence begun in Middle School and then returns to an in-depth study of United States history. Subsequent electives allow students to investigate more closely topics of particular interest, including those in American and global studies, philosophy, women’s studies and civil rights. Throughout the program, students increase their curiosity, develop their capacity for critical and creative thinking,
and expand their openness to new ideas and different ways of experiencing our common humanity.

Upper School History Sequence
Grade 9 Global History II: Late Modern World
Grade 10 United States History
Grade 11 Semester or Yearlong Electives, including the completion of an oral defense in one elective. Students are encouraged to continue their study of history during senior year.

Note: Electives are tentative, pending enrollment and staffing. 
A K-12 independent school in New York City, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.

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