The History Department
Department Mission
The Classical Magnet History Department exposes students to fundamental philosophical questions including: What is truth? Who am I? and What are the classical ideals and how are they determined (virtue, justice, piety, etc.)? In each course students analyze historical themes and patterns that effect individuals, societies and the world at large across time. Students engage in rigorous Paideia projects and seminars in order to further their academic, emotional and personal development.
Ms. Lynne Reznick |
Mr. Russ Sirman |
Ms. Lynn Roach |
Mr.Troy Stair |
Mr. Reggie Tucker |
Mr. Jeff Hoberman |
6 th Grade Philosophy
Throughout this course students will be exposed to several different aspects of the ancient world. We will study early man, the first civilizations, origins of religion, importance of government and their impact on the ancient the world. With this information, we will begin, to identify some of the major issues that have plagued the international community for centuries. During this process students will be exposed to several different skills, such as formulating hypotheses, identifying geographic issues, and presenting information in an expository essay. In order to be successful in this class, students must participate actively, listen respectfully, question intelligently, and most importantly, think logically. Most importantly, students will be exposed to the Paideia methodology of education, which consist of didactic, coaching, and seminar educational practices.
7 th Grade Philosophy
Who are you? What is justice? What makes a civilization glorious?
These are a few of the essential questions that students will explore in 7 th grade Philosophy at the Classical Magnet School. In this course, students learn about the development of western philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome. After studying history and culture, students explore the similarities between the early scientists and natural philosophers, and contrast this way of thinking with early religion. Then students trace the gradual development of philosophy in the ancient western world. By reading and discussing the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Marcus Aurelius, students will gain a better understanding of the foundations of western civilization. They actively engage in a variety of learning activities, such as analyzing primary sources, participating in Paideia seminars, and designing Paideia projects. In addition, this course is designed to encourage students to formulate a better sense of themselves and their communities.
8 th Grade United States History
What is civilization? What is culture? How do different societies impact each other? How does geography impact how and where people live? Why did people move to America? What did freedom mean to people in the colonies? How is land ownership determined? How do religion, freedom, and democracy influence laws and government? What are the ideals of liberty? When is it justified to rebel against your government? How do people form a government? Why should power be shared? What is Manifest Destiny? How do countries expand their boundaries? Why do some people have more freedom than others? Why do people go to war? These questions outline the 8 th grade US History course at Classical Magnet School. In this course, students explore the social, political, cultural and economic impact of the creation of the United States of America.
9 th Grade Civics (Fall semester half-year course)
What are the benefits and challenges of living in a diverse society? What are the criteria for being a good citizen? What values and principles are basic to American constitutional democracy? How are power and responsibility distributed, shared, and limited in the government established by the United States Constitution? In what ways can conflict over political issues provide avenues for change? How has the United States influenced and been influenced by other nations? These are the major guiding questions that students will be working to answer in this Civics course. Students will be working with numerous primary documents of importance including the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, The Federalist Papers, the Connecticut State Constitution, and many more. Students will be asked to describe the system of government that the Constitution established and to evaluate the current system for its strengths and weaknesses. Students will also analyze the systems in place to limit the powers of governmental groups. Finally, students will explore how they can play a role in political affairs and assess why it is important for citizens to be active members within the political system of the United States.
9 th Grade Empires of Greece and Rome (Spring semester half-year course)
This course is currently in development and will begin in the Spring of 2009.
10 th Grade World History
11 th Grade Twentieth Century U.S. History
How do citizens interact and work for mutual benefit despite widespread economic, cultural, political and social differences? What is imperialism and how do nations develop into empires? How should citizens react in times of national crisis and need? How do subcultures within the population grow and change over time? How are citizens’ rights redefined over time? How – if at all – should citizens protest the national agenda? These questions frame the 11 th grade United States History course at Classical Magnet School. In this course, students examine the major social, political, cultural, scientific and economic events of the past one-hundred years of American history. Major events of the twentieth century are examined: immigration, industrialization and social reform, gilded age politics, the age of expansion and imperialism, the progressive era, American involvement in World War I, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, The Cold War and the Vietnam War. Classic ideas are emphasized throughout; students examine justice, citizenship, greed, labor, capital, progress, empire, rebellion, renaissance, power, corruption, democracy, freedom, altruism, generosity, intervention. Throughout the course, students refine their research and analytical writing skills, working to create clear, well-articulated and intellectually rich essays and research papers.
12 th Grade Philosophy
Is the unexamined life worth living? Are there such things as universal moral norms and values? What do we know and how do we know it? What is the nature of reality? Does God exist? What do we mean by freedom? Does freedom exist, or is there only necessity? If we are free, then is there any moral code that can be binding on us? Are we naturally political, or is the body politic a mere artifice? Is there a real distinction between legitimate and illegitimate authority? Do political bodies naturally produce justice? What is the value of aesthetic beauty? These are the questions that reflect the major themes and values of the 12 th Grade Philosophy course at Classical Magnet School. In this culminating social studies course students will utilize and refine all of the critical thinking, writing and research skills that they have practiced throughout their academic careers at Classical. Specifically, this course expects students to work at the upper end of Bloom’s taxonomy, focusing upon analysis, synthesis & evaluation of the ideas and values presented in the curriculum. Students will practice: writing properly formatted college style essays; conducting primary and secondary source research for research papers. In addition, students will participate in weekly or biweekly Paideia seminars as well as in daily class discussions that utilize the Socratic method of questioning and response.
