The Department of History and Social Sciences seeks to foster a love of learning, an understanding of the past, and an appreciation for the richness of cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial diversity. Through a variety of courses, students examine links between historical and contemporary events so that they can observe and learn about the world around them as they mature into global citizens. The development of effective and clear verbal and written communication, and the honing of analytical skills are the central goals of the department. A curriculum composed of both traditional and innovative elements exposes students to a variety of media and methodologies, all of which seek to foster the students’ ability to think critically, to determine perspective, and to engender a sense of empathy.

• In Group IX, students enroll in Modern World History, a required course that introduces core ideological concepts that define and dominate the modern era. The course is chronological, but explores recurring themes such as globalization and its impact, technology and demographic change over time, and the influence of revolution and reform movements. The class culminates with an exploration of modernity’s impact on current issues in the postmodern world.

• In Group X, students complete a required course in US History. Students fulfill the requirement by taking AP United States History, US History Survey, or an experiential course entitled US History – Focus on Civil Rights. Special emphasis is placed on research techniques and essay writing.

• In Groups XI and XII, students have the option to enroll in a multiplicity of AP, non-AP, and interdisciplinary electives at Greenwich Academy or Brunswick School. Offerings include: AP Art History, AP Comparative Government, AP Economics, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, AP World History, Military History, Modern Middle East, Advanced Civil Rights, and Behavioral Economics.

• The Brunswick/Greenwich Academy Magazine of History is an in-house writing journal that provides students the opportunity to have their research and analytical writing published. The journal was started in 2005.