The Study of History at Watershed School
Engagement and Interpretation
Starting in the ninth grade, students begin the process of engagement with history through reading primary sources. In this way, students participate in the process of making meaning and interpreting historical context. They are not passive consumers of others’ work as one might experience using only a history textbook; rather, they themselves become historians making sense out of the past and determining relevance to the present. The teacher facilitates this process through selection of historical documents, direct teaching of study and research skills, and by providing supportive feedback and additional context.
Deliberation
Deliberation is the central activity through which students learn about history. Deliberation involves a thinking through out loud with the teacher and six to eight other students. Focus is provided with a key question and discussions provide opportunities for greater clarity and understanding of the issues that shape history and influence modern current events. Equally important in the process is the opportunity for each member of class to gain an appreciation for the perspectives of others. Ultimately, each student makes a decision regarding how to interpret historical events and apply them to their own life experience today.
Connections with Community
Watershed at the model UN in NYC
Students make history relevant to our own school community, the city of Rockland, and midcoast Maine through a variety of forums and outreach events, including the annual Student Forum on Foreign Relations, volunteering at the Camden Conference, attendance at the Midcoast Forum on Foreign Relations, or changing local city ordinances to reduce light pollution. In addition, we travel to participate in events such as the National High School Model United Nations in New York City, Research the City of Boston, attend Bowdoin College lectures and research in Bowdoin’s library.
Credits in History
In order to graduate, students need to take at least two years of history. Ninth graders take a course in Western Civilization to 1650, and two semesters of US History during their junior year. In addition, students are encourages to select from a variety of upper level electives.
All history classes are conducted in a seminar style with an emphasis on primary source analysis and student-led discussions.
- History 9 – Western Civilization
- US History I
- US History II
- AP US History
- Applied Democracy
- Chinese History
- Modern US History: 1945-Present
- Ethics
- Modern European History
- Global Affairs