STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The History and Political Science curriculum at Interlochen Arts Academy assumes the responsibility for stimulating an awareness of the human condition. The goals of the department, therefore, emphasize the application of rational thinking to an understanding of man's historical, economic, political, and social development.  The consideration of societal issues and the acquisition of the knowledge and skills that are fundamental and basic to the disciplines of History and Political Science are taught.

Objectives:
Each student will be instructed in the skills of analysis and critical judgment employed by historians and political scientists as they view, translate, evaluate, and record past and contemporary events.
Each student will be instructed in effective analytical reading, writing, and rhetorical skills.
Each student will examine change and continuity in time and draw logical conclusions by identifying the political, social, and economic conditions of sequential historical periods.
Each student will examine the complexities of the political process by distinguishing the roles of various institutions within the governmental structure and the relationship between the individual and society.

WORLD HISTORY 2: A.D. 500 to 1500 (WH) 
Offered in 2007-2008
Grades 9-12
Second semester
.50 credit, class meets daily.

This is an elective course for 9th and 10th grade students which is designed to provide an understanding of the development of cultures and civilizations around the world up to the European discovery of the Americas. Included in this survey will be research into the growth of civilization in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, as well as focus on the impact of world religions such as Islam and Christianity on historical events. The relationships among art, music, and culture will be stressed as core components of this course, along with the interaction among the world civilizations. This course will be open to 11th and 12th grade students, with higher standards for exams and written requirements.

Objectives:
To develop an understanding of the continuity and change which characterizes the historical pattern
of the world's great civilizations.
To develop an understanding of geography and history to explain the impact of geography on world
events.
To develop an understanding of the power of ideas in shaping the historical growth of the world
through interaction and cultural diffusion, with focus on the impact of religion, philosophy, art and
music.
To develop basic skills such as:
Map orientation
Timeline grids to visualize cultural growth and development and relationships among cultures.
To identify cause and effect relationships in history.

WORLD HISTORY 4: 1815 to Present (WH) 
Not offered in 2006-07
Grades 9-12
Second semester
.50 credit, class meets daily.

This is an elective course for 9th and 10th grade students and it is designed to provide a foundation for understanding the development of the modern world in both Western and non-Western societies.  Emphasis will be placed on the rapid changes which swept the globe in the period under study, with special attention paid to the rise of the United States as a world power, the impact of industrialization and urban growth, the rise of European nationalism and imperialism and their effects on non-Western  societies, and the massive transformation of the world caused by the sweeping events and ideas of the  20th century. The links between the past and present will be core components of this course in order to explain current conditions. The importance of the relationship between geography and history will be stressed as well as the development of art, music, culture and modern ideas. This course will be open to 11th and 12th grade students, with higher standards for exams and written requirements.

Objectives:
To develop an understanding of the impact of rapid change on the development of the modern world,
while also seeing continuity as part of the patterns of history.
To develop an understanding of geography and history to explain the impact of geography on world
events, with emphasis on the search for natural resources and the environment.
To develop basic skills such as:
Map orientation
Timeline grids to visualize cultural growth and development and relationships among cultures in a period of increased migration and interaction.
To identify cause and effect relationships in history and the impact on the development of the modern world.

Text:
Farah, World History