We understand that History is the critical construction of the collective memory in a process of reflection and reinterpretation of the past. The courses in the History and Humanities department ask students to engage a wide range of cultural, social and historical subjects, thereby enhancing understanding of the diversity of the human experience and fostering a sense of equity and responsibility towards others. The department seeks to further the school's mission by educating students in issues of morality, spirituality, and diversity. We encourage moral consciousness by discussing ethical issues and emphasizing that historical actions always have consequences - both intended and unintended. We emphasize diversity in our curriculum by showing how historical experiences depend upon numerous factors including race, gender, class, and religion. Our dedication to excellence is emphasized by setting high goals for our students, encouraging them to meet their greatest potential. More than this, whenever and wherever proper, we encourage students to apply their knowledge across disciplines to gain a deeper, more lasting appreciation for learning and self-improvement. We strive to engage students in the learning process, especially with regard to higher-order thinking skills. We accomplish this through emerging communication and education technologies, as well as effective implementation of pedagogical approaches such as the Harkness method, a subject-centered, student-driven learning technique based on active participation with an emphasis on critical thinking skills.