Course Catalog

History

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.

Each student is required to earn three credits, specifically in World History, United States History, and a Regional History. A fourth year is strongly recommended. 
  • Grade 9: World History

    (1 credit)

    This course provides a broad historical overview of major events dating from the origin of the universe to the present. This approach is called Big History because it encompasses the history of our own human existence on a broad scale. Offering an interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from across the humanities, as well as from the natural and social sciences, this course assesses the major thresholds of increasing complexity that have contributed to our development as a species. While attention will be given to the origins of the universe, stars, chemical elements, solar system, and life on Earth, the majority of the course focuses on the human context, from the origins of humans and the invention of agriculture, to the rise of civilizations, the Columbian Exchange, the Industrial Revolution and the dynamics of the current globalization. In reflecting upon this history, we will further postulate possibilities for the future that lies ahead. The course places an emphasis on the development of historical thinking, writing and research skills, as well as on primary and secondary source interpretation.
  • Grade 9: World History Honors

    (1 credit)

    The year-long honors program expands on the regular course design with more extensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion and additional written assignments using primary sources.
    Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
  • Grade 9: AP World History

    (1 credit)

    In this course students will cultivate their understanding of modern world history from c. 1200 CE to the present. Through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments, students will explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. The course will cover nine units: The Global Tapestry, Networks of Exchange, Land-based Empires, Transoceanic Interconnections, Revolutions, Consequences of Industrialization, Global Conflict, Cold War & Decolonization, and Globalization.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
  • Grade 10: United States History

    (1 credit)

    This course is a broad survey of the development of the United States from its colonial origins until the present time. Taking a thematic approach, the course invites students to examine the ways in which notions of ethnicity, race, class, gender, nationalism and progress shaped (and continue to shape) the evolution of the United States’ political, economic, intellectual and cultural life as well as the nation’s relationship to both other nations and the natural environment. The course places an emphasis on the development of historical thinking, writing, research, and critical thinking skills as well as primary and secondary source interpretation.
    Prerequisite: World History.
  • Grade 9: World History Foundations

    (1 credit)

    In World History Foundations students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from the beginning of human existence through the present to better understand the underlying forces that shape the world in which they live. They will also be able to explain the primary historical dynamics operative in the following chronological periods and illustrate them using specific examples: Our Big History; Early Humans; Cities, Societies, and Empires; Regional Webs; The First Global Age; The Long Nineteenth Century, and The Great Convergence and Divergence.
  • Grade 10: United States History Honors

    (1 credit)

    This course expands upon the regular course by dedicating more time to primary source investigation, emphasizing independent outside reading and in-class discussion and requiring additional writing assignments.
    Prerequisites: World History and departmental approval.
  • AP United States History

    (1 credit)

    This course emphasizes the same general goals of the college preparatory United States history course with additional emphasis placed on the content and skills needed in preparation for, and performance on, the Advanced Placement exam. The course focuses on the major trends and developments from settlement to the present and on the mastery of such skills as document analysis and interpretive essay writing.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisites: World History and departmental approval.
  • Grade 10: American Studies Honors

    (two credits; one credit in English and one credit in History)

    This year-long honors program expands on the college preparatory course design with more extensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional written assignments using primary sources.
    Prerequisites: English 9 and World History and departmental approval.
  • AP European History

    (1 credit)

    This fast-paced, rigorous course surveys the major currents affecting Europe from the dawn of the Renaissance until the present, ensuring a comprehensive treatment of important events, figures, and movements in that time frame. The syllabus follows closely the guidelines suggested by the College Board in order to prepare students for success on the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the year. Students enrolling in the course are expected to master a large body of historical knowledge with a high degree of accuracy and specificity. They should also expect to engage in frequent writing assignments in the form of both free-response essays and document-based questions. In addition, the course involves regular document analysis and student-led Harkness discussions.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisites: US History Honors or American Studies and departmental approval.
  • European History

    (1 credit)

    This course surveys European history from the Renaissance to the present. Beginning with the political, religious, and intellectual transformations that produced the so-called “modern” world, the course continues with a study of the period from 1800-1914, examining the emergence of modern thought, the forces of nationalism, and the effects of industrialism. We also examine the global and cross-cultural impact Europe would make by colonizing during the Age of Exploration and its economic interventions during the New Imperialism of the 19th century. The course concludes with some pivotal 20th century events: the two world wars, the rise of totalitarianism, the Cold War, and the creation of the superpowers. In order to develop students’ skills in reading comprehension and in the analysis of complex problems, attention is paid to primary sources as well as secondary ones. In addition to regular Harkness discussions, the course involves a variety of writing assignments and a research paper.
    Prerequisite: U.S. History or American Studies.
  • European History Honors

    (1 credit)

    The European History Honors course covers the same period as the European History course. Selected topics and themes fundamental to the development of the last 500 years of European history are explored in significant depth, including frequent readings from primary sources. Students read at least one additional book per semester, usually a novel that addresses relevant historical themes. The course seeks not only to give students a firm grounding in modern European history, but also to develop their skills in: comprehending difficult texts, analyzing complex problems, oral exposition of what has been learned, and in the formulation of a cogent written argument using appropriate evidence to support it. Accordingly, students are assessed by a variety of methods, including frequent writing assignments and regular student-led Harkness discussions.
    Prerequisites: U.S. History or American Studies and departmental approval.
  • Latin American History

    (1 credit)

    This course will touch on several themes over the course of the year that are essential to obtaining a greater understanding of Latin America. After taking time to introduce the skills that will be crucial to the course, we will begin with a brief look at the city of Miami and the role South America and the Caribbean has played in shaping our home into a dynamic global city. We will then turn back the clock for a spell and examine the colonial and post-colonial eras of the region which will help establish the context of our modern historical study. We will then delve in depth into 20th century political, economic and social developments and the role the United States played in influencing the region. Case studies of Haiti, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela will be conducted during the academic year as well. Students will develop a variety of skills in this course, including how to effectively analyze sources, develop strong written arguments and hone their critical thinking skills. Above all students will develop a strong sense of historical empathy which will enable them to fully immerse themselves in the most essential task of a historian: to ultimately contribute their own perspective to Latin America’s story.
    Prerequisites: US History or American Studies and departmental recommendation.
  • Latin American History Honors

    (1 credit)

    This year-long course expands on the college preparatory course with more extensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional written assignments. Students will read one additional book to address relevant in-depth historical topics. It is expected that students participate in Harkness discussions on a regular basis and develop a self-driven and autonomous approach to the study of the region.
    Prerequisites: US History or American Studies and departmental recommendation.
  • Asian History

    (one credit)

    This course will touch on several themes over the course of the year that are essential to obtaining a greater understanding of the diverse tapestry that is Asia. We will first take time to conduct an overview of this part of the world and introduce the skills that will be crucial to the course. We will then begin to dive into the region by examining the Middle East and conduct case studies on Pan-Arabism, Arab Israeli relations and the role of oil in development. We will then delve into South Asia and examine the impact of colonialism and partition of the subcontinent. An examination of Southeast Asia will be next, with the overarching theme of the impact of colonialism and challenges of development as our guide. Finally, we will take an in depth look at East Asia, and how the nations of China, Japan and Korea have served as examples of autonomy and rapid economic expansion. Students will develop a variety of skills in this course, including how to effectively analyze sources, develop strong written arguments and hone their critical thinking skills. Above all students will develop a strong sense of historical empathy which will enable them to fully immerse themselves in the most essential task of a historian: to ultimately contribute their own perspective to Asia’s rich story.
    Prerequisites: US History or American Studies.
  • Asian History Honors

    (one credit)

    This year-long honors program expands on the college preparatory course design with more extensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional written assignments using primary sources. Students will read one additional book to address relevant in-depth historical topics. It is expected that students participate in Harkness discussions on a regular basis and develop a self-driven and autonomous approach to the study of the region.
    Prerequisites: U.S. History or American Studies and departmental recommendation.
  • Economics

    (1/2 credit)

    This one-semester course introduces students to the fundamental principles of microeconomics that apply to the functions of individual decision making, by both consumer and producer, within the larger economic system. Macro-economic systems — including Keynesian, classical, monetarist, and supply-side — are also studied, with students examining the roles of government in a mixed economy. Students are introduced to a variety of theoretical tools used to analyze the performance of the US economy. Weekly Harkness discussions explore a variety of contemporary real-world issues, enabling students to improve and demonstrate understanding of the issues addressed in this course.
  • AP Macroeconomics

    (1 credit)

    AP Macroeconomics is a full-year course designed for students with a strong interest in economics and government. The course syllabus parallels that of PTS’s college Preparatory Economics course, providing a broad overview of the fundamental principles, models and indices employed by economists to analyze an economic system as a whole, but doing so in greater depth and detail. Specific units covered include the following: Measurement of economic Performance; National Income and Price Determination; Financial Sector; Inflation, Unemployment, and Stabilization Policies; Economic Growth and Productivity; and International Trade and Finance.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Corequisites: Algebra II and departmental approval.
  • United States Government

    (1/2 credit)

    This course provides a close examination of America’s political theories, institutions and processes. After a review of the historical foundations of the United States, the course examines the fundamental principles contained in the United States Constitution: republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, and civil liberties. Application of these principles through case studies helps students understand how the governmental process works. Major emphasis is given to the institutions of the Congress at the national level. Links are made among these institutions and political parties, interest groups, the media, and public opinion in order to understand the forces and constraints on policy making at the federal level. Additionally, the course examines the electoral system, civil liberties and civil rights through judicial interpretations.
  • AP United States Government

    (1 credit)

    This course includes the same objectives as the United States Government course but emphasizes mastery of the additional content and skills necessary for successful completion of the AP examination.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisites: Departmental approval.
  • AP Human Geography

    (1 credit)

    AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of the intersection between society and nature over time, and the patterns and processes of spatial occupation and socioeconomic activities that have shaped the human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface, what geographers call cultural or humanized landscape. Students will employ spatial analysis to interpret cultural landscapes and to examine socioeconomic organizations and their environmental consequences. Learning to think geographically is learning to think spatially. Students will also learn the methods and tools that geographers use in their research, approaching relevant problems in the world using various scales of analysis: local, regional, and global. This ability will enhance their capacity to foster global citizenship and environmental stewardship. The course foresees two local geographic fieldwork trips in which students will apply the four levels of geographic analysis. By the end of this course, students should be more geoliterate, more engaged in contemporary global problems, and more multicultural in their viewpoints.
    Students are expected to sit the AP Exam.  Students who do not sit for the AP examination may receive a zero for the end-of-year exam in the AP course. 
    Prerequisites: World History Honors and departmental approval.
  • Cultural Anthropology

    (1/2 credit)

    This course will provide an introduction to the diverse lifeways practiced by people around the world, and to the means by which anthropologists investigate these phenomena. By studying cultural constructions of gender, subsistence, economics, kinship, politics, spirituality, and art as they are expressed within many different societies across the globe, students will gain an understanding of the observed range of human experience. In doing so, they will reflect upon how their own cultural influences have come to shape the way they see themselves and others.
    Open to students in grades 10-12.
  • Introduction to Law

    (1/2 credit)

    Students will be introduced to the theories, values, and traditional practices underlying the US legal system. Students will explore how these factors shape the theoretical and practical administration of justice in criminal and civil trials. Students will familiarize themselves with the rights of defendants in criminal cases — procedural and substantive due process — as well as the prerogatives of plaintiffs in civil cases. Further, students will learn about the structure of the judicial system and the roles of various personnel within the system. Students will participate in mock trials on both sides, as members of prosecution and defense teams. Students may also have the opportunity to visit courts (the state, federal, and appeals courts as in the past) and/or participate in a Moot Court competition. By writing briefs and participating in moot court activities, students will practice learning to think critically about legal strategy and practice concise evidenced-based argumentation.
    Open to students in grades 10-12.
  • African Diaspora

    (1/2 credit)

    Students will study the history of the United States through the lens of African American leaders and movements. Although the course will (by necessity) touch on slavery, segregation, racism, imperialism and mass incarceration, emphasis will be placed on how African Americans have seized agency and developed movements to overcome these systems of oppression. The course will include leaders of cultural, political and social justice movements, and will consider how they operated (or operate) on local, national and global stages. The course will invite members of the PTS faculty who identify with the Black experience to share their insights with students. Students will also complete semester-long projects where they study and present on current day Black leaders and their contributions.
    Open to students in grades 11-12.
  • Women, Culture, and Development

    (1/2 credit)

    This course, open to all students in grades 10-12, will provide the theoretical framework to understand the historical roots of patriarchy and their mechanisms of oppression, as well as their concomitant expressions of sexism, discrimination, and violence against women. Using an intersectional approach and participatory pedagogy, students will study the social constructions of gender, the relationship between gender and power, and the different gender roles ascribed by societies. We will examine the diverse experiences that women face in developed and developing countries, and how they have been affected by cultural values and socioeconomic levels. Students will analyze how the interplay of factors such as access and retention to education, health services, employment, marriage and divorce, family planning and domestic violence influence women's development within a historical and spatial context. Under the framework of the Human Development Index students will be able to understand the situation of women in comparison to men in selected countries. We will read theoretical and empirical essays, watch films and documentaries, and invite speakers and activists to shed light on these issues. The course will conclude with a proposal to empower women either locally or abroad. Thus, we will bridge theory with praxis applying the content learned in this course with proper courses of action to empower women and achieve gender equality.  
    Open to students in grades 10-12.
  • Global Diplomacy

    (1/2 credit)

    This semester-long course will provide a brief overview of international relations and the role the United Nations has played on the world stage since 1945. Students will examine the establishment of the UN after World War II and its efforts to serve as a platform for multilateral diplomacy during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Students will also learn about the structure of the UN, its values, institutions, and procedures. Skills that will be acquired include developing effective research methods when investigating issues and countries, the writing of position papers and resolutions, and working/debating effectively in committees following UNA-USA and THIMUN rules of procedure. The application of these skills will serve as the culmination of the course. Students will research and compose resolutions/position papers that address historical/current events and engage in UNA-USA/THIMUN rules of procedure to resolve them. 

Faculty

  • Photo of Lauren Lane
    Lauren Lane
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 109
    Georgia Southern - B.A.
    University of Miami - M.A.
    University of Miami - Ph.D.
    2012
  • Photo of Graham Andrew
    Graham Andrew
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 234
    University of Warwick - B.A.
    University of Miami - A.B.D.
    2007
  • Photo of Melissa Beske
    Melissa Beske
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 238
    Vanderbilt University - B.A.
    Tulane University - M.A.
    Tulane University - Ph.D.
    2014
  • Photo of Paul Campbell
    Paul Campbell
    (305) 251-2230
    2023
  • Photo of Andrew Godley
    Andrew Godley
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 162
    Eastern University - B.A.
    Andover Newton Theological School - M.A.
    2008
  • Photo of Sarah Kemper Zilban
    Sarah Kemper Zilban
    (305) 251-2230
    2023
  • Photo of Laura Massa
    Laura Massa
    History and Humanities | Lead Advisor
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 289
    University of Buenos Aires - B.A.
    Florida International University - M.A.
    2003
  • Photo of Aldo Regalado
    Aldo Regalado
    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Coordinator
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 215
    University of Miami - B.S.
    University of Miami - M.A.
    University of Miami - Ph. D.
    2004
  • Photo of Derek Smith
    Derek Smith
    (305) 251-2230 ext. 259
    Boston College - B.A.
    Teachers College - M.A.
    2017
Main Entrance: 8001 SW 184th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Mailing Address: 7900 SW 176th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Main:     305.251.2230
Admission:     305.969.4208