Academics
Curriculum

History

History courses are offered to students in grades 7-12. The history curriculum not only provides students with a strong foundation of historical knowledge, but also helps student develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Students apply their understanding through a variety of projects and hands-on interpretation. They showcase critical thinking skills in debates, persuasive presentations, and research.

Core History classes cover global cultures, U.S. history, government, civics, geography, European history, and Western Civilization. Honors and AP course options are abundant available throughout the curriculum.

The History Department also offers an exciting variety of elective classes, including classes in Economics, International Diplomacy, Film Theory, and AP economics classes.

Courses

List of 12 items.

  • Social Studies 7 & Honors Social Studies 7: The Western World

    This 7th grade core course is an examination of the countries of the Western Hemisphere and Europe using geography, history and culture. This course also has an Honors class with a prerequisite of a grade of 80 or better in previous honors courses, or 90 or better in another History course.

  • Social Studies 8 & Honors Social Studies 8: The Eastern World

    This 8th grade core course explores the physical geography and diverse cultures of Asia, Africa and Oceania. There is a strong emphasis on learning classroom skills, study skills, research basics, geographic literacy and cultural tolerance. The course is available with Honors prerequisites of a grade of 80 or higher in previous honors courses or 90 or higher in other History courses and/or teacher recommendation.

  • Comparative Cultures

    In this 7th-9th grade core course, students explore different cultures of the world while improving their English skills through many interactive activities.

  • World History & Honors World History

    This 9th grade core course is a survey of world history from the dawn of humanity to the end of the European Middle Ages, ca. 1500 AD. There is a strong emphasis on learning classroom skills, study skills, geographic literacy, research and reporting. Honors prerequisites are a grade of 80 or higher in subsequent honors courses or 90 or higher in other History courses and/or teacher recommendation.

  • International Diplomacy and Model UN

    This 10th-12th grade elective course examines international diplomacy and the role of the UN in it. Students in this class will participate in a Model UN convention.

  • Contemporary History

    IN this 9th-12th grade core course, students explore historical events from 1945 to the present, with a mix of daily global current events.

  • U.S. History & Honors U.S. History

    This 10th grade core course is a survey of American History from colonial times through the 20th century. Honors prerequisites are a grade of 80 or higher in previous honors courses or 90 or higher in other History courses and/or teacher recommendation.

  • AP U.S. History

    This 10th – 12th grade course is a chronological survey of American history from pre-Columbian times to present times using textbook, video/movies, literature, original documents, and group discussion. There is a heavy emphasis on writing exercises. All students are expected to take the AP US History Exam in May.

  • European History

    This 11th or 12th grades course is a survey of the key events of the Western Experience, from Antiquity to the 20th century.

  • Honors European History

    This course for 11th grade is an overview of European history from the Late Middle Ages to the present. Emphasis is on economic, political and social themes. Students practice skills such as the analysis of historical materials, the writing of document-based and free response essays, and multiple choice testing. It is designed to challenge honors-level students. Prerequisites for this course are a grade of 80 or higher in previous honors courses or 90 or higher in other History courses and/or teacher recommendation.

  • AP European History

    The curriculum of this 11th grade course traces the history of Europe from the Renaissance of the 14th century to the modern age. Students practice skills such as the analysis of historical materials, the writing of document-based and free response essays, and multiple choice testing. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. Prerequisites are a grade of 80 or higher in previous honors courses or 90 or higher in other History courses and/or teacher recommendation.

  • AP World History

    AP World History is a college-level survey course for 12th grade that broadly reconstructs global history from antiquity to the modern age. Furthermore, AP World History is a comparative study of Western, and non-Western civilizations. Finally, AP World History is a course of study that places an emphasis on the cultural, social, economic, political and intellectual themes that have shaped our world. Students will be required to take the AP Exam in May. This course satisfies the "Global" graduation requirement.

Electives

List of 6 items.

  • AP Art History

    This course is designed to meet the requirements outlined for an introductory college course in Art History. It helps students to develop an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and  cultural contexts. Students will examine major forms of artistic expression from the  ancient world to the present day from a variety of cultures and will learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity . Students will learn strategies of analysis, develop a firm understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of  Design, and become fluent in the use of fundamental art historical terminology.  Finally, although emphasis is placed on Western European art, artistic traditions  beyond the Western tradition will be fully integrated in the curriculum. Students are required to take the AP Art History exam in May.

  • AP Microeconomics

    Prerequisites: Algebra II (with a grade of 80 or better).

    This 10th -12th elective course analyzes the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system as we try to answer a central economic concern: how do we make choices in the face of scarcity – unlimited wants and limited resources. Topics of study include but are not limited to: economic reasoning, supply and demand, consumer behavior, firm behavior, public welfare, market structures, economic inequity, and government regulation. Students will be required to take the AP Exam in May.

  • AP Macroeconomics

    Prerequisites: Algebra II & AP Microeconomics (with a grade of 80 or better in each course).

    This 11th -12th elective course analyzes the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole – on both a national and international scale. Topics of study include but are not limited to: economic organization of society, business cycles, national income accounting, the relationship between inflation and unemployment, money and banking, exchange rates and international macroeconomics, the multiplier model, fiscal policy, government budgets, and monetary policy. Students will be required to take the AP Exam in May.

  • Film Theory

    This 10th-12th grade elective course explores films and the film industry by looking at the complex art form and exploring the process of filmmaking. The course places an emphasis on developing study skills, class discussion, and film analysis.

  • International Diplomacy/Model UN

    This 10th - 12th grade one-semester elective course, offered during the fall, examines international diplomacy and the role of the UN in it. Students in this class will participate in a Model UN convention.

  • Honors Art History

    This course is designed to help students develop an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students will examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present day from a variety of cultures and will learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity. Students will learn strategies of analysis, develop a firm understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, and become fluent in the use of fundamental art historical terminology. Finally, although emphasis is placed on Western European art, artistic traditions beyond the Western tradition will be fully integrated in the curriculum.

Faculty

List of 6 members.

  • Keri Salyards 

    History Department Chair
    Bio

  • Joanna Jennings 

    Teacher
    Bio

  • Chad Llewellyn 

    Teacher
    Bio

  • Zachary  Myers 

    Teacher
    Bio

  • Steven Packnick 

    Teacher
    Bio

  • Robert Porter 

    Teacher
    Bio
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Grier School

2522 Grier School Rd. | P.O. Box 308 Tyrone, PA 16686-0308
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177