Upper School History

Philosophy/Approach: Because Hawken is committed to developing responsible national and global citizens, Hawken’s History Department encourages students to develop a deep understanding of the world, both the past and present. We collaborate with the English Department in the teaching of an interdisciplinary freshman Humanities course to explore universal issues relating to the human condition and to encourage students to make connections and see patterns across genres and disciplines. Students are taught to think historically, to examine evidence critically, and to consider alternative perspectives as they interpret and analyze the ways in which our past informs the present and future.
Requirements/Course Sequence:
  • The history department's three-year core curriculum consists of Humanities, Modern World History, and US History.
  • All required courses pay particular attention to the developing world in terms of culture and place on the international stage.
  • With departmental approval, students may take AP US History or American Studies in the junior year.
  • Seniors may choose from a variety of elective classes ranging from Economics Principles and Investing to Contemporary Europe.
Program Highlights:
  • Courses incorporate experiential learning components including archeological digs; outings to museums, cemeteries, and other relevant sites; and utilization of current technologies including skype and podcasts to enhance the learning experience.
  • Student essays are frequently “workshopped” in our Writing Center for support and feedback.
  • The department uses technology such as Podcasting (catching and creating), Blogging, Wikis, SmartBoards, and Skype.
  • Many of the courses offer authentic assessment in the form of real-world problem solving.
  • The American Studies course is a two-teacher, two-period history/English combination where historical chronology parallels the evolution of American Literature.
  • In the 2008 Urban Archeology course, students could be found digging for artifacts behind Ferris House, touring the Ohio and Erie Canal locks, visiting Lakeview Cemetery, and walking the factory floor at Olympic Steel. Students did extensive research at the Western Reserve Historical Society and interviewed occupants of homes on Magnolia Avenue.
  • In election years, students in the American Politics elective work the polling stations.
  • The Economics course invests and tracks actual money.
Sample Courses: In addition to the traditional college-prep and AP classes, the History Department offers elective classes including:
  • The Cleveland Experience: History, Culture, and Community
  • 20th Century Genocide and Holocaust
  • The Middle East: Cauldron of Fires, Forge of Nations
  • The World.org.
  • Global Conflict Resolution
  • Genocide
  • Mao and Stalin
Extra-curricular Enrichment Opportunities for History Students: Students can choose to participate in
  • Hawken’s Integrity Council
  • Student Senate
  • The Affno (student newspaper)
  • Chinese Culture Club
  • Speech and Debate Club
  • Global cultural or service learning trips
  • Club participation in groups like Save Darfur, Amnesty International, and Facing History and Ourselves
 
 
An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12

Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135 
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

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