History

What Does the History Department Strive to do for Students?

Archmere History Department Goals: Provide students with an understanding of the world, specific knowledge about the past, and important college level skills.
Academic Discipline of History Goals: Provide tools for students to understand geography, society, the role of the individual, economics, politics, culture, change over time, and current events.
Individual Course Goals: Develop students' abilities to read critically, write clearly, to speak persuasively, and to utilize new technologies.

Curriculum by Year

Freshman Year: World Civilizations
Students begin their study of the world with a survey course on world civilizations that allows the students to learn fundamental skills in organization, analysis, and presentation of research.
Sophomore Year: American History
Students turn their focus to American History while working to synthesize information, develop conclusions, and learning the process of the research paper.
Junior Year: European History
Students delve deeper into European history and the global impact of western civilization through group discussion, primary and secondary source readings, and the research paper.
Junior and Senior Year: History Department Electives
These electives rotate, focusing on more specific topics such as Civil Rights, Economic Principles, Law and Legal Issues, and Conflict in the 20th Century. Students can expect a seminar atmosphere centered on discussion of readings and presentation of research.

Cross-Curriculum Integration Provides Real Life Experiences

Archmere's History Department provides students with an understanding of the world, specific knowledge about the past, and important college level skills by developing students' abilities to read critically, write clearly, speak persuasively, and utilize new technologies. Additionally, the History Department makes connections across the curriculum. The department supports joint research projects with the English Department and teaches the responsible use of technology. Courses often refer to the history of art, literature, science, and technology. The department also supports extra-curricular activities such as Model UN, academic bowls, mock trial, presidential debates, current events competitions, and field trips which help students demonstrate skills emphasized in the history curriculum.

In the process of teaching about the world's cultural diversity, and the ways of good citizenship, the History Department aims to fulfill Archmere's mission to provide students with the ability to understand their moral responsibility to the global community.

Students begin their study of the world with a survey course on world civilizations that allows the students to learn fundamental skills in organization, analysis, and presentation of research in their freshman year. The following year, the focus turns to American History while working to synthesize information, develop conclusions, and learn the process of the research paper. Students delve deeper into European history during their junior year, along with studying the global impact of western civilization through group discussion, primary and secondary source readings, and the research paper. In students' final two years at Archmere, history electives that focus on more specific topics rotate into the curriculum. These topics can include civil rights, economic principles, law and legal issues, and conflict in the 20th century. Students can expect a seminar atmosphere centered on discussion of readings and presentation of research.

  • World History to 1200

    World History to 1200 CE analyzes the human experience from prehistoric origins to the early modern world. The course will focus on key themes such as political, economic, social, religious, intellectual and artistic developments within a global framework. Emphasis will be placed on continuity and change over time, cultural interactions, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Students will develop analytical thinking and writing skills through their evaluation of primary and secondary sources in a variety of mediums, collaborative activities and independent projects, namely the National History Day research paper.

     

  • United States History

    Sophomore students are required to take United States History. In the general sections of United States History students can expect a survey of this country's history from the 17th century through the Vietnam Era. The course is organized chronologically but students will use themes such as politics, economics, and religion to compare and contrast the different periods. The use of primary and secondary sources will play a significant role in understanding the development of these themes over time. Throughout the course writing skills are emphasized culminating with the research paper in the spring, which is done working closely with the English Department.

    Prerequisite: World History to 1200 

  • Europe and the Modern World

    During their junior year, students move from United States History to Europe and the Modern World. By examining primary sources, visual sources, and daily reading and lecture, students study European history from the Middle Ages to the Collapse of Communism in 1991. Throughout the year, the students continue to develop their research and writing skills through various activities including oral presentations and essay writing. The course also highlights research projects to enhance the material. In the first semester, students study important explorers, present a speech as a delegate during the French Revolution, and recreate an Enlightenment salon by portraying a philosopher and discussing their ideas with other thinkers. During the second semester, the students work in conjunction with the English department to write a research paper on a European topic of their choice. Students are assessed through tests, quizzes, written assignments, projects and daily homework assignments.

  • AP United States History

    AP US History is a challenging course that is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course in a high school setting. It is a yearlong survey of American history from the age of exploration to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Considerable time in class spent on critical thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents and historiography. Students will be assessed through daily discussion, essay writing, presentations, quizzes, exams, and the research paper.

    Prerequisite Course: World History

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • AP European History

    This college level honors course studies the basic principles of modern Western Civilization. It focuses on the unique cultural, political, economic, and social development of Europe and its global impact form 1450 to the present. Students learn and practice the critical thinking and writing skills necessary for college work, as well as prepare to take the College Board AP exam in May. Success on this test may earn the student college credit.

    Prerequisite Course: US History or AP US History

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • AP World History: Modern

    The course seeks to develop a greater understanding of global processes and interactions between human societies. The course reviews world history from its foundations to the present with a particular focus on the last one thousand years. Students develop skills in organizing and presenting information, analyzing primary sources, comparing cultures, and writing essays. Assessment of student performance is based on tests, quizzes, essays, presentations as well as classroom participation. The course is intended to prepare students to take the AP World History test.

    Prerequisite Course: European History or AP European History

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • AP Government and Politics

    AP United States Government & Politics provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. Considerable time in class spent on critical thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents. Students will be assessed through daily discussion, essay writing, presentations, quizzes, and exams.

    Prerequisite Course: US History or AP US History

    Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

  • Conflict & Culture

    Conflict & Culture will offer students the opportunity to study world history through the lens of conflict.The course will analyze the causes and impacts of various conflicts, along with the policies of the leaders and diplomats in both the waging of war and the creation of stable peace.Several types of conflict, past and present, will be examined.Students will explore issues surrounding the Rwandan genocide, Spanish Civil War, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Arab Spring revolutions, and global terrorism.Finally, the course will consider how these events impact the cultures and societies in which they are fought and how they shape the present modern world.

  • Faith in History

    Faith in History provides students with an opportunity to explore instances when religion and philosophy became intertwined with world politics, economics, and societal movements throughout history by evaluating primary and secondary sources and engaging in debate and group discussion.

    Studying the complex, reciprocal relationship between these two disciplines will allow students to gain a better understanding of how their faith affects the world around them, as well as the lens through which they see it.

    "Awareness of one discipline enables a more informed, nuanced understanding of the other." - U. of Birmingham, UK

  • Psychology

    Most of the challenging problems or issues of our society are linked in part to human attitudes, values, and behavior.  Psychology is one field that contributes to our understanding of these problems and their solutions.  In this course students will be introduced to topics such as the complexities of human thought and behavior, the factors related to the differences between people, the research method as it applies to this field, and the history of important people and events in psychology.  As a result students should be able to directly apply the knowledge gained from this course to their daily lives.

  • Civil Rights

    Civil Rights: 1919 to the Present examines the structure and dynamics of civil rights movements that have transformed American history, politics, and culture. Based on the premise that multiple movements have centered upon the goal of achieving equal rights for American citizens, this course will explore movements involving perceptions of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity. Students will analyze the context and consequences of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, women’s rights, LGBT, Chicano, and Native American movements from a combination of historical, sociological, and politico-legal perspectives. Current issues and their implications in relation to events that we have studied will also serve as a basis for discussion. Assessment will be based on weekly reaction papers, presentations, quizzes, and participation in class discussions.

  • Contemporary Global Issues

    We live in an ever changing world, and many issues continue to face the global community varying from political, social, and economic issues. Keeping this in mind, students will examine different topics using primary and secondary resources. The course is divided into 5 major sections, allowing students to analyze specific global issues and how they are interconnected. Due to the contemporary style of the course, students will be required to read current news articles, case studies, and watch news casts. Analysis of these documents is critical for preparation for the course. The course is conducted in a seminar format. Students are assessed using homework, class discussion, presentation of analysis, and current event quizzes.

  • Law and the Legal System

    The course offers a primary study of practical law for everyday society. Framed within the historical evolution of jurisprudence, the course addresses several areas including criminal and juvenile justice, torts or civil matters, discrimination, consumer affairs, family law and constitutional rights. The course seeks to provide specific information about our judicial system with the intent of sparking an interest for further study. Visiting lawyers and guest lectures, along with case study evaluations, lend to the dynamic of this semester atmosphere.

  • Economic Principles

    Economic Principles is a one-semester course that spotlights key elements of both micro- and macroeconomics. The course is divided up into themes that highlight key economic ideologies. The economic themes used in class cover and reflect the National Economic standards as set by the NCEE. Students are also responsible for outside readings that support class discussions and lectures. Students are assessed using class discussion, presentation of analysis, papers, take-home and in-class tests and quizzes.

Select a Department

Faculty

  • Photo of Tara Creekmore
    Mrs. Tara Creekmore
    History Department Chair; History Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 731
    Villanova University - M.S.
    Villanova University - B.A.
  • Photo of John Hughes
    Mr. John Hughes
    History Teacher
    Creighton University - M.S.
    Seton Hall University - B.S.
  • Photo of Kyle Bardeer
    Mr. Kyle Bardeer
    History Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 721
    Chestnut Hill College - B.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Alima Bucciantini
    Dr. Alima Bucciantini
    History Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 720
    University of Edinburgh - Ph.D.
    University of Edinburgh - M.S.
    Mount Holyoke College - B.A.
  • Photo of Mark Hannagan
    Mr. Mark Hannagan
    History Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 724
    Wilmington University - M.A.
    University of Delaware - B.A.
  • Photo of Jonathan Jezyk
    Mr. Jon Jezyk
    School Counselor; Psychology Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 716
    Wilmington University - M.Ed.
    The Catholic University of America - B.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Robert Nowaczyk
    Mr. Robert Nowaczyk
    Co-Director of Student Life and Culture; History Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 722
    Neumann University - Secondary Certification
    Wilmington University - M.Ed.
    University of Delaware - B.A.
  • Photo of Kristen Witte
    Ms. Kristen Witte
    History Teacher
    302-798-6632 Ext 723
    University of Bristol - M.A.
    University of Delaware - B.A.
    Bio
3600 Philadelphia Pike
Claymont, DE 19703
Phone: 302-798-6632
Fax: 302-798-7290
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
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