HISTORY 9

Ancient History
Course description:
History 9 is an introduction to historical methodology and subject
matter utilizing the study of human history from prehistory to the
medieval world. The focus of the course content is to compare and
contrast ancient civilizations in terms of their political, economic,
military, social, and cultural histories. Contacts between these
civilizations are especially important. Race, gender, class, and
geography are crucial elements considered throughout the course.
Making connections between past and present is also a priority. In
addition to the acquisition of a foundation of knowledge, student
writing and primary source analysis are emphasized.
Objectives:
After taking History 9, students should finish the year with a foundation
of knowledge about the history of European, African, Asian, and
American civilizations. They should have an appreciation for the past
and an understanding of the contemporary world based on their study
of the past. Above all, they should begin to recognize the complexity of
history and empathize with people who are different from themselves.
Students must learn important facts in order to understand and
construct historical arguments; memorization and reasoning skills are
both important. History 9 prepares students for upper-level History
Department courses and for advanced study. Thus, students learn how
to be students: how to organize a notebook, how to take lecture notes,
how to outline, how to read critically, how to analyze a document, how
to study effectively and efficiently, how to research and write a term
paper, and how to write intelligent essays based on supporting
evidence. Most importantly, History 9 students must become selfdisciplined and manage their time wisely. These skills are the key to a
successful and rewarding academic experience at AST.