Course descriptions/11th & 12th grade
IB History of the Americas HL
This is a required two-year course for all Berkeley International High School students, involving a thorough examination of our modern world with an emphasis on the interaction of people and events; the formation of students’ own opinions of events; and analysis of the progression of history over time . The primary aim and focus of the course is to guide students towards independent historical analysis. Skills emphasized include: primary and secondary source analysis; formation and completion of independent research; understanding of historical cause and effect; ability to articulate knowledge and opinions orally and in writing; synthesis of information and the ability to use that information to analyze new information. The junior year will focus on the history of the United States and South America through World War II. The senior year will focus on topics in the history of the Americas since WWII, particularly the Cold War as well as other relevant case studies. Students will also study a subject of their choice for the required IB historical investigation. Students will be capable of taking the AP U.S. history exam in the spring of their junior year and the HL or SL level IB exam in the spring of their senior year. Students who successfully complete both years of the course receive a waiver for the graduation requirements in American Government. Prerequisites: enrollment in Berkeley International High School.