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Academics
Upper School


Our Curriculum

History

All students are required to earn three credits in history for graduation – including (1) World Civilization, (2) European History or European History Honors, and (3) a year-long course in United States History. Students can choose to complete their third year requirement in United States History in either the 11th or 12th grade. Note that seniors can complete their requirement with either U.S. History or the Pinnacle* course We the People*.

  • World Civilization

    This year-long Grade 9 course provides students with an orientation to the ancient and medieval world across a diverse range of geographies. Thematic connections will be drawn so that students gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of global societies - how they identify culturally and how they interact with the environment. Subtopics for comparison will include the development of agriculture, technology, religion, philosophy, art, and architecture, among others. Moreover, students will acquire and develop essential critical reading, writing, and study skills. In the first trimester students will be introduced to the Upper School library resources, and begin the development of crucial research skills, which will culminate in a short research paper. Topics will vary depending on student and faculty interest but may include the following content areas: pre-history and the origins of civilization, ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as China, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.

  • European History

    This Grade 10 course begins with an examination of early modern Europe. The course concentrates on the development of European society and its subsequent transformation, after 1914, into the contemporary world. The continuing social, political, economic, and intellectual development of European society is stressed in readings from primary and secondary sources. Included are the topics of New World Exploration, the Renaissance, the Reformation, Absolutism, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Age of Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Totalitarianism. Critical skills are further developed through the preparation of essays and analytical papers. Research and library skills are improved through the preparation of a research paper.
    Prerequisite:  World Civilizations

  • European History Honors

    This course will cover the same material as the regular section but in more detail. Students selected for European History Honors will do additional reading and writing to deepen their understanding of European History. Assignments and assessments will typically be more challenging in terms of content and length for this section. Students will also read a novel in the spring in addition to their textbook and primary source work. Overall, a higher level of analysis, participation, and investment is expected.
    Prerequisite:  World Civilizations
    Requires Department Chair Approval

  • United States History

    Through readings both from primary and secondary sources, lectures, and discussions, this course introduces eleventh graders to a survey of United States History. The crucial political, economic, social, and intellectual developments of the American nation are examined. The further development of critical analytical and interpretive skills that began in ninth and tenth grade is continued with the preparation of short analytical papers and a major research paper.
    Prerequisites: World Civilization and European History

  • We the People*

    Ideals and Identity in American History
    This year-long Pinnacle* course offers an exploration of topics in our history. The first trimester will focus on the Founding and Federalist eras, in particular the political and ideological debates around the framing and functioning of the government. In the second trimester, we will focus on the Civil War, examining the fault lines that split the country, four years of society defining conflict, and the flawed attempts to reconstruct the Union. The third trimester explores models of leadership in the politics and popular movements of the 20th century. Within these thematic parameters, students will read and pursue research into areas of particular interest and demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of projects and assessments, while working together to complete a detailed understanding of these historical periods and issues, and their application for today. As a Pinnacle* course expecting the highest levels of motivation and capability, this class is open to highly qualified eleventh and twelfth graders based upon their standing in previous history classes. We the People fulfills the third year requirement in History.
    Prerequisites: World Civilization and European History
    Requires Department Chair Approval

  • The Cold War*

    In the half century between the end of World War II and the fall of the Soviet Union the modern world took shape even as it teetered on the brink of nuclear destruction. The high stakes ideological struggle between east and west affected every continent and nation, extending from the deepest ocean and into space. This year-long course will examine the global themes and topics of this ideological conflict, as well as its impact and legacy on the world since. Students will explore areas of interest on topics such as Cold War arts and culture, espionage, nuclear proliferation and environmental hazards, guerrilla wars, and the nationalist and populist movements. Students will demonstrate their understanding through a variety of group and individual research projects and assessments. As a Pinnacle* course, The Cold War seminar is intended to engage students' critical thinking and analytical abilities while honing their research, writing, and presentation skills. This course is intended for highly motivated and dedicated students.
    Prerequisite: European History and United States History
    Requires Department Chair Approval

  • Introduction to Psychology

    This year-long course is designed to introduce students to the study of psychology: the science of behavior and mental processes. Over the course of the year, we will explore why humans act in certain ways and how we experience the world around us. Through direct instruction, research, projects, and presentations, students will learn about various topics within the field including the history of psychology, development and learning, social psychology, sleep, and more. The class is dynamic and interactive, and material is presented through a variety of methods including hands-on demonstrations and activities. Assignments will include reading, reflecting, group work, in class assessments, research, projects, and presentations. At the end of the year, students should have a better understanding of themselves and others and insight into the many possibilities within and applications of the field of Psychology.

  • American Government & Politics

    This seminar will aim to give students a nuts and bolts understanding of how our executive, legislative, and judicial branches function, and the tools to effectively participate in public life and the political realm. The course will be organized around answering the following series of questions: What are the fundamental principles of American government and how are they represented in current events? Who represents my interests at the state and federal levels of government? What do these representatives do? How are they chosen? What power do they have? Does it matter who they are? Analysis of the constitution, relevant course cases, and recent elections will provide an introduction to key political science concepts. 
    OFFERED: Semester 1
    Prerequisite: European History

  • Contemporary History through Film

    This seminar will explore topics and themes in contemporary history through film. Contemporary history is broadly defined as the study of the recent past - within living memory - typically focusing on the world after 1945. Portraying history through film in this context poses challenges to the historian and the general public, as film is often used to portray history for public consumption, oftentimes adapting the historical record for entertainment or specific messaging. Students will grapple with these issues by selecting a number of films produced within the last half-century, researching the historical context, discussing relevant issues, and both evaluating and producing films that portray historical events.
    OFFERED: Semester 1
    Prerequisite:  European History

  • Holocaust

    In this seminar students will examine and analyze the events of the Holocaust. We will look at the historical developments that led to the Holocaust and the universal themes that come out of this period in history. Discussions will be aimed at exploring the issues of identity, responsibility, representation, and interpretation of the Holocaust. The course will examine many controversies including the roles of bystanders, collaborators, and government reactions to the Nazis before, during, and after the war. We will read memoirs and primary sources and view a variety of documentaries and films on this topic. There will be a special emphasis on Poland, the Soviet Union and Hungary in the east, and France in the west.
    OFFERED: Semester 2
    Prerequisite:  European History

  • Humanities

    The Humanities elective explores topics in philosophy, religion, and the arts through great thinkers and writers across history. Along with creating a foundation based upon formal logic, this semester course is centered on essential questions such as: What does it mean to be human? What is consciousness? Am I free? Guided by philosophers of both the modern and classical eras, we will discuss the opportunities and challenges of individualism in the modern world.
    OFFERED: Semester 2
    Prerequisite:  European History

  • Post-Colonial Topics

    This elective course focuses on the decolonization movement of the 20th century and in particular, the effects of European colonization on the "Global South." Through an exploration of the experience of colonized groups, and the events and structures that have persisted as a result of decolonization, students will gain a deeper insight into modern global issues. Students will engage with the historical roots of modern global issues across regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Southeast Asia. Utilizing a variety of resources such as writing, music, photographs, and video, we will explore the distinct identities and momentous events that arose after colonization. To culminate the learning experience, students will have the opportunity to delve deeper into a country of their choice and to create a project to share their learning with their peers. In grappling with trends and issues that accompany this topic, students will be able to gain a better understanding of current world events.
    OFFERED: Semester 1
    Prerequisite:  European History

  • The Turbulent Sixties and Beyond

    Contemporary history seeks to explore more recent events in American history and how they have a direct impact on the world we live in today. This elective will explore the turbulent decade of the 1960s and its immediate aftermath.  With the Cold War and the conflict in Vietnam as a backdrop, we will uncover the American response to the postwar era and the resulting political, cultural, and generational divides, some of which remain today. Students will explore topics of their choice which could include, but are not limited to, the expanding social movements of the era, popular entertainment and music, the Vietnam War, the Space Race, the counterculture, the OPEC oil crisis, the conservative response, or the Watergate scandal.  Because individual memories of historical events can challenge the historical interpretation of contemporary eras, students will be asked to view the events and trends of this period (1960-1979) through multiple lenses and will be able to choose between a variety of political, economic, and social themes and engage in thoughtful discussion and debate. 
    OFFERED: Semester 2
    Prerequisite: United States History

Our Faculty

  • Photo of Peter Lassey
    Peter Lassey
    History Department Chair, History Teacher, Boys JV Lacrosse Coach
    207-384-2164 x2620
    Plymouth State University - MEd
    University of New Hampshire - BA
  • Photo of Matthew Biggart
    Matthew Biggart
    Upper School History Teacher
    University of Virginia - MA
    Bates College - BA
    Avon Old Farms School
  • Photo of Nicole Derr
    Nicole Derr
    Middle School English Teacher, Middle School Cross Country Coach
    Bowdoin College - BA
  • Photo of Molly Gabarro
    Molly Gabarro
    Upper School Dean of Students; Grade 9 Dean
    207-384-2164 x2527
    Northeastern University - MS
    College of the Holy Cross - BS
    The Taft School
  • Photo of Augusta Garner
    Augusta Garner
    Lesley University - MEd
    Gettysburg College - BA
  • Photo of Amory Mansfield
    Amory Mansfield
    European History, Girls' JV Tennis
    207-384-2164 x2511
    University of Vermont - MA
    University of Vermont - BA
  • Photo of Molly McKay
    Molly McKay
    Dean of Students (Grade 7 & 8)/Middle School World Cultures
    207-384-2164 x2918
    Antioch University - MEd
    St. Lawrence University - BA
  • Photo of Christopher Onken
    Christopher Onken
    Middle School English and Math, Middle School Soccer, Middle School Basketball, Middle School Baseball
    207-384-2164 x2909
    Middlebury College - MA
    Dartmouth College - BA
  • Photo of Jared Randall
    Jared Randall
    Upper School History Teacher, Co-ed Varsity Golf Coach, Boys Varsity Hockey Coach, Grade 12 Dean
    207-384-2164 x2509
    Manhattanville College - MAT
    Manhattanville College - BS
  • Photo of Edward Redpath
    Edward Redpath
    Bryant University - Bachelors
  • Photo of Steffie Stempien
    Steffie Stempien
    Middle School Humanities Teacher, Middle School Outreach, Upper School History Teacher
    207-384-2164 x2907
    University of Texas, Austin - MEd
    Gettysburg College - BA

Berwick Academy

31 Academy Street
South Berwick, Maine 03908

Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.

Find Your Path to Berwick Academy