History Department

The History Department assists students in gaining an understanding of the past’s significance to their own lives, as well as to the broader society in which they live. To borrow from the words of a renowned historian, our students study history “not to be more clever next time, but to be wise forever.” 
 
We challenge our students and foster intellectual curiosity by exposing them to a wide range of thinkers and ideas through both primary and secondary sources.  Students gain intellectual self-confidence through participation in section discussions and debates, and completion of a rigorous writing program.
 
In all of our courses, we impart these skills to our students: formulating questions, researching information, evaluating evidence and arguments, using evidence to make arguments, and communicating effectively.
 
All students take a required three-year sequence. Ninth-graders begin a two-year World History sequence by taking World History to 1500. Tenth-graders complete this two-year sequence with World History from 1500 to the Present. All 11th graders take either United States History or Advanced Placement United States History.

Additionally, we offer electives in both history and the social sciences, the purposes of which are to expose students to specialized or advanced courses of study, to enable students to build upon and refine the skills they have already acquired, and to encourage faculty to generate and teach subjects in their areas of passion and expertise.

History Electives

United States Government and Politics (AP)
Economics (AP)
Human Geography (AP)
United States History (AP)
American Jurisprudence
Microeconomics
Religion, Ethics and Conflict Resolution
The African-American Experience(s), 1619-1880 *
The African-American Experience(s), 1880-present *
Modern Colombia *
Strategy, Diplomacy and War *
The Civil War Era, 1846-1877 *
History of American Capitalism *
Mao and Modern China *
The Wind of Change: Decolonization in Asia and Africa, 1940-1980 *

* Semester Course

History Chair

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Alan Cate

    Mr. Alan Cate 

    History Chairperson, Mock Trial, Student Disciplinary Committee
    216-831-2200 x7304

Communicating with Cuneiform

 

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
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