Students will learn to have an appreciation for our world and the diverse cultures populating it.  They will examine the world and its people using the five themes of geography and will learn to read maps, charts, and graphs to find relevant information. Using our class "passports" they will travel around the globe exploring other countries and cultures.  Learners will also consider the issues of today as connected with the themes of geography.

---

Beginning with pre-history, students will examine ancient cultures from the Mesopotamians through the twentieth-century rise of imperialism.  Some highlights are the Egyptians, the Phoenicians, the eastern river valley civilizations including India and China, the Romans, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Americas.  Students will analyze the causes and effects of historical events as well as to examine their connections with today's world.

---

Students will first review the early Americans, then concentrate on the events from 1812 forward. They will examine the major events in American history into the twentieth century while also following the important events occurring around the world today.  Significant highlights from Massachusetts history will be considered together with their connections to United States history, as well as their interconnectedness with world events. Students also develop an understanding of how Catholics and the Catholic Church have influenced American history

---