Curriculum Detail

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School Level

Department

History and Social Sciences

Middle School

See the Humanities section for the Middle School courses.

Upper School

The Upper School History and Social Sciences curriculum is a combination of required core courses and electives. The core courses are designed to help students gain an understanding of and an appreciation for their cultural heritage and to develop a sense of historical perspective so that they may knowledgably engage with a rapidly changing world. Elective courses offer students the opportunity to sample a variety of social science disciplines, expanding the toolkit they use to understand the political, social, and economic dimensions of their environment. All courses continue to emphasize and build upon the skills and concepts introduced in Middle School.

Typically, students take Foundations of World Societies (ninth grade), The Modern World (tenth grade), and a course in U.S. History (eleventh grade) in sequence. Deviation from taking a core course in the typical sequence is possible but requires Department Chair approval. Elective courses offered in the eleventh and twelfth grades afford students opportunities to pursue their individual interests and deepen their understanding of human behavior in various historical and social scientific contexts.

Criteria and Selection Process for AP Courses

Each spring, the Department chair solicits nominations from the faculty for placing students in all AP and Honors courses for the subsequent academic years.

Criteria for Nomination

The student should, in the judgment of his most recent History and Social Sciences teacher:
Demonstrate an appropriate level of academic ability (typically through consistently above-average performance on tests and quizzes)
Show evidence of active engagement in learning (typically through willingness to participate fully in class discussions, work productively with classmates in group exercises, etc.)
Prove to be self-motivated. He should have the capacity for hard work and individual learning; it should also be evident that the student would enjoy the challenge offered by an AP or Honors class to delve deeply into the subject of his choice at an advanced level.

Selection to AP

The Department Chair and teachers of the AP and Honors courses will jointly determine admission to these courses taking into account the recommendation of the boys’ previous teachers and their overall academic record and course loads.

Appeals Process

If a student is initially denied admission to an AP or Honors course, he must first discuss the reasons for the denial with his most recent History and Social Sciences teacher. Following that discussion, the student has an option to appeal the decision through the Department Chair who then will review the matter on a case-by-case basis.

Foundations of World Societies

Grades 9 & 10 | Full Year
Foundations of World Societies (FWS) is the first-year course of a two-year program of studies that covers significant social, political, and economic history from emergence of the first human societies to the present day. FWS students investigate global history through the themes of State Building, Cultural Interaction, Economic Development, Social Transformations, Human Interaction with the Environment. The investigation takes them on a journey that starts with prehistoric bands and tribal groups many thousands of years ago to the start of the Renaissance in Europe, the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty in China, and the rise of the Aztecs in Meso-America. In addition to learning "content knowledge" of the global story up to the 1400s CE, the course guides students to develop academic and historical thinking skills that lay the foundations for future success in History and Social Sciences courses. This survey course's global nature also encourages them to appreciate and evaluate the story of the past from various perspectives.
The Modern World

Grades 10 & 11 | Full Year
The Modern World (MW) is the second-year course of a two-year program of studies that covers significant aspects of global social, political, and economic history from the emergence of the first humans to the present day. This course takes up the human story from the emergence of the first globe-spanning seaborne empires in the 1500s and carries students through to the challenges faced by world societies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In addition to providing students with content knowledge relevant to a variety of world regions and time periods, the course aims to develop a range of academic skills including note taking, composition writing, argumentation, debate and the interpretation and use of evidence in historical research. Students are encouraged to appreciate the story of the past from a variety of perspectives and should be prepared to discuss and evaluate multiple viewpoints. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Foundations of World Societies
History of American Society

Grades 11 & 12 | Full Year
This course presents students with an overview of American history and society from the Age of Exploration and Discovery to the present. A strong attempt will be made to link the study of the American past to current events and to develop in students an awareness of the commonalities and diversity in the experience of the people of the United States. Students will enhance their reading and writing skills throughout this course but will also approach much of the subject matter through debate, discussion, and an open-minded evaluation of multiple viewpoints. Prerequisites: Foundations of World Societies and The Modern World sequence of courses.
AP United States History

Grades 11 & 12 | Full Year
This course will cover the full span of American History from the colonial beginnings to the 21st century. It will prepare students for the Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) exam given in May. Extensive readings from primary and secondary sources will supplement the basic textbook, and students will be evaluated through a variety of writing assignments including timed long essays and “DBQ” responses (APUSH assessments help develop AP designated skills and contain a format like that of the AP exam). Political, economic, social, cultural, military, and domestic aspects of American History will be examined in depth. Prerequisite: Modern World history and teacher recommendation.
AP Comparative Government and Politics

Grades 11 & 12 | 1 Semester
AP Comparative Government and Politics (APCG) introduces students to the rich diversity of political life outside the United States. Through seminar-style discussions, debates, simulations, and written analyses of current affairs, students will learn concepts related to the discipline of political science and the sub-field of comparative government. Specifically, students will study the current politics of six representative countries -- China, Iran, Russia, Great Britain, Mexico, and Nigeria -- with the goal of exploring their institutional similarities and differences and analyzing the social and economic challenges each country faces. Students will engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons, and develop evidence-based arguments. Students will be prepared to sit for the College Board’s Advanced Placement examinations in Comparative Government in May. Note: This course is a “stand-alone” political science course; it may also be taken before, after, or concurrently with its companion course, AP US Government and Politics. Prerequisite: Department Chair’s approval.
AP Economics: Microeconomics & Macroeconomics

Grades 11 & 12 | Full Year
Economics is a dynamic social science that investigates scarcity, resource allocation and the methods and processes by which choices are made to satisfy human wants. As a social science, economics uses scientific methodologies that include quantitative and qualitative elements. This course introduces students to the two major divisions of the discipline: Microeconomics, dealing with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets; Macroeconomics, the study of economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. In addition to the usual textbook material, students must also engage with current events and will be required to follow media coverage on fluctuations in economic activity, business and social policies, international trade, economic development and environmental sustainability. Students will be prepared to sit for the College Board’s Advanced Placement examinations in Micro and Macroeconomics (these are separate examinations) in May. Prerequisite: Department Chair approval.
AP European History

Grade 11 & 12 | Full Year
In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. A seminar format is used, and students are expected to contribute to class discussions, prepare oral reports based on sound historical scholarship, and present substantive evidence clearly and persuasively in written essays. Prerequisite: Modern World History and teacher recommendation.
AP U.S. Government and Politics

Grades 11 & 12 | 1 Semester
AP United States Government and Politics (APUSG) offers students a semester-long, college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideals, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will work within the scope of their local governmental structure to complete political-science research or applied civics projects of their choosing. Prerequisite: Department Chair approval.
AP Art History

Grades 11 & 12 | Full Year

AP Art History is a two-semester survey of art history across time and across the globe, exploring art and architecture from prehistoric times to the modern world, from ancient
cave paintings to Renaissance sculpture, from mosque architecture to modern political monuments. Topics of study include Mediterranean, European, American, Indigenous American, African, and Asian art and architecture. The class explores a variety of artistic traditions, styles, and practices and places equal emphasis on the cultural and historical context of individual works of art and architecture. This class will include field trips to local museums and buildings for first-hand examination of cultures and artistic traditions under study. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation or Department Chair’s approval.
History of Special Operations, 1940s-1970s

Grade 12 | 1 Semester (Fall)
This course gives 12^th graders the opportunity to research and investigate Post World War II events in a military history elective course. The course begins with the formation of special operation missions during World War II and concludes with the counter-terrorism campaigns of the 1970s. All students must have read and annotated Giles Milton’s book, Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, over the summer. This course links military history to a wider historical context taking into account the political, social, and economic dimensions of warfare. As with any history course, students are encouraged to value multiple perspectives. We will assess the viewpoints of all sides in the conflicts we study, those of allies and enemies, those of the victors and the vanquished. Although we proceed in a chronological fashion, the course continually emphasizes three themes: wartime leadership traits, the character of soldiers, and the changing nature of war. A major research assignment will be the capstone experience of this course. Note: Although this course is a “stand-alone” semester course, it is highly recommended that it be taken as part of a yearlong program of study, History Special Operations, 1940s – Present Day. Prerequisite: Completion of the Foundations of World Societies and The Modern World sequence of courses.
History of Special Operations, 1970s-Present Day

Grade 12 | 1 Semester (Spring)
This course continues the study of the special operations aspect of military history from the 1970s to the present. Whether or not students took the first semester A History of Special Operations I, all students must have read and annotated Giles Milton’s book, Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, over the summer. This course links military history to a wider historical context taking into account the political, social, and economic dimensions of warfare. As with any history course, students are encouraged to value multiple perspectives. We will assess the viewpoints of all sides in the conflicts we study, those of allies and enemies, those of the victors and the vanquished. Although we proceed in a chronological fashion, the course continually emphasizes three themes: wartime leadership traits, the character of soldiers, and the changing nature of war. A major research assignment will be the capstone experience of this course. Note: Although this course is a “stand-alone” semester course, it is highly recommended that it be taken as part of a yearlong program of study, History Special Operations, 1940s-Present Day. Prerequisite: Completion of the Foundations of World Societies and The Modern World sequence of courses.

Faculty

David Fisher

History & Social Sciences Dept. Chair

214-346-8321

University of Cambridge - Masters
Harvard University - BA

fisherd@smtexas.org
Bio
David Fisher came to St. Mark’s in 2016 as chair of the History and Social Sciences Department after a more than 25-year career on the international school circuit. Prior to coming here, he taught in Malaysia, Argentina, the Phillipines, Oman and Bangladesh. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. Fisher, whose son Nathaniel graduated from here in 2023, has previously worked as an academic dean, department head and college counselor.
Stephen Arbogast

Chaplain

214-346-8222

Perkins School of Theology, SMU - Doctorate of Ministry, with honors
Harvard University - Master of Theology
Yale University - Master of Divinity

ArbogastS@smtexas.org
Bio
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Kirkpatrick Arbogast serves as the school chaplain here. Arbogast, formerly a vice-president with Goldman Sachs, joined the Peace Corps to teach at the Institut National d’Économie, (I.N.E.) Université Nationale du Bénin in the République du Bénin. First a Jesuit and now an Episcopal priest, Arbogast’s taught everyone from pre-school children to retired adults: with the Groton School, Trinity School (NYC) and the National Cathedral School as well as with several Jesuit schools, including Georgetown Prep, Fordham Prep and the Loyola-Blakefield School. He’s also served in parishes such as Trinity Church Wall Street and St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero. His research interests have long been to understand the relationship between religion and education with a focus on spiritual and ethical formation. He holds degrees from Yale, Harvard and the Perkins School of Theology (Southern Methodist University).
Bryan Boucher

History & Social Sciences Teacher

214-346-8317

Connecticut College - B.A.
University of North Texas - M.Ed.

BoucherB@smtexas.org
Bio
Before joining St. Mark’s, Bryan Boucher taught and coached for 14 years in several public schools in Connecticut, Georgia and Texas. A member of the History and Social Sciences Department, he teaches classes in AP U.S. history and AP microeconomics, and is co-sponsor in the junior and senior class advisory rotations. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College, he completed a two year fellowship program with the United States Golf Association before beginning his career as an educator. With a master’s degree from the University of North Texas, he has been awarded the Ackerman Character Education Award at St. Mark’s in 2021 and was recognized as an “Outstanding Educator” from the University of Chicago, based on student recommendations. Boucher has served as an AP reader for various subjects since 2011 and previously worked as an AP regional consultant.
Harry Flaherty

History Teacher and Head Varsity Football Coach

214-346-8189

Princeton - A.B.
University of Tennessee College of Law - J.D.

FlahertyH@smtexas.org
Bio
After playing football at Princeton University, Harry Flaherty spent brief stints with the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys before moving to the University of Tennessee, where he earned a law degree while coaching football in a graduate assistant role for the Volunteers’ football program. Coming to St. Mark’s in 2021, he now serves as head football coach, Upper School history teacher and adviser in the 11th and 12th grade rotations. Before joining St. Mark’s, Flaherty spent six years at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where he served as a history teacher, head varsity football coach, assistant dean of Admission and housemaster for all ninth grade boarding boys.
Andrea Hamilton

History Teacher

214-346-8356

Southern Methodist University - B.A.
Indiana University - M.A.
Tulane University - Ph.D.

HamiltonAn@smtexas.org
Bio
Dr. Andrea Hamilton has been a member of the St. Mark’s community since 2019 and is a faculty member in the Department of History and Social Sciences. She teaches courses in history of American society, foundations of world societies and AP U.S. history. A mom to Miller Wendorf ‘24, she earned a doctorate from Tulane University and holds undergraduate degrees from Indiana University and Southern Methodist University. Prior to St. Mark’s she taught a variety of history and English classes at Southern Methodist University. Hamilton sponsors the St. Mark’s chapter of Junior World Affairs Council and travels with the School’s Model United Nations team.
John Perryman

English & History Teacher

214-346-8433

Williams College - B.A.
University of Texas at Dallas - M.A.
University of Texas at Dallas - Ph.D.

perrymanj@smtexas.org
Bio
In his position as director of Civic Responsibility, Dr. John Perryman is a member of both the History and Social Sciences Department and the English Department where he teaches courses in sophomore English, AP history and the highly popular senior elective, “A 100-year partnership: A history of St. Mark’s and the City of Dallas.” He joined the School in 2009 and previously served as assistant head of the Upper School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and both a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Dallas. He was the recipient of the Marksmen yearbook dedication in 2016.
Michele Santosuosso

History Teacher

214-346-8230

Southern Methodist University - BA
Southern Methodist University - M.E.d

santosuossom@smtexas.org
Bio
Michele Santosuosso has served as a history teacher in the Department of History and Social Sciences since joining the St. Mark’s faculty in 2015. Mom to two Marksmen — Jacob ‘29 and Kane ‘32 — she advises multiple clubs and is the sponsor of the Upper School Student Council and co-sponsor for the ninth and tenth-grade class rotation. Previously, Santosuosso taught at Williams High School in
Jerusha Westbury

History & Social Science Teacher

214-346-8322

Bard College - B.A.
New York University - Ph.D.

westburyj@smtexas.org
Bruce Westrate

Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Master Teaching Chair

214-346-8149

University of Michigan - B.A.
University of Michigan - M.A.
University of Michigan - Ph.D.

westrateb@smtexas.org
Bio
Dr. Bruce Westrate has been a member of the St. Mark’s faculty since 2003 and serves as a history teacher, holding the Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Master Teaching Chair. He earned a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Dr. Westrate previously taught at Lake Michigan College, Purdue University, Western Michigan University and Indiana University. He has authored several books and has been published in multiple articles, including “Rediscovering the British Empire,” “The Arab Bureau” and “Apotheosis,” among others. Westrate was the 2017 Marksmen yearbook dedicatee.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000

About Us

St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.

St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.