History students are asked to create meaning from our past and present, developing an ability to understand a historical framework for the world evolving around them. Classes emphasize discussion and oral skills, writing with an emphasis on analytical essays, and critical thinking. Students are asked to write history—to formulate, support, and document their own views of the past. The use of primary texts is critical in all courses and student research builds from primary document analysis.
The Putney Difference
The overarching goal of the History department is to help students learn how to be historians. They’re expected to not only know the trajectory of the past as others have defined it, but to come up with their own interpretations by creatively weaving research from primary and secondary sources with critical analysis and creative thinking to identify unique connections and develop new knowledge.
We’re interested in students understanding how the narrative is constructed, and how they themselves can play a part in constructing the narrative. These kinds of core skills of history are essential for living in a democracy, for being an independent thinker, and for knowing how to question information throughout your life.
— Pat O’Connor, History Department Chair and History Teacher
While classes address all the major topics of a high school history education, once students cultivate the skills to read and interpret sources, put them into context and identify their significance, they’re encouraged to explore the past based on their personal interests. Students leave Putney with not only a traditionally strong handle on the past and present, but the lifelong ability to continue questioning, analyzing, interpreting and making connections as the future unfolds into what will ultimately become history.
Core Skill Development
Oral communication and discussion
Analytical writing
Critical thinking and interpretation
Research with primary and secondary sources
Finding Meaning in a Moment of Time
Putney students are looking not just at facts and dates, but understanding what they mean and making sense out of the world.
Project Week: Putney Archives
A group of students dug through The Putney School’s rich history, uncovering fascinating stories from past generations, talking with professional archivists, and paving the way for future students to continue their work.
Humans in the Natural World
In this unique, project-based class that combines history, science and English, 9th graders explore the evolution of humanity from a foraging, hunter-gatherer species, to the growing importance of agriculture, to a dependence on fossil fuels in a globalized world. Students collaborate, make connections, and synthesize information about the world through a variety of different lenses.
Mastering Data Comprehension
In this collaborative course between the History department and the Center for Teaching and Learning, students strengthen their strategic reading skills and learn how to engage with massive amounts of data in an effective and efficient way.
Spotlight on: American Studies
“What does it mean to be an American?” This is a year-long interdisciplinary course that asks students this fundamental question and is arranged around a series of thematic explorations: Nature; American Political Thought; Slavery and its Legacy; Conflict and Capitalism. Courses are taught by both English and history teachers, and readings from both disciplines provide students with the essential backdrop for dynamic class discussion and exploration.
History Courses
- American Environmental History
- Comparative Religions
- Trends and Forces
- History of Democracy
- History of the Cold War
- Introduction to Economics
- Social Documentary Studies
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