The History + Global Studies curriculum provides students with an understanding of the forces that have shaped the past and continue to influence the world today.Through the process of reading and writing, as well as problem-solving discussions, students learn to investigate historical questions, analyze sources, and effectively express their ideas. Working with passionate and expert faculty, they also develop the critical skills needed to become an engaged participant in our democracy, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

In an ever-changing post-9/11 world, we are forced to examine what comes next for American foreign policy. The old system of Cold War ideological thinking no longer applies in an era when the traditional nation-state is losing its importance. This course will look at the lessons of the 20th century and explore what the future holds for the United States in an increasingly global society. We will cover important social, cultural, political, economic, and military events of the 20th century including the crisis in the Middle East, economic relations among the major industrial blocs, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Members of the yearlong AP U.S. Government and Politics course participate in the civic education program “We the People,” where they show what they know about the history, philosophy, and development of the U.S. government in Congressional-style hearings. Williston’s team won the state championships twice since 2016, going on to compete in the nationals in Washington, D.C. “In a time when an understanding of government seems vital, the engagement of students in the discussion of the structure, development, and process of government—well, I don’t know what we do that’s more important,” says History & Global Studies faculty member and We the People advisor Peter Gunn.