The study of history is an essential part of the school’s comprehensive program. To deepen the students’ understanding of the world, past and present, as well as to build and refine their skills in service of historical inquiry and analysis, the History Department offers a four-year curriculum of core courses and electives. History I: Non-Western Civilizations introduces students to the practice of historical inquiry and to area studies and is required of all freshmen. The multidisciplinary course, Western Civilization: A History of the Arts, although housed in the Arts Department, furthers sophomores’ study of history. All students must take United States History in their junior or senior year. The capstone is our rich elective program, which allows juniors and seniors to do further investigation and skills refinement in area studies and in theme-based courses.