Breck School - Mustang Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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HISTORY The History Department, directed by Mr. Thomas Tierney, provides Breck students with an unparalleled background in the social sciences. Its unique presentation and dynamic curriculum have sparked new interest in this field of study. The Lower School sequence of study consists of a three year course in social disciplines in the primary grades, which serves an an introduction to the study of world geography, ancient history, and American History conducted in the fourth through sixth grades. Seventh and eighth grade students study a two-year composite course in world History under the direction of Mr. James Graham and Mr. Thomas Dolen. Students in the ninth through twelfth grades are offered a number of courses in which they may enroll at any grade level. Although Breck requires only two history credits for graduation, more and more students graduate with three and even four courses to their credit. This increased student enthusiasm is explained by the exciting manner in which the subjects are presented. The African History course is studied from the various points of view of archeology, anthropology, geography, and political history. This course has been of special interest to students since Africa has been in the news limelight of late. Mr. Graham has lived on that continent and provides first-hand information to his students. Mr. Dolen's Modern European History course covers the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to World War II. A current events unit is also included in this course. American History, taught by Mr. Tierney, is required by law of all students. As well as providing the students with factual knowledge, the class explores the evolution of the United States government. Topics such as foreign policy, power, and the Presidency are examined and discussed. Mr. Dolen's Economics-Political Science course was of special significance in this year of a national election. His classes conducted weekly opinion polls over a period of two months. Other segments of the year were spent studying basic economic terms and concepts, as well as social life and politics. The Social Seminar course is perhaps the most challenging and unique offered. Selected students work in conjunction with Project Motivation, a program sponsored by the University Y.M.C.A., that includes field work with disadvantaged children from lower-economic regions of the cities. The History Department has developed a well-rounded curriculum that stresses not only the importance of facts, but also develops the student's ability to evaluate what he reads and hears — equally important in a full preparation for college level studies. 26

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LANGUAGE The Language Department at Breck includes in its curriculum not only the dynamics of foreign languages but also unique studies of cultural aspects of the countries in which they are spoken. The importance of knowing a foreign language has become much clearer in the past few years, and more and more students are entering advanced levels of study in the Language Department. At Breck a student may begin a language as early as seventh grade. This means his high-school years can be spent in advanced literature courses. The German program, directed by Mr. William Neher, is unique both in its approach and scope. After a one year classroom course in basic language skills, students are allowed to continue at their own pace. This non-graded teaching permits the more gifted students to progress according to their skills. Mr. Neher has developed a highly informative German Literature course for fourth and fifth year students. This course.has included studies of Goethe, Kleist, and numerous short story authors. The Spanish program is taught by Mr. Michael Uram. Students in Mr. Uram's classes benefit not only from his knowledge of Spanish grammar, but also from his firsthand knowledge of Spanish and Mexican cultures. Along with work in the language lab, students spend a great deal of time translating Spanish to English. Mme. Pamela Pierre, the new French teacher, drills her students extensively in oral as well as written proficiency in that language. Advanced students read books by contemporary French authors and attend French film classics.