History

Archer’s history department encourages students to understand human history through walking in the footsteps of others. History is, nevertheless, a construct that changes depending on the questions we ask and the sources we use to answer them. Thus, we train our students to evaluate sources, think critically, recognize bias, and utilize multiple perspectives in evaluating their own and other cultures. Students are taught to found their ideas on careful analysis of oral, textual, and material evidence and to be aware of the flaws and gaps in the information we use. After conducting careful research, young historians are expected to organize their data, reflect, test their opinions, and write convincingly in support of their conclusions.

While committed to teaching rigorous academic skills, our teachers believe in hands-on history. Archer students do not just read and write about their own and other cultures, but also engage in role-playing and reenactments, hold trials, participate in archaeological excavations, create art, design museum displays, and question visiting experts. In designing our projects and assignments, we integrate our work with that of other departments, especially English, to teach our students skills across the curriculum.

"I love that we are taught to look at everything from different perspectives than our own in the humanities. It helps me to better understand things that are happening in the world."