HISTORY DEPT. FACULTY
David Adams, Co-Chair
Nick Coddington
Jim Dempsey
John Lemma
Gary Petersen
Jenise Petrich
Susan Sparrow
Barton Truscott, Co-Chair

The CWA History Faculty are committed to drawing students into the study of our discipline in order for them to more fully understand the world around them. We strive to instill in each student a broad knowledge and appreciation of history, heritage, and culture, and foster an enthusiasm for learning through self-exploration and study. Learning results from artful teaching that engages students actively, intellectually, and collaboratively. Students are taught to think critically and clearly, to communicate effectively, and to develop a set of values that will encourage them to act compassionately and respectfully.

Our coursework begins with a Twentieth Century World History class for the Freshman that focuses on the global effects of modernization. Students begin to refine their writing skills with extensive analytical essays and their research skills with the use of primary sources. In the Sophomore and Junior years, we continue to build on these skills with survey courses on Western Civilization and United States History. We offer Advanced Placement courses in both of these classes and encourage all students to challenge themselves by taking the respective exams, though only the AP students are required to take the exam. Our elective courses, generally taken by Juniors and Seniors, offer interested students the opportunity to investigate with more depth selected historical topics ranging from Ancient Greece and Rome to the Modern Middle East. We also offer classes focusing on other social science disciplines including Psychology, Criminology, Ethics, World Religions and Economics. Some of these courses have associated Advanced Placement exams and all require students to continue to hone their writing and research skills.

At the end of their Charles Wright academic careers, it is our hope that all of our students develop an interest in history that reflects our own deeply held passion for the subject. We also expect that our students will find the academic skills that we have helped them develop to be useful in whatever field of inquiry they decide to pursue.

For a detailed description of the individual courses as well as the prerequisites, you can visit the history section of the course catalog.