History
Why We Study History
Why does one learn history? The answer oft given is, “to avoid the mistakes of the past.” This explanation tends towards a narrow-minded version of the past and is not nearly the most important reason why each of our students encounter history instruction each day. Students at Heritage Classical Academy study history in order to encounter the full range of humanity, and to, over time, become more human in the pursuit.
Inspired by Greatness
A starting place for our students begins with the teaching of stories, mostly in the form of the lives of remarkable human beings. Children should become very familiar with the lives of Pericles, Caesar, and Lincoln as an avenue to converse about the virtues these figures exemplify, such as courage, justice, prudence, and self-government. The role of the teacher is to guide the students towards questions like, “Why did Washington choose to lead the continental army?” or, “What might have happened if Caesar showed humility?” Questions like these immerse the students in the story, while also shaping his or her character by diving inside some of the greatest minds of our tradition.
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As students progress through elementary school, the focus gradually widens to follow the narrative of a nation. This teaching concentrates on representative events and moments that should offer insights into the virtues and struggles of a people: the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae, the expeditions and discoveries of the great explorers, and the Boston Tea Party serve as just a few examples. With this foundation of people and moments, students are prepared by upper elementary school to pursue a more connected narrative, centered around questions such as, “What were these people trying to achieve, and did they do so?” or, “What is justice?”
Learning to Think Wisely
Students who learn history from the earliest grades will not rely on modern media to comprehend the pressing challenges of our age. They will naturally turn to Aristotle and Locke, to Madison and Lincoln, for answers. In short, they will have been instructed how to pursue happiness as human beings and to serve as citizens.
