Phillips Exeter Academy

History

Understanding Violence, War & Peace
History

This course explores the history of violence, war and peace across the globe, from ancient to modern times. Readings may include selections from a variety of disciplines, such as anthropology, ethics, philosophy, psychology and sociology. Students may...

Early Modern Europe, 1350-1660
History

The centuries following the Black Death saw the beginnings of modern Europe. This course focuses on the rebirth of European society and the new values, optimism and cultural achievements of the Renaissance. It then examines the turbulence of the Reformation...

LGBTQ+ History
History

Until relatively recently, individuals who might currently identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender have lived mostly hidden lives, rarely open about expressing their sexual or gender identities. The past 30 years have seen a sea change in cultural...

Absolutism Revolution, 1660-1800
History

Beginning with the reign of Louis XIV, students examine 18th-century European society. We explore how the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment challenged the ideas of the Old Regime and created new perceptions of humanity, society and government. The...

European Century, 1800-1914
History

Beginning with the study of Napoleon’s Empire and the Congress of Vienna, this course examines how the French Revolution of 1789 and the Industrial Revolution transformed European society and politics in the 19th century and established Europe’s...

History Through Food
History

From the Neolithic Revolution through the emergence of the global food markets of the 20th century, this course examines the changing relationship between humans and food. Through a combination of readings, tastings and hands-on cooking, we will examine how...

The World in the 20th Century
History

This course is an introduction to significant events in the 20th century. Students investigate cause, effect and change in places such as Europe, Africa and Asia (including the Middle East). One principal aim of the course is for students to develop a better...

Peoples and Cultures of the Modern World
History

This course examines people who live in the developing world and the impact of modernization and industrialization on their ways of life. Students gain a better understanding of the social, political and economic issues confronting many developing countries...

Classical Greece
History

This course examines the culture, politics and society of the Greek city-states during the early and classical periods. The course emphasizes the rise and decline of democracy in Athens, as well as the conflicts with Sparta and the Persian Wars. A variety of...

Classical Rome
History

This course surveys the rise and fall of the Roman Republic and the emergence of the Roman Empire. Central themes include Roman expansion, imperialism, politics and culture. To supplement the text, students will read numerous primary sources. The course...