ANCIENT HISTORY - 9TH GRADE STUDENTS
The Buried Book: The Loss and Rediscovery of the Great Epic of Gilgamesh by David Damrosch (ISBN: 978-0805087253): One of the first works we will read in Ancient History is the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, a tale of tyranny, friendship, and the human fear of death. The Buried Book recounts how this epic was lost for millennia—literally buried in the ruins of the Assyrian empire—and then rediscovered in the nineteenth century. Over the summer, please read the Introduction, Chapters 1-3, and Chapter 5 of The Buried Book. As you read, concentrate on the big picture. What obstacles did archaeologists face as they tried to unearth the remnants of Mesopotamian civilizations? How did scholars learn to read unknown ancient languages? Moving back in time, why did Assyrian kings value writing, and how did cuneiform writing work? We hope that this reading will be enjoyable! Don’t worry about remembering specific names and dates. Instead, try to mark a few points that interest, puzzle, or surprise you.
MEDIEVAL HISTORY - 10TH GRADE STUDENTS
Tao Te Ching by Lao-Tse (ISBN: 9780872202320): The Tao Te Ching is a Chinese classic text written around 400 BC and traditionally credited to the sage Lao Tzu (or Laozi). The text's authorship, date of composition and date of compilation are debated. The oldest excavated portion dates back to the late 4th century BC, but modern scholarship dates other parts of the text as having been written—or at least compiled—later than the earliest portions of the Zhuangzi. The Tao Te Ching, along with the Zhuangzi, is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism. It also strongly influenced other schools of Chinese philosophy and religion, including Legalism, Confucianism, and Chinese Buddhism, which was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts when it was originally introduced to China. Many artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and gardeners, have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration. Its influence has spread widely outside East Asia and it is among the most translated works in world literature.
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Changes in the Land by William Cronon (ISBN: 9780809016341): Please read William Cronon's “ethno-ecological” history of New England: Changes of the Land (ISBN: 978-0809016341). Taking paper notes on a copy from the library or an e-book is just fine). This profound and revolutionary book explores how Native Americans transformed the environment before contact with Europeans—and how the changing economy of the 17th century led to an ecological transformation. I encourage you to read the whole book, but if you want a shorter version, read chapters 4, 5, and 8. There is an optional, extra-credit assignment here to help you read actively, looking for the author’s argument amidst the detail (a skill we’ll try to practice in the coming year!) This book looks drier than it actually is—and reading actively may help you uncover the quite radical claims hidden within.
UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865
These Truths by Jill Lepore (ISBN: 9780393635249): For students in United States History since 1865, you should supplement what we will be learning in this course with Jill Lepore's sweeping history of the United States, These Truths (ISBN: 978-0-393-63524-9). You are only responsible for the first 300 pages. If you would like to use it to start an AP study guide for the spring, you can use this option and extra-credit document.
MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY
Voltaire: A Life by Ian Davidson (ISBN: 978-1605982878): Voltaire was arguably the single most influential thinker of the Enlightenment. Although he lived out his life (1694-1778) under the monarchy, he was later claimed as a hero by the leaders of the French Revolution. As you read Davidson’s lively biography, first see what you can learn about the political and social realities of life under the old regime. For instance, how did authors make money? How did censorship work? How did French nobles conduct their extramarital affairs? Next, pay attention to the events that became part of the narrative of the Enlightenment. For instance, how and why did the trial of Jean Calas become notorious? Please read the "Note to the Reader" and Chapters 1-9, 12, 17, 22, 25-29, and 33. As you read, mark points that interest, puzzle, or surprise you. You will draw on this book for one of our early writing assignments.
WORLD SINCE 1945
Year Zero: A History of 1945 by Ian Buruma (ISBN: 978-1594204364): This powerful account brings us back to the world of 1945—a world in ruins. Combining individual stories with broader historical background, Buruma vividly sketches the harsh realities of post-war survival in Europe and Asia. Please read Parts I and II (Prologue and Chapters 1-6). As you read, mark points that interest, puzzle, or surprise you. You will draw on this book for our first writing assignment.
ECONOMICS
Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan (ISBN: 9780393337648): Finally! A book about economics that won’t put you to sleep. In fact, you won’t be able to put this bestseller down. In our challenging economic climate, this perennial favorite of students and general readers is more than a good read, it’s a necessary investment—with a blessedly sure rate of return. Demystifying buzzwords, laying bare the truths behind oft-quoted numbers, and answering the questions you were always too embarrassed to ask, the breezy Naked Economics gives readers the tools they need to engage with pleasure and confidence in the deeply relevant, not so dismal science.
CITY OF BOSTON - REDUX (SENIORS ONLY)
Common Ground by Anthony Lucas (ISBN: 9780394746166): Winner of 3 different awards, this is a story of the busing crisis in Boston. The book traces the history of three families: the working-class African-American Twymons, the working-class Irish McGoffs, and the middle-class Yankee Divers. It gives brief genealogical histories of each families, focusing on how the events they went through illuminated Boston history, before narrowing its focus to the racial tension of the 1960s and the 1970s. Through their stories, Common Ground focuses on racial and class conflicts in two Boston neighborhoods: the working-class Irish-American enclave of Charlestown and the uneasily integrated South End.
