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History

History - Third Form

Third Form History is a full year course and covers three topics: Eaglebrook history, and the ancient civilizations of both Greece and Rome. Students read from texts and supplement those texts by reading works of fiction that relate to the time period. Students are asked to draw connections between the material they are studying, their Eaglebrook experiences, and their personal lives. Class discussions often center on current events that help students understand the connection between studying history, their own lives, and the historical importance of geographical place and physical space. Students take notes, do nightly written homework, and take frequent tests based on their notes and reading. By the end of the year, the goal is for Third Formers to be able to analyze historical texts, trace cause-and-effect relationships, and generally develop the level of inquiry and academic focus necessary for lifelong learning and academic exploration.
History - Fourth Form

Fourth Formers study Colonial American History. The class studies the development of the United States, from the initial European exploration and settlement of North America to the formation of colonies and, eventually, an independent American government. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on both political and physical geography and the impact it had on the time periods studied.
History - Fifth Form

In the Fifth Form, history courses are based on U.S. history. Students pursue American Government, American History: Civil War to WWI, or American History: 20th Century and Today. All offerings directly connect to and grow from the Fourth Form Colonial History curriculum. The goal is to allow Fifth Form students to be able to choose which course is most appealing to them. At the same time, the courses are designed so that an incoming Fifth Former does not need the background material covered in Fourth Form and will be exposed to an area of post-American Revolution history.

American Government

This course explores the structure and function of the US government. Students examine the three branches of the federal government as well as the role of state governments, paying particular attention to the process of passing legislation, the Electoral College, and historic Supreme Court decisions. The course also includes a study of American politics today, as students will learn about the two major parties and explore some of the key issues in the national conscience from multiple perspectives.

American History: Civil War to WWI

This course is an examination of the people, places, and events that shaped the country from the end of the Civil War to the early 20th century. Topics include reconstruction, developments in the American West, immigration, and industrialization. The USA’s expanding role on the international stage will also be explored as students seek to understand how American history fits in the broader global context.

American History: 20th Century and Today

This course traces the USA’s role in international affairs throughout the last century, from WWI and WWII to the Cold War and the modern war on terror. The course will also explore important political, social, and economic developments domestically, paying particular attention to civil rights in the 20th century and today.
History - Sixth Form

Note: Courses offered can vary by year.

African History

This course examines African history from the colonial era to the Twenty-First Century, paying particular attention to the patterns of development on the continent. The legacy of European colonialism is explored through a series of case studies as the students study the significant political and economic challenges facing African nations upon gaining independence in the Twentieth Century. The course also examines issues surrounding the modern economic development of Africa and current events. The political, physical, and human geography are focal points throughout the course.

Age of Exploration

The end of the 15th century saw a major shift in the Atlantic World after the voyage of Christopher Columbus. This class examines the development of the Atlantic World through an “Age of Exploration.” With an emphasis on new relationships, trade, communication, and eventually the institution of slavery students will study how Europe, Africa, and the Americas became one region that revolved around the ocean. Students discover how Europeans shaped the Atlantic World through a variety of writing assignments. Ultimately, students will be able to engage this unique time period and begin to understand how changes during that time shaped the Atlantic world that exists today by looking at both the European as well as the Native perspective.

Ancient Civilizations

This course investigates the first great civilizations of the world and the impact they had on humanity. The fall and winter terms focus on Egypt and the Fertile Crescent, as we study the region’s geography, religion, and government. In the spring, the class focuses on the rise of Greece and the beginnings of classical history.

Government

Government is a class that sets out to understand the origins, maintenance, and role of politics in world societies. The class will begin with a study of political philosophy including Plato, Machiavelli, and Thomas Paine. Special attention will be paid to modern governments, including the rise of extremist governments in the Twentieth Century, specifically communism and fascism, and the establishment of modern theocracies in the Middle East. Particular attention will be devoted to studying the relationship between the constitutions of various world governments and the populations and political systems they represent.

Greek and Roman History

The Greek and Roman history class is a study of the founding of Western civilization. Beginning with the Minoan people, the class examines all aspects of Greek culture, including religion, philosophy, warfare, architecture, and government. The class then moves onto a survey of Roman history, following the development of Rome from the Republic to the Empire, finishing with a brief examination of the forces behind the fall of Rome.

Japanese History

Japanese History studies the history of Japan from prehistoric times to the present day, with a strong emphasis on early modern and modern developments. The class focuses on several key themes including change vs. tradition, the idea of a Japanese identity, and interactions with the rest of the world. Much of the work in class is based on short writing assignments, which foster critical thought and careful analysis and allow the students to find what interests them. Additionally, the class is composed of a combination of discussions, lectures, and assessments based on class work, quizzes, and class participation.

Medieval History

Medieval History allows students to explore western Europe from 500 AD to the 1500s. Students begin their journey by looking at the collapse of the Roman Empire and how it led to the rise of Charlemagne. After exploring the military conflicts that forged his empire, students will also look into the intellectual advancement of the Carolingian Renaissance. Students then examine William the Conqueror and the rise and fall of the Plantagenet dynasty. The course concludes with a look into the Black Death and a rebellion by Robert the Bruce against the English monarchy.

Middle Eastern History

Middle Eastern history explores the political, economic and cultural development of the region from the Middle Ages to the modern day. The course includes a study of the fundamentals of Islam and its relation to Judaism and Christianity as well as the political, physical, and human geography of the region. The course also traces the rise and expansion of Islamic empires and eventually the creation of modern nation states in the Twentieth Century in addition to the significant conflicts that followed.

Modern European History

For much of the past 500 years, European nations and their western allies have been the dominating forces in world history. From the intellectual strength of the scientific revolution to the high tension of world wars, the rest of the world has either been interested in or controlled by European nations, their ideas, and their economies. The course will pay close attention to the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, industrialization, imperialism, new political ideologies, and the turmoil of the Twentieth Century from the Great War to the Cold War.

World History & Geography

This is a social studies course that will increase one's familiarity with all regions of the world. Students will examine the world one region at a time, focusing on important historical developments as well as physical and human geography. Current political, economic, and cultural developments will also be explored. Units will include North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia, East and Southeast Asia, and Australia and the Pacific.

Karen Pleasant

Chair of the History Department; Dormitory Advisor

Smith College - M.A.T.
Skidmore College - B.A.

karen.pleasant@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Karen joined Eaglebrook in 2021 as a teacher, coach, and advisor. She currently serves as the History Department Chair and out-of-dorm advisor for Halsted House and advises the Debate Club. Karen came to the Hill from the Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where she spent 12 years as the History Department Chair, co-coordinator of the International Baccalaureate program, and debate coach. Prior to her time at Stoneleigh-Burnham, Karen spent nearly a decade at the Northfield Mount Hermon School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College, where she was a double major in history and political science, and earned her MAT, with a concentration in history, from Smith College.

In her free time, Karen loves spending time on the water and is currently a member and competitor in the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association and co-coach of the Paradise City Dragon Boat team—a team of cancer survivors and supporters. She and her husband, Tod, who is Eaglebrook’s Technology Project Manager, live in Greenfield with their dog, Darwin.
Brian Rose

Dean of Students; Director of Summer Semester

Bates College - B.A.

brose@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Brian came to Eaglebrook after graduating from Bates College in 2005. He currently serves as the History Department Chair and the Director of Summer Semester. In addition to those roles, he is the head Alpine Ski coach. Brian lives on campus with his two sons Mason and Cooper, and serves as an advisor in Flagler House. When Brian is not teaching he enjoys being outside with his family. Hunting and maple sugaring are some of his favorite ways to spend time with those he cares about.
Trevor Borek

Teacher

(413) 774-9241

University of Colorado, Boulder - B.A.
Brooks School
University of Colorado

tborek@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Trevor has been a member of Eaglebrook’s History Department since 2013. He teaches Colonial History, Modern American History, and World Government. Trevor coaches mountain biking, ice hockey, and lacrosse. He graduated with a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Colorado-Boulder and lives in Kravis House with his two sons Sequoia and Yenisey.
Anthony Bourdon

Assistant Dean of Students; Teacher; Advisor; Coach

Elmira College - B.A.
Smith College - M.A.

abourdon@eaglebrook.org
Bio
A.J began his Eaglebrook career in the fall of 2016. He graduated from Elmira College with a Bachelors in History & Political Science and Earned his M.A.T degree from Smith College. He teaches Colonial History as well as Modern American History. A.J coaches Varsity hockey and Golf, while also serving as Dorm Head in Halsted House.
David Goodrow

ESL Department Chair; Coach; Director of Global Leadership Program

Middlebury College - B.A.

dgoodrow@eaglebrook.org
Bio
David has worked at Eaglebrook for fourteen years and is currently the Department Chair of the ESL department and the Director of the Global Leadership Program. He coaches cross-country, Varsity basketball, and track. He and his wife and two sons live on campus. When away from work, David enjoys running, reading, and spending time with his family.
Ejaaz Jiu

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

Bowdoin College - B.A.
Groton School - High School Diploma

ejaaz.jiu@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Ejaaz Jiu began working at Eaglebrook in 2023 in the Academic Support Department. Ejaaz is a graduate of Bowdoin College where he studied Foreign Policy, International Relations, & Chinese Language. During his time at Bowdoin, Ejaaz held roles as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Chair of Student-Athletes of Color Coalition, in addition to playing 4 years of Varsity Baseball & 2 years of Varsity Football.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York City, Ejaaz has joined the Eaglebrook community and moved onto campus. In his spare time, he likes to play guitar, cook & grill food, and participate in strategic board games. A few fun facts about Ejaaz: Enjoys 90’s & 00’s Hip-Hop/R&B, Loves the New York Yankees, Featured with his mother in Jay-Z’s music video “Hard Knock Life”
Nick Leyden

Dean of Faculty, Dormitory Advisor; Coach,

University of Miami - B.A.
University of Massachusetts - M.A.
Northeastern University - PhD

nleyden@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Nick now serves as the Dean of Faculty after several years as Director of Studies. He also teaches history and coaches soccer. Nick is joined at Eaglebrook by his wife, Ana, who teaches French. Their two daughters have lived on campus for their entire lives. In addition to Eaglebrook, Nick has worked at secondary schools in Portugal and Texas. In the summers, Nick works at Camp Timanous, a traditional boys' camp in Maine that many Eaglebrook students and faculty have attended. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Miami, his Master's degree from UMass-Amherst, and his Doctorate from Northeastern University.
George Morganis

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

413-774-9292

Brown University - M.A.T.
Providence College - M.A.
Providence College - B.A.

george.morganis@eaglebrook.org
Bio
George comes to Eaglebrook with his wife, Tala Adawiya, from King’s Academy in Jordan, where he taught middle school history and social studies. George served as the head coach of the squash team, as the assistant coach of JV basketball, and as a dorm parent. He earned a B.A. and M.A. in history from Providence College, and an M.A.T. degree in Teaching Secondary Social Studies/History from Brown University. At Eaglebrook, George will be teaching history, living and advising in Taylor, and coaching pickleball in the fall.
Wiley Robinson

Teacher; Dorm Head; Coach

University of Vermont - B.A.

wrobinson@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Wiley came to Eaglebrook in 2017 to teach history and coach soccer and hockey. He teaches Colonial American History, Modern American History as well as a Sixth Form elective history class. Following graduation from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in History, Wiley coached soccer at Burlington High School and local clubs before taking a position on the UVM Men's Soccer staff. Wiley is the Dorm Head of Mayer House with his wife Heather, their daughter Ellie and their dog. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, cycling, watching soccer, and reading.
Dylan Weichselbaumer

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor

dylan.weichselbaumer@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Dylan is a member of the History department, where he teaches Third Form classes. After attending Eaglebrook (2016), he graduated from Pomfret School (2019), and then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from The University of Rhode Island (2023). Dylan is a dormitory advisor in Taylor House, while also serving as a coach for the varsity soccer and hockey teams. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time in Cape Cod.
Timothy Winslow

Associate Director of Admissions; Assistant Director of Athletics; Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

(413) 774-9157

Widener University - B.A.

tim.winslow@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Tim joined the Eaglebrook faculty in the summer of 2018. He teaches Colonial American history and Ancient Civilizations, and in 2021 became the Assistant Director of Athletics. In addition, Tim is the head coach of the Varsity hockey team, coaches football and lacrosse, and lives and advises in Flagler with his dog Yazhi. After attending Eaglebrook, Tim graduated from Governor’s Academy and he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology in 2015 from Widener University in Chester, PA. Before returning to Eaglebrook, he spent two years at Governor’s Academy, where he served as head boys’ lacrosse coach, assistant hockey and football coach, taught world history, U.S. history and marine science, and worked in the Dean of Students’ office to coordinate and facilitate student activities. In his downtime, Tim enjoys hunting, fly fishing, foraging, and cooking.