How HSAS History Teachers Incorporate Current Events Into Their Curriculum

Malcolm Shealy & Max Blodgett, Grades 11 & 12, Staff writers

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     “What is the point of learning history if you can’t apply it to today?” This quotation wasn’t asked hundreds of years ago or by a great leader but rather by one of our school’s U.S. History teachers, Mr. Iurato. Common Sense takes a look at our school’s attempts to make history relevant. Students recall different connections to historical topics as time goes on and new issues pop up in the media. Rhys Agalliu (29’) notes how their global history teachers “incorporate current events by talking about how religions of world history tie into how we as students live.”

    Specifically in Freshman year, religion is a vital component in the curriculum. In comparison, the history curriculum in later years delves into more political subjects that can be applied to governments and debates today. Ari Esparza(28’) mentioned “talking about the recent mayoral debate in class” in addition to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

    Their teacher Mr. Iurato “examined the ramifications on our republic and what that means for democracy as a whole,” demonstrating the expansion of class discussions by the inclusion of recent events. Throughout the history department, teachers appear to use comparisons to recent history as a way for students to get a better understanding of the material.

    Logan Kwan(‘26) describes his experience with U.S. History: “Back in ninth grade, Mr. Elinson used modern references so he could get his point across. It wasn't politically charged, it was just really good examples that helped me understand the material better.”

    Similarly, Devin Tramm(‘27) states, “In [Mr. Mansdorf’s] elective Europe Between Wars, he compares current events to history quite a bit. He compared what was happening in America, at least moderately, to what happened in Germany at the time as radicalism was on the rise.” 

    Between grades, history teachers at The High School of American Studies (HSAS) keep students engaged through prevailing topics as seen here with regards to Germany during the early 20th century. 

    The ultimate purpose of history can be summed up through the words of Ms. Waite Johnson, a Global History and African American History Teacher: “We are history makers; it’s important to understand that every day, history is created or duplicated.”

    As history repeats, students and teachers alike make important connections to the past and learn from what they see. At HSAS, history teachers tend to embrace the idea that history isn’t simply a matter of the past but rather a subject connected to the world today.