For many years, the Oak Knoll Upper School History Department has used dynamic case studies to bring historical events and circumstances to life and promote lively discussion around the decisions that have shaped our country and the world. This year, Oak Knoll introduced a new innovative honors course entitled Case Studies in U.S. History, which invites students to explore the rich tapestry of American history entirely through the lens of the Harvard Business School’s renowned case method. 

By the end of the course, students not only possess a deeper understanding of key moments in American history but have also honed analytical and presentation skills applicable to a range of
academic and professional pursuits.

The case method is refreshing and engaging. Instead of reading a textbook that lays out a linear historical narrative with memorizable facts and milestones, students learn from expertly written studies that tell a story surrounding a particular turning point in history. By employing this engaging pedagogical approach, students delve into pivotal moments in U.S. history and examine the decisions, strategies, and consequences that shaped the nation. 

Each case study ends with a decision point. The students put themselves in the shoes of the decision-makers throughout history and engage in exciting group discussions, debates, and what-if scenarios.

“The students have to back up their approach to the decision point with information from the case,” explained Upper School History Teacher Robert Sellers. “The information is contained in the narrative and the exhibits in the appendix, which require data analysis. They cannot just state an opinion without evidence. But, because these cases have no right or wrong answers, the students are challenged to think critically. It is definitely not an exercise in rote memorization!”

The class also offers creative opportunities to draw on current events, field trips, and guest speakers. For example, a recent case study involved a narrative beginning with the American Revolution and culminating in the Constitutional Convention. Coincidentally, the unit coincided with Constitution Day on September 17.

“In honor of Constitution Day, the students in the class all took, and aced, this U.S. citizenship test, studying from the list of 100 possible questions,” related Sellers. The Department of Immigration and Naturalization administers the test to individuals in the final stage of their citizenship process. The test covers topics in the Principles and System of American Government, Rights & Responsibilities of citizens, different Eras of U.S. History, as well as the geography, symbols, and holidays of our country.

To personalize the naturalization process, on September 20, Sellers arranged for an Oak Knoll parent, Maria Duhart, mother of Sofia Duhart ’25, to speak to his classes about her experience immigrating to the United States with her husband from Argentina. This 13-year process culminated with the very same test. 

Case Studies in U.S. History integrates perfectly into the comprehensive Upper School History Department’s pedagogy. The program fosters critical thinking, strategic analysis, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between historical events and business dynamics.