Last Updated: January 2023
A student’s learning experience in the Social Studies Learning Area will be framed by essential questions for the study of Civics and Government, Geography, Economics, History, and Culture and Belief Systems. The exact phrasing of the essential question will be tailored to each unit so that it is directly linked to the content of the unit being studied. The curriculum of each “core” course in grades 9, 10, and 11 will allow each student an opportunity to formulate and critique answers to the following questions:
Civics and Government: “How do individuals and groups gain, use, or lose power?”
Geography: “How does physical geography affect people, and how do people affect physical geography?”
Economics: “How do people meet their wants and needs?”
History: “How do events and our interpretations of those events influence contemporary issues?”
Culture and Belief Systems: “How does a person’s belief system influence their membership in a society, and how does a society influence a person’s belief system?”
The Social Studies Graduation Standards are rigorous and are explicitly taught and assessed in all 9th and 10th-grade courses. It is expected that most students will demonstrate proficiency of these standards by the end of their 10th-grade coursework and will begin to use this foundation to engage in more complex work. For those who need more time, students will be given the opportunity and support to meet these standards in coursework during their junior and senior years, finally certifying proficiency for graduation.
To earn a course credit, students must demonstrate that they are at a minimum, on average approaching all of the standards taught and assessed in that course. This is represented as a final grade score of 2.0 or higher. A final grade score below 2.0 is considered a failing grade and the student will be required to either repeat the course or take an equivalent course.
Students must earn 3 credits of Social Studies (including U.S. History) to graduate. In addition, by the end of their high school career, students must demonstrate proficiency (meets and exceeds) of the graduation standards. Student placement for courses will be based on demonstrated readiness as evidenced by their performance against standards.
Research:
Collaboratively and independently, research, present and defend discipline-based processes and knowledge from civics/government, economics, geography and history in authentic contexts. (MLR, A1; CCSS WHST.9-10.1-10 -- (Literacy Anchor Standards for writing except for WHST.3 )
Civic Engagement:
Apply the attributes of a responsible and involved citizen to affect a real-world issue based on a local need. (MLR, A2 + A3)
Students will be certified as meeting the Social Studies Graduation Standards through assessments that integrate the Essential Standards in conjunction with each of the four main content standards: Civics & Government, Economics, Geography & History.
Civics & Government: Apply understanding of the ideals and purposes of founding documents, the principles and structures of the constitutional government in the United States, and the American political system to analyze interrelationships among civics, government and politics in the past and the present, in Maine, the United States, and the world.
Economics: Understand and apply the concepts and processes from economics to understand issues of personal finance and issues of production, distribution, and consumption in the community, Maine, the United States and the world.
Geography: Analyze the physical, human and environmental geography of Maine, the United States and various regions of the world to evaluate the interdependent relationships and challenges facing human systems in the past, present and future
History: Apply and demonstrate knowledge of major eras, enduring themes, turning points and historical influences to analyze the forces of continuity and change in the community, the state, the United States and the world
Grade 9
1 credit
This course provides an introduction to the social sciences through case studies in China, the Middle East and India. Students will use primary and secondary sources (timelines, maps, readings, videos, artifacts) to understand the ways that geography and past events have shaped these places and influenced modern geopolitics.
Assessment methods will include formative and summative methods to measure student skills in relation to standards. Additionally, we will use Touchstones programming as the foundation for the Civil Discourse standard.
Students should expect assignments outside of class several times a week.
Grade 10
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: Successful completion of World History East.
Students in this college-prep level course will study western civilization from 18th century Europe through to modern history using a thematic approach. Units of study include themes of Revolution, Competition, Conquest, and Modern Conflict. Some attention will be given to Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Enlightenment eras as foundational learning for contemporary history. This course will rely heavily on common readings, small group work, and written or oral activities as assessments. Standards such as Research and Civil Discourse take center stage as students analyze various primary and secondary sources and discuss relevance to today.
Students should expect homework outside of class some, but not all, nights.
Grade 10
1 credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of World History East with work that indicates a consistent readiness for a further challenge (meeting and exceeding standards) and/or teacher recommendation.
Honors World History West is a semester-long course that implements a thematic approach to social studies and history with focus on western civilization circa 18th century Europe through to modern-day case studies. Some attention will be given to philosophical teachings to establish foundational learning for contemporary history. This fast-paced, discussion-driven course will rely heavily on shared readings, group work, and individual writing assignments. Students will gain skill in research through analysis of various sources as well as synthesis in developing well-crafted arguments for oral and written pieces. Emphasis will also be placed on civil discourse through weekly Touchstone discussions.
Students should expect preparation and practice work outside of class on most nights. This nightly prep. and practice is crucial for demonstrating proficiency on body of evidence assessments, for achieving mastery of standards, and most importantly is essential for successful class collaboration. Students who wish to take Honors United States History or Advanced Placement United States History in 11th grade are encouraged to take Honors World History West.
Grade 10
2 credits (1 for social studies and 1 for English)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Freshman English that shows progress toward meeting the standards (partially meeting and meeting) and teacher recommendation.
In Sophomore Humanities, an integrated, year-long course, students will expand and deepen their analytical reading and writing skills while studying the history and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, European Colonization, and the American and French Revolutions. Students will examine a variety of genres that will include plays, epic poems, short stories, and novels. Specific works include The Iliad, Oedipus Rex, excerpts from The Canterbury Tales, various mythology and folktales, non-fiction pieces, and a Shakespearean play (Othello or Macbeth). Students will partake in creative projects, participate in small group work, debates, and research assignments, and will also write frequent essays. Assessment methods will include quizzes, tests, class discussions, work with poetry, analytical and reflective essays, projects, and debates.
Students should expect 30 - 45 minutes of work outside of class most nights.
Grade 10
2 credits (1 for social studies and 1 for English)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Freshman English with work that indicates a consistent readiness for a further challenge (meeting and exceeding standards) and teacher recommendation. Students should expect 45 - 60 minutes of work outside of class most nights a week. In Sophomore Humanities, an integrated, year-long course, students will expand and deepen their analytical reading and writing skills while studying the history and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, European Colonization, and the American and French Revolutions. Students will examine a variety of genres that will include plays, epic poems, short stories, and novels. Specific works include The Iliad, Oedipus Rex, excerpts from The Canterbury Tales, various mythology and folktales, non-fiction pieces, and a Shakespearean play (Othello or Macbeth). Students will partake in creative projects, participate in small group work, debates, and research assignments, and will also write frequent essays. Assessment methods will include quizzes, tests, class discussions, work with poetry, analytical and reflective essays, projects, and debates.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: Successful completion of Modern History West or Humanities
Beginning after the Civil War, this course will explore events, personalities, issues in civics and government, geography, and the economy in America since 1865. Focusing on standards that include a variety of skill and content goals within the aforementioned areas, this course will utilize a variety of instructional methods, including lecture, class discussion, small group work, research projects, essays, debates, and current events. Emphasis will be placed on research and writing using primary sources. Students will also gain an understanding of free-market economics and basic economic concepts.
Students should expect assignments outside of class several times a week, on average. Assessment methods will include quizzes, tests, class discussions, essays, projects, debates, and analysis assignments.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: Successful completion of Honors Modern World History/Humanities or successful completion of Modern History West/Humanities (CP) with work that indicates a consistent readiness for a further challenge (meeting and exceeding) and teacher recommendation.
Honors US History is designed as a fast-paced, intensive study of United States History from post-Reconstruction to the present. This course will explore events, personalities, issues in civics and government, geography, and the economy in America since 1865. Focusing on standards that include a variety of skill and content goals within the aforementioned areas, this course will utilize a variety of instructional methods, including lecture, class discussion, small group work, research projects, essays, debates, and current events. Emphasis will be placed on helping focus of this course will be developing a basic understanding of free market economics and basic economic concepts. Assessment methods will include quizzes, tests, class discussions, essays, projects, debates, and analysis assignments.
Students should expect assignments outside of nearly every day, on average.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: Students interested in this course should be willing to engage in college-level work.
AP U.S. History Part 1 is designed as a fast-paced, intensive study of United States History from its colonial beginnings to the Reconstruction. Students will be required to read both primary and secondary sources and analyze those readings both in class discussion and in writing. The course will utilize a variety of instructional methods, including lecture, small group work, projects, essays, debates, current events, and research assignments. Emphasis will be placed on helping students develop skills for analyzing and using primary source documents and maps. Assessment methods will include quizzes, tests, class discussions, essays, projects, and debate. A major goal of the class is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam in May. This is a prerequisite for students wanting to take A.P. United States History Part 2.
Students must be willing to spend considerable time out of class thinking and working on class material. NOTE: APUSH PART 1 IS CONSIDERED AN ELECTIVE IF APUSH PART 2 IS NOT TAKEN.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Successfully completed Advanced Placement United States History Part 1.
AP U.S. History Part 2 picks up where A.P. U.S. History Part 1 leaves off in the late 19th century and moves to the present. This is a faster-paced course than its prerequisite. Students will continue to read both primary and secondary sources and analyze those readings both in class discussion and in writing and be willing to spend considerable time out of class thinking and working on class material. Instructional methods will continue to include lecture, small group work, projects, essays, debates, current events, and research assignments. Emphasis will be placed on helping students develop skills for analyzing and using primary source documents and maps. Assessment methods will include quizzes, tests, class discussions, essays, projects, debates, and 11th-grade common assessments. A major goal of the class is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam in May. NOTE: APUSH PART 2 DOES COUNT TOWARDS THE US HISTORY GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: This is a college-level course students should be willing to complete significant work outside of the classroom.
Advanced Placement Government and Politics will be a fast-paced, analytic study of American politics. Content will focus on the development of American Constitutional Democracy, the political process, and analysis of pertinent case studies. Students must be willing to spend considerable time out of class thinking and working on class material. The course will utilize a variety of instructional methods, including lecture, small group work, projects, essays, debates, current events, and research assignments. Standards are those established by the College Board. Students who take this course are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics exam in May.
Students will be expected to cover one chapter of the college level text outside of class each week.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credits
This nine-week elective provides students with opportunities to explore a variety of issues: local, national, international, political, economic, environmental and social. Using electronic and print media sources, guest speakers and other available resources, students learn about events in order to take, support and defend positions on important issues. This class is intended for a broad audience, but the course demands that all participants relish respectful discourse about tough issues.
Grades 11, 12
0.5 credits
Strongly Recommended: Successful completion of United States History prior to taking this course.
This nine-week elective will focus on providing the student with a solid understanding of principles in economics that inform the individual, both producer, and consumer, in their choices regarding production. Understanding how markets work, production and consumption choices are made, and how the government can influence a market for greater or lesser efficiency are all topics of focus throughout this course. National economic standards will be assessed through a variety of assignment types, including tests, quizzes, graphing assignments, class discussions, projects, and short writing responses. Homework will be minimal in this course. However, students will be expected to complete some course readings and graphing assignments, on occasion.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credits
Maine Studies is a nine-week elective course that will look at distinct periods of Maine’s development, and the lasting impacts of those times. In addition to periods, we will focus on Maine’s geography and how that has shaped Maine culture. This course will also examine the rise and fall of particular livelihoods and the impacts on population centers. For example, prior to World War I, Maine had around 300 year-round island communities. Now there are only 14. What happened? Alongside our own readings, we will partner with local businesses and other community organizations to begin looking for answers to such questions in this inquiry, research, and presentation-based class.
Grades 11, 12
0.5 credits
Strongly Recommended:: US History
This nine-week elective will focus on events, trends and key people from the end of World War II to the new millennium. Students will study the timeline of events that focus on civics and government, the economy, historical figures, and geography in America since 1945. Focusing on standards that include a variety of skill and content goals within the aforementioned areas, this course will utilize a variety of instructional methods, including movies reviews, lecture, class discussion, small group work, research projects, essays, debates, and current events discussions. Emphasis will be placed on issues surrounding civics and government, as well as cultural and social issues of the era.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credits
This nine-week elective will focus on providing the student with a solid understanding of principles in psychology, with an emphasis on the biology of the brain, the history of psychology and psychologists, experimental methods, and abnormal psychology. National psychology standards will be assessed through a variety of assignment types, including tests, quizzes, activities, class discussions, short writing responses, and an individual final project. Homework will be minimal in this course. However, students will be expected to complete some course readings and activities on occasion and dedicate time at home if absent from school.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credits
Students will answer the essential question, “How are the identities of different groups of people represented in popular culture?” We will examine artifacts of American popular culture, especially film, and students will be expected to think and write critically about race, gender, social class, and subcultures. In addition, we will study basic sociological principles and social institutions. Student assessment will be based on class activities and written work using national standards.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credits
This nine-week elective begins with a basic review of United States government and founding documents and ends with a survey of practical law (citizen rights and responsibilities) through readings, court cases, simulations and hands-on work.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credits
This nine-week elective uses materials from and about the Holocaust as a case study to discuss issues such as genocide, tolerance, racism, and responsibility. We will use resources including videos, internet research, literature, poetry, and art for students to consider the issues we discuss in class. This course relies heavily on materials and curriculum developed by Facing History and Ourselves. It is intended for a broad audience, but the course demands that all participants relish respectful discourse about tough issues.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
This nine week elective examines culture and personal identity, explores populations at-risk, and encourages students to understand and appreciate diversity. Specific knowledge of individual cultures, awareness of the patterns of oppression experienced by those cultures, and skills relevant to developing a culturally competent approach to working with diverse people groups are addressed. Students will be expected to complete textbook readings and responses in this discussion-based and presentation-based class.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
This course will take a look at online information and how we use it (or how it uses us). We will be processing information through the guided inquiry and work through the stages of research: Reading, Analyzing, Writing, Sharing, Evaluating. Most of the work will be in class (podcasts, social media, news articles, etc), but there may be assignments that require outside-of-class work. Anyone who is interested and wants to become wicked media savvy and work on reading/writing/research skills whilst engaging with how we interpret the world around us should take this course!
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
Do you like to argue? Or act? Are you interested in the law? Are you a critical thinker with a sharp eye for details? If you answered yes to any of these questions than Mock Trial is for you! Mock Trial is a state-wide competition in which we get a case to try before actual judges against other schools. This course will be where we prepare for this competition by dissecting our case, examining evidence, developing arguments and preparing to be witnesses. You will learn about the rules of evidence, how to object, and other trial tricks. Students enrolled in this class are committing to participating in the actual competition trials that occur on a few Saturdays around November/December. This course has a maximum enrollment of 24 students.