Social Studies

Global Village

Course Number– HS7100

1 credit 

Grade 9

Students concentrate on in-depth geographical, historical, and cultural study of major geographic and political regions of the world. Common Assessments will focus on the Tools of Geography, Cultural Influences, Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Issues, Influential People, and the Elements of Culture.

Honors Global Village 

Course Number– HS7101

1 credit

Grade 9

Students concentrate on in-depth geographical, historical, and cultural study of major geographic and political regions of the world. Common Assessments will focus on the Tools of Geography, Cultural Influences, Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Issues, Influential People, and the Elements of Culture. This course provides the opportunity for motivated students to further study and analyze the concepts, ideas and themes.

U.S. History 

Course Number– HS7200

1 credit

Grade 10

Prerequisite: Global Village 

Students will examine the American experience through major figures, events and conflicts that shaped the course of U.S. History. Students will consider the evolving “character” of our nation. Students will analyze and critique major historical eras, enduring themes, turning points, events, consequences and people in the history of the United States and the world. Students will analyze multiple and complex causes and effects in the past, and they will identify, critique and analyze issues characterized by unity and diversity and major turning points and events in the history of the United States and other nations, and describe their effects.

Honors U.S. History 

Course Number– HS7201  

1 credit

Grade 10

Prerequisite: Global Village 

This course is designed to provide motivated students with an opportunity for an in-depth examination of the American experience. Students will begin doing the real work of historians by examining historical documents and artifacts and interpreting them to understand events that shaped United States history. Students will have opportunities for interesting research and dynamic discussions, as well as vigorous debate and challenging written assessments. This course is open to all students who like to be challenged​​​ to think independently. 

Government 

Course Number– HS7300 

Semester / .5 credit

Grade 11

Prerequisite: US History  

Students will study the U.S. Constitution as it defines the roles and responsibilities of the government, as well as those of American citizens in the 21st Century. The class will also focus on the historical development of the Constitution, modern public policies, and current events.

Honors American Government

Course Number – HS7301

Semester / .5 credit

Grade 11

Prerequisite: US History  

In a constitutional democracy, productive civic engagement requires knowledge of the history, principles, and foundations of our American democracy, and the ability to participate in civic and democratic processes. People demonstrate civic engagement when they address public problems individually and collaboratively and when they maintain, strengthen, and improve communities and societies. Thus, civics is, in part, the study of how people participate in governing society. Students will study the U.S. Constitution, the three branches of government, and the techniques available to citizens for preserving and changing a society.

Economics 

Course Number– HS7302

Semester / .5 credit

Grade 11

Prerequisite: US History  

Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which individuals, businesses, governments, and societies make decisions allocate resources among alternative uses. The study of economics provides students with the concepts and tools necessary to understand the interaction of buyers and sellers in markets, workings of the national economy, and interactions within the global marketplace. Economic reasoning and skillful use of economic tools draw upon a strong base of knowledge about human capital, land, investments, money, income and production, taxes, and government expenditures.

Honors Economics 

Course Number– HS7303

Semester / .5 credit

Grade 11

Prerequisite: US History  

Students will improve critical thinking and writing skills as they study the concepts of the American economic system. These concepts will focus on economic fundamentals and the role of the American government in our market system. In addition, students will compare the US system with other economics systems worldwide and study America’s interaction with the world.

Financial Awareness

Course Number – HS0710

Satisfies the Financial Literacy graduation requirement

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12

This is a required course that is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to make financial decisions that will lead to success in personal life, education, work and citizenship roles. Topics include: Money Management, Borrowing, Earning, Power, Financial Services and Insurance.

On Your Own: Life Planning & Management Skills 

Course Number - HS0710

Satisfies the Financial Literacy graduation requirement

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12 (10th grade by teacher recommendation)

This financial planning course will help make the transition from high school to life after BE easier by giving the student a solid foundation in independent living and money management skills. Topics included are: Career explorations and decision making, costs of secondary education, protecting your identity, checking and savings accounts, credit, buying a car, renting an apartment, evaluating insurance options, filing income taxes and creating and living with a budget. The final project is a personal financial plan designed by the student.             

AP Human Geography 

Course Number– HS7513

1 credit

Grades 10-12 (firm)

Prerequisite: Global Village 

Students are required to take the AP exam in May.

Students will explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. We will use the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use.  Skills:  Connecting geographic concepts and processes to real-life scenarios, understanding information shown in maps, tables, charts, graphs, infographics, images, and landscapes. Seeing patterns and trends in data and in visual sources such as maps and drawing conclusions from them and understanding spatial relationships using geographic scales.

AP U.S. History 

Course Number– HS7500

1 credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: US History or AP Human Geography. 

Students are required to take the AP exam in May.

Completion of a summer assignment is required.

AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of  two introductory college U.S. history courses. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by introductory college courses. Students learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.

AP U.S. Government & Politics

Course Number – HS7501

1 credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: US History. 

Students are required to take the AP exam in May.

Students study the U.S. government and political system. They will analyze the Constitutional underpinnings of the U.S. government and the political beliefs and behaviors of its citizens from past to present in order to evaluate the role of political parties, interest groups, and mass media in the development of American institutions, civil rights, and liberties. This course fulfills the required Government .5 credit

Popular Music & History 

Course Number – HS7516

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: US History

Students will explore the evolution of popular music- jazz, rock, disco, hip-hop & rap, punk, and so on- with the events taking place in the world at large at the time of the music. For example, we might explore the role of Jazz and Blues in the Civil Rights Era, the anti-war themes in the music of the 60s in the context of the Vietnam War, the rise of Punk Music as a reaction to the rise of Thatcher and Reagan Conservatism in the UK and the US, respectively, and the themes of patriotism in Country Music in the wake of the attacks on September 11th. 

Future of Society  

Course Number– HS7515

Semester / .5 credit

Grade 10-12

Prerequisite: Global Village

This class will explore how new technology will impact our society. Students will help choose the direction of the course by selecting from a variety of topics such as artificial intelligence, big data, genetic engineering, alternative energy sources, cryptocurrency, space exploration, etc. Students will focus on historical precedents, ethics, and policy in a research and discussion-based format. This class will provide students with a safe and professional forum to engage in research, debate, and discussion over issues about which they may disagree. 

Vietnam War 

Course Number– HS7503

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Students will study America’s involvement in Vietnam from 1945-1975 and compare that involvement with modern U.S. military engagements around the world. They will study Southeast Asian geography and culture, the French-Indochina War, American military involvement and the war at home.

The World Wars 

Course Number – HS7502B

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Students study the development of Modern Warfare and Imperialism, Alliances, International Diplomacy, and competing 20th Century philosophies that help shape the modern world.  Topics include: European Nationalism, Imperialism, the World Wars, Cold War and Current Events.

Psychology 

Course Number– HS7504

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12

Students study topics such as the brain, learning and memory, personality theory, and deviant behavior. Through the study of these topics, students will learn about why they, as well as others, behave the way they do.

Sociology 

Course Number– HS7505

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Students study society and social behavior through research, discussion, and projects. By examining different cultures, institutions, inequality, and the individual in a changing world, students will develop a greater understanding of our society.

Mock Trial 

Course Number – HS7506 (Fall Competition)

Semester (1st only) / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Students that enroll in the Mock Trial course will participate in an interactive course designed to prepare students to compete in the Maine Mock Trial Competition. During the competition, students compete against other schools and argue a case in a Maine courtroom with legal professionals. Students spend the semester learning key concepts of preparing for an actual trial, including: legal terminology, debate and discussion strategies and questioning techniques. Students work with each other frequently to prepare defense and prosecution roles of the case. If you are interested in learning about the court system, like working with skills, you should consider this course.  Enrollment is limited to two consecutive years.

Crime and Punishment 

Course Number – HS7514 

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Global Village 

Beyond unrelated current events that unfold during the course, students will study the American Criminal Justice system focusing on the rights of the accused, police powers, court procedures, and the U.S. prison system. Using a variety of mediums, students examine the evolution of crime and punishment in America.

International Issues

Course Number – HS7003  

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Beyond unrelated current events that unfold during the course, students will study the current topic of the Camden Conference, a global issues conference held in Camden, ME. The course is centered on improving research methods, critical thinking, and strengthening arguments for authentic audiences. The course asks students to see the world through a different lens, and the goal is for the students to become global learners, drawing from their experiences from the conference and the materials studied to develop ideas on how to improve the world going forward. 

Maine Studies

Course Number – HS7509

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: US History 

Students study the geography, history, economics, and government of Maine. Topics will include Maine’s Native Americans, contributions of immigrants to society, famous Mainers in all walks of life, and the culture of Maine. Students will have opportunities to do internet-based research, engage in discussions of modern Maine issues, and explore what makes Maine unique amongst the fifty United States.

Her-Story 

Course Number– HS7508

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite - US History 

In this course, students learn about American women's history from 1600 to the present. This college prep class will be taught in a college-like format with lectures and activities. Students are expected to write evidence-based essays and complete projects.  The numerous contributions of women throughout American history, briefly touched upon in regular history classes, will be examined and discussed. Topics will include women’s roles in the colonization of America, slavery, the Civil War, immigration, suffrage, work outside the home, the World Wars and the fight for equality.

Advanced Financial Awareness 

Course Number– HS7511

Semester / .5 credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Financial Awareness OR On Your Own OR JMG Personal Finance

This is an elective course that is designed to give students enhanced knowledge and skills to make thorough, practical, and thoughtful financial decisions that will lead to the highest chance at success in personal life, education, work and citizenship roles. Topics include in-depth college and career planning, comprehensive budgeting techniques, and advanced financial planning strategies.