Humanities: Social Studies

Required Grade 9  

This team-taught course blends English-language arts, reading, and social studies, covering the historical periods of the United States from the late 1800s through the 1960s, including connections to our world today. We will explore literature to help understand relevant ideas and themes related to industrialization, World War I, the 1920’s, the Great Depression & New Deal, World War II, the 1950s and the origins of the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Students will demonstrate their learning through a variety of projects emphasizing writing and presenting.  

Required Grade 10   

This team-taught course blends English/Language Arts and Social Studies.  The course is a continuation of the American Dream, focusing on events in a global context, starting with topics that include World War II and Genocide.  The purpose is to broaden global perspectives and open our eyes to the world around us, its problems, and its connections to the United States. We will examine the unit questions by surveying twentieth and twenty first century history, culture and literature. We will analyze the evolving role and position of the United States in a globalized world, and examine movements and crises that change the individual’s relationship to society. Students will be empowered to take their knowledge and skills along the way to express their understanding and showcase their deeper realization of the world in which they live. 

Required Course Starting with the Class of 2025 and Beyond

This course is open to juniors and seniors only. Students will learn about the duties and responsibilities of a citizen, the structure and operation of state and federal governments, the interaction between local, state, and federal governments and the constitutional basis of state and federal governments. Students will be given the opportunity for active citizen participation and involvement in the governmental process and exposure to current governmental affairs. Successful completion of Civics indicates that the student has passed the United States Citizenship Exam, fulfilling the state requirement. 

Dual Enrollment Option Available for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

This course will focus on United States history from the period of colonization to the present.  Students will examine the cultural, economic, philosophical, political and social development of the United States.  Students will also be required to complete written and oral presentations.  The course objectives are geared to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Test in United States History given by the College Board in the spring.  (See Dual Enrollment section for details)

Dual Enrollment Option Available for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

This course will focus on European history from the period of the Renaissance to the present.  Students will examine the artistic, musical, literary and intellectual growth of Europe through this period.  The course objectives are geared to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Test in European History given by the College Board in the spring. (See Dual Enrollment section for details) 

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.  Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.  They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  The course objectives are geared to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Test in Psychology given by the College Board in the spring. 

This course is designed to acquaint you with the multifaceted approach to understanding behavior.  Psychologists have drawn from any and all available disciplines in their search for the causation of the behavior, which we observe.  Psychology explores the influence of society on individual behavior and group relationships as well as the discovery of the topic itself.  As a natural science, psychology looks for biological explanations for human behavior.  You will learn more about the social and natural aspects of human behavior as you draw from the course material to gain insight into your life and the lives of those around you.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to study human development.  Students will examine the various stages of personal growth and developmental psychology.  A focus will be placed on the development of human beings from infants to adolescents.  The importance of an individual’s self-esteem and relationships with others will be stressed.  Be prepared to read books, play games and design activities for children of all ages at local childcare centers and schools.  

Americans often learn their history from Hollywood.  But does Hollywood always get it right? In addition to viewing films, students in this course will complete a variety of reading and writing assignments to demonstrate their critical viewing skills and knowledge of history. Students will also be required to read historical novels and documents to discover the gap between historical fact and Hollywood’s version. Students will evaluate the impact of information and misinformation. Students will be expected to complete independent viewing (and comparison) of films.  

Within this course, students will have the opportunity to explore sociological and psychological concepts throughout various units.  However, the application of these concepts will be applied to various governing entities and historical time periods.  For instance, with the investment and interest of students and would be possible to explore the fall of the Roman empire from a Sociological point of view, or the psychological concepts behind the ebb and flow of politics and how these concepts impact United Nations policy, or the social and psychological impact of the Civil War and Cold War.  Furthermore, the exploration of various topics as it relates to student interest, all while keeping the sociological and psychological looking glasses as our main tools, will drive this course.  

World Wars I & II were major events in 20th century global history. The class will explore the causes and consequences of WWI including the Russian Revolution, global anti-imperial outbreaks, the reconfiguration of the Middle East, the foundations of U.S. global power, and the appearance of fascism and nationalism. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on geographic regions of the wars, as well as diplomatic, political, and military events, as well as key figures in the wars. The World Wars were a period of unprecedented violence on the battlefield and in occupied areas, and its ripple effects regarding socialist and feminist movements and the invention of “total war” created a world that was forever changed.  

Sports are not only a popular cultural phenomenon; sports have the power to “transcend cultures, influence international relations, and shape society.” Since the establishment of the Olympic Games in ancient times, sports have often showcased historical realities in societies around the globe; in the midst of crisis, bitter rivals become allies, and the legacy of the sport shapes historical narrative. In this course, students will examine how sports reflect political, social, cultural, or economic realities of a time. 

Terrorism traces its roots back at least some 2,000 years with Dynasties of China and the Empire of Rome.  The course will trace the history of terrorism up to the US Kabul airlift in 2021. By reflecting on the causes and consequences of terrorism throughout history, students will be better equipped to understand the expanding geography of war and conflict today, including the war in Ukraine.  This course will be offered in 2025-26 and alternating years thereafter. 

This course will explore the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War. The goal is to understand the multiple meanings of a transforming event in American history. We will examine the interrelationships between regional, national, and African-American history. We hope to probe the depths of why the Civil War era has a unique hold on the American historical imagination. This course will only be offered in 2024-2025 and alternating years thereafter. 

Available only with Academic Team Placement

This course will offer students the opportunity to explore historical topics and themes of their choice. By investigating a topic in depth, students will have the opportunity to apply the historical skills they have acquired throughout previous years. Some of the skills that will be emphasized include research, analytical writing, and source evaluation. Students will explore themes, debate issues, and make connections to current events. Students in this course will also read primary and secondary sources, gaining a deeper understanding of their chosen topics, as well as a stronger understanding of how history impacts the individual and society, past and present. This course is available only via Academic Team placement.

This course or Personal Finance and Investing I is a required course for all students.  

Personal Finance and Investing I is recommended for students who plan to pursue a degree in math or business.

This course will focus on educating students to become responsible financial citizens.  Competencies covered will include:  Banking, Budgeting, Credit, Saving & Investing and Taxes.  Each student will complete a Capstone project.  This course fulfills the economics graduation requirement.   

Personal Finance and Investing I is recommended for students who plan to pursue a degree in math or business

This course will focus on educating students to become responsible financial citizens.  Competencies covered will include:  Banking, Budgeting, Credit, Saving & Investing and Taxes.  Each Student will complete a Capstone project.  This course fulfills the economics graduation requirement.  Students work independently and meet with the teacher during FLEX as needed.