Social Studies

Global History in 9th grade covers topics ranging from Ancient World Civilizations and Religions through the Age of Revolution.Using a chronological focus the students will learn about the major world cultures and civilizations including their development and evolution, their influence on other civilizations and the increasing interaction and interdependence of cultures through time. By studying the historical development of civilizations and cultures, students should gain a better understanding for and appreciation of their own culture(s) and how modern-day societies have been shaped and influenced to varying degrees by the civilizations and cultures of the past.

Students enrolled in the advanced sections of Global History 9 should be self-motivated, independent learners who have a willingness to devote extensive time and energy to the course. The advanced classes are designed to further develop analytical skills and appreciation of factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problems and materials in history. A rich variety of study techniques is prescribed: supplementary and interpretive readings, study sheets by conceptual categories, panel discussions and debates. Considerable attention will be paid to developing writing and interpretive skills for test essays and for research. Enrolled students should expect to engage in class activities such as conversation, debate, evaluation and will need to complete summer work.

Building on the concepts and understandings developed in Global History 9, the 10th grade course continues the chronological approach to studying world cultures. With a focus on events and issues since 1750, this course begins with the Rise of the Modern World with an emphasis on the role of industrialization and imperialism in the nineteenth century. The course then focuses on the first half of the twentieth century including World War I, the Russian Revolution, Global Depression, the rise of totalitarianism, World War II and the Holocaust. The emphasis then shifts to the second half of the twentieth century and the start of the twenty first century with a review of the origins of the Cold War, the Communist Revolution in China, the collapse of the Soviet Union and reforms within Chinese Communism.The course culminates with a look at post colonialism in Africa, Asia and the Middle East and the rise of Globalization.

Regents Exam: Global History and Geography

Students enrolled in the advanced sections of Global History 10 should be self-motivated, independent learners who have a willingness to devote extensive time and energy to the course.The advanced classes are designed to further develop analytical skills and appreciation of factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problems and materials in history. A rich variety of study techniques is prescribed: supplementary and interpretive readings, study sheets by conceptual categories, panel discussions and debates.Considerable attention will be paid to developing writing and interpretive skills for test essays and for research. Enrolled students should expect to engage in class activities such as conversation, debate, evaluation and will need to complete summer work.

The 11th grade United States History and Government course begins with a review of the geography of the United States and the influence of geography on the historical and cultural development of our country. Students will then study the constitutional foundations for the United States Democratic Republic including the events that led up to the War for Independence and the 17th and 18th Century thought that shaped the ideas of the country’s founders.Through the sectional issues of the 19th century, students will learn how the constitution was tested as the country endured a civil war.The course will then trace the st-reconstruction industrialization of the country and the impact this had on the development of various movements including the labor, populist, and progressive movements. Imperialism, immigration and World War I provide the context for the country’s development in the early twentieth century. The Great Depression, the New Deal, and World War II are the focus of the next part of the course, in addition to the issues that faced our country and the world after this great conflict. The course concludes with a focus on the end of the Twentieth Century and the beginning of the Twenty First Century as the country struggled through the trying times of the Cold War and the Civil Rights movement. The United States role in uncertain times and as part of a global community provides the focus for the latter part of the course.

June Regents Exam: United States History & Government 

AP United States History is a college-level course that traces the development of American social, political, cultural and economic patterns as well as the development of our foreign policy. The program is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with issues in American History.  A rich variety of study techniques is prescribed: extensive reading and library research, historical interpretation, study sheets by conceptual categories, essays and research papers of different types, study questions and identifications. All students are required to take the AP exam in May and are responsible for the cost of the exam; there is also summer work.

June Regents Exam: United States History & Government

One of the requirements for seniors is to complete a semester of study in the United States government. The course will investigate the meaning of “Government of the People” and the constitutional framework of our system of governance. Students will learn the roles and functions of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our government and the dynamics which determine their relationship to each other. Students will also learn about the important function of state and local government in our democracy and the importance of being a well-informed and active citizen and participant in our government at all levels.

The second requirement for seniors is to complete a semester of study in Economics. This course will introduce students to both Micro and Macro-Economic theory and apply this information to understanding economic systems around the world. Topics will include: supply and demand, U.S. free enterprise, business organization, monopolies & competition, banking, labor unions, the business cycle and the role of government in regulating the economy.

An introductory overview of American national government: constitutionalism, federalism, Congress, Presidency, bureaucracy, political parties, judiciary, public policy, elections, public opinion, and political behavior. Recommended for students who want a basic general course in American government or who plan to take 200-level POLS courses. Required for the political science major. 

Student skills developed in conjunction with the content oriented nature of the course include that of reading comprehension, knowledge and use of research processes and tools, production of research projects, problem solving, and evaluation of informational text. 

Course Objectives 

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Describe and compare important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics

• Explain typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures)

• Interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats)

• Critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum

This course satisfies the Economics and Government requirement for New York State.  This course is an AP course with an option for college credit through SUNY Oneonta.  Students are required to elect for SUNY credit, taking the AP exam in May or both.  Open to Seniors only.  There is a summer assignment requirement for this course.

The objective of this course is to bring about a better understanding of the legal system and how it affects our everyday lives. Students will understand that our legal system sets limits on behavior but it can be altered to fit a changing society. A strong emphasis is placed upon the understanding of our civic responsibilities within our society. By applying an understanding of the law, students will have a broader sense of their role as a citizen. A variety of films, documentaries and other resources are used to provide the most up to date information for our students during this experience. Tentative topics will include: (1) the court system (2) criminal law (3) juvenile law (4) civil law (5) jury selection (6) death penalty (7) family law and (8) environmental law.

This course will help students acquire an understanding of how the social science of psychology interprets human behavior.Students will explore the basic elements of behavior (e.g. perception, learning, emotions, and motivation) and be introduced to various theories of personality development. With this foundation, the course turns to the human life cycle, seeking to view the various stages of life from a psychological perspective. 

Do you want to step back in time and uncover the secrets of the past through its most captivating and evocative aspects? Have you wondered if the Ancient Egyptians liked the same food you do? Are you curious about how fast fashion started? If so, "Society and Culture" is the elective for you! This course dives into the fascinating world of social history and culture, using the lenses of fashion, art, music, and food to bring the past to life. In "Society and Culture," you will embark on a captivating journey through history, exploring the rich tapestry of human culture and society. We will unravel the stories of ordinary people and their extraordinary lives, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of history that have shaped our world today. 

Students in grades 10-12 may take this course.

Explore the fascinating world of "Criminal Justice and the Law" in this dynamic semester-long course. Delve into the foundations of the American legal system, dissect landmark cases, and unravel the roles of law enforcement, judiciary, and corrections. From criminal law principles to contemporary issues in justice, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Perfect for those interested in law, law enforcement, or simply seeking to be informed citizens. 

Students in grades 10-12 may take this course. 

This 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.  This course is only open to Juniors and Seniors(with preference given to Seniors).  All students are required to pay a fee to take the AP exam in the spring.  There is a summer assignment associated with this course.