History

This course traces the evolution of western political thought through the influences of the Judeo-Christian, Roman, and Greek experiences, the English Civil War and the French Revolution. Students will then examine the role of this philosophy in terms of the industrial revolution and the race for empire and their influences on the World Wars and the Cold War. An emphasis will be placed on the social, economic, political, and cultural change during each time period. The course concludes with a discussion on contemporary issues. Embedded throughout this course are reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. During the course of the year students will engage in both short and long term research/inquiry projects on a variety of topics. 

This is a college preparatory course covering a survey of American History. Themes in U.S. History include the founding of the U.S., industrialization, “new immigration,” and social, religious, and political developments of 19th century America. In addition, themes of the 20th century include World War I, the Roaring 20’s, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. Finally, U.S. History analyzes the Civil Rights movement and assesses contemporary social problems and domestic policy issues. Students will apply historical thinking skills; summarization, historical evidence, historical arguments, comparison, causation, and synthesis. In addition, students will be required to complete one short term and one long term research/inquiry projects on a variety of topics. 

Economics: This one-semester course offers a survey of basic economic principles and micro- and macroeconomic concepts. The study of microeconomics focuses on demand, supply, equilibrium, and pricing. Macroeconomic topics covered include labor and employment, GDP and other national economic measures, market structures, the effects of taxation and government spending, and the operation of the Federal Reserve. Students will develop economic analysis skills. Embedded in this course is a long-term inquiry research project. The research project will be completed in the first semester. 

American Government: This one-semester course offers a survey of the structure and function of government at the national, state, and local level, with an emphasis on civic engagement and participation. Students will learn the features of American Democracy as well as the principles and values upon which it is founded. Students will learn their responsibilities and rights in society, the role of the media and civil society in the political process, and a survey of other political and economic philosophies. Students will develop research, analysis, planning, project management, writing, and presentation skills. Embedded in this course is a service learning project. The service learning project will be conducted in the second semester.

Prerequisites: Completion of World Geography with a B or better, or instructor approval.

Summer reading and assignments will be required of all students intent on enrolling in the class; assignments not acceptably completed will result in automatic review of placement. This class may be taken in lieu of Modern World History. This course is an entry-level college survey course, roughly covering the timeframe from 1200 CE to the present. Coverage begins with a review of world history to that point, then will move on to cover the following topics: Regional and Interregional Interactions, Global Interactions, Industrialization and Global Integration, and Accelerating Global Change and Realignments. Each unit will focus on the political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and artistic changes of each era. Students will develop historical analysis skills and habits of mind. Students are encouraged to take the AP World History exam in May of each year. During the course of the year students will engage in both short and long term research/inquiry projects on a variety of topics.

Prerequisites: Completion of Modern World History with a C- or better. 

Summer reading and assignments will be required of all students intent on enrolling in the class; any summer assignment not acceptably completed will result in automatic review of placement. This is an Advanced Placement course, which is an in-depth study of the colonial period and the Revolution, the new government, law, slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization, the American political tradition, imperialism, World War I, the Depression, World War II, and contemporary U.S. history. Students who pass the AP exam with a score of 3 or better can receive college credit. Students will be required to complete several writing assessments in preparation for the exam. Students will apply historical thinking skills; summarization, historical evidence, historical arguments, comparison, causation, and synthesis. In addition, students will be required to complete one short term and one long term research/inquiry projects on a variety of topics.

Prerequisites: Completion of U.S. History with a C- or better.

AP U.S Government and Politics: Summer reading and assignments will be required of all students intent on enrolling in the class; any summer assignment not acceptably completed will result in automatic review of placement. This course focuses on the American political system and preparing the student for the Advanced Placement Exam in U.S. Government and Politics. This class will discuss political ideology, the development of the political system and American democratic institutions. Students will be able to evaluate the role of the national government and its relationship to the concept of liberty in a pluralistic society. Class discussion will emphasize the changing political culture of American society and its effect on voting patterns, trends, and the processes of government. In doing so, the course of study will include certain critical elections in American history as well as recent political movements. The main thrust of the course, however, is to be able to apply an understanding of our political system to contemporary events. Students should expect daily reading assignments and multiple weekly short writing assignments. They should also be aware of current topics in American society. Students are required to complete a service learning project as part of the course.