The Social Studies requirements are to complete 7 credits over the course of four years. Students graduating from BHS are required to take coursework in Geography, World History, American History, Economics, and American Government. In addition, the Social Studies Department offers a variety of elective offerings for students. The department offers college level Advanced Placement classes for students who want more rigorous coursework. These courses provide the potential to earn college credits by passing the Advanced Placement Exam, which takes place during the first two weeks of May.
Required Courses
In Person: 171100
Online: 175100
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 1
This course employs several approaches and technologies to describe the distribution of people and activities across the Earth, to explain reasons underlying the observed distribution, and to understand the significance of the arrangements. In this course, students will look for similarities and differences in the cultural features at different places, the reasons for their distribution, and the importance of these differences.
Note: Students can replace this course with AP Human Geography.
Course: 171101, 171102
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Recommended: grade level proficiency in reading.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of earth’s surface. Topics of study will include geography’s nature and perspectives, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use.
In Person: 171200, 171201
Online: 171200, 171201
Grade Level: 10
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This course will include the beginnings of human history, early civilizations, giant empires, expanding zones of exchange, the age of revolutions, a half century of crisis and achievement, the world after World War II, and the new global era. Major themes of world history shall be explored including world cultures, economic and political systems, as well as the process of state building and the creation of social structures.
Note: Students can replace this course with AP World History.
Course: 171202, 171203
Grade Level: 10
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This college-level course is designed to explore human history from 1200 to the present and explores the major themes of world history, including people’s interaction with the environment, cultures, state-building, economic systems, and social structures. There is an emphasis on the development of analytical and writing skills necessary for success at the collegiate level.
In Person : 171300, 171301
Online: 175300, 175301
Grade Level: 11
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This course will include the following topics and time periods; colonization, the American Revolution, the development of the Constitution, territorial expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Native American relations with the US government, industrialization, the emergence of modern America and World War I, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, and postwar United States to the present, including the Cold War, the Baby Boom Society, Civil Rights movement, and the 1970’s to the present.
Note: Students can replace this course with AP US History
Course: 171302, 171303
Grade Level: 11
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
This course resembles the survey course experienced by freshman and sophomore levels in college. During the year, students examine the growth of the American republic from early exploration and colonization through issues of the 20th Century.This course is taught both by time period and thematically. Students will continue to develop analytical and writing skills necessary for success at the college level.
In Person: 171401
Online: 175401
Credits: 1
Grade Level: 12
This course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills to evaluate issues in global, national, and personal economics. The course will also focus on developing an understanding of personal finance, life skills and lessons that students will be able to use throughout their lives.
In Person: 171400
Online: 175400
Grade Level: 12
Credits: 1
This course provides an understanding of the U.S. Constitution. The course will also examine the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as well as the two party systems, the electoral process, and the role of interest groups. In addition, issues at the state and local level will be surveyed.
Course: 171304
Grade Level: 12
Credits: 1
This course will require an intensive look at the constitutional underpinnings of American government; the political beliefs and behaviors of citizens, political parties, and interest groups; the institutions and policy processes of the national government; and the status and development of civil rights and civil liberties. Students will continue to develop and use analytical and writing skills necessary for success at the college level.
Elective Courses
Course: 171206
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
This course gives students practical knowledge and familiarity with the workings of the Criminal Justice System. The nature and impact of crime is explored, and includes an overview of the Criminal Justice System, law enforcement, the court systems, trial processes, and the corrections and penal systems. This course will include a project of student choice with instructor approval.
Course: 171208
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Sociology studies how human thought and our life experiences, parents, peers, school, and mass media shape behaviors. Course topics include exploring cultural differences, the impact of music/mass media, cults, countercultures, deviance, drugs, prison, and multicultural issues. Expect numerous films, discussions, and open-ended projects.
Course: 171207
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
This course will include study of the methods of and approaches to psychology, neurobiology and behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, human development, emotions, motivation, states of awareness, personality, and relationships. The course will include a research paper and presentation.
Course: 171305
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 1
A survey course that provides students a systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students will study the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major approaches to psychology. Psychological research methods and statistical analysis will also be reviewed.