ALL ELECTIVES AND AP COURSES WILL BE AVAILABLE,
DEPENDING ON BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS AND SUFFICIENT ENROLLMENT.
Each student is required to complete four credits in Social Studies, including Global History and Geography I and II, United States History and Government, Economics and Participation in Government in order to meet graduation requirements. At least one credit of Social Studies must be scheduled in each of a student's high school years. All students must pass both a Regents exam in Global Studies and Geography (10th grade), and U.S. History and Government (11th grade).
NOTE: FOR GRADUATION, STUDENTS MUST PASS COURSES IN ECONOMICS AND GOVERNMENT
CAREER (C0980) - GRADE 8 - Required Unified Arts Rotation no credit This ten week course of study will provide students opportunities to apply communication, leadership, management, and thinking skills to career development. This class will encourage students to form tentative career plans. Students will be given the opportunity to apply and process skills through learning experiences that will help them to anticipate the future, identify employability traits, and examine their relationship with the work environment. Students will also analyze the impact of participation in community activities on their families, school, work, and community. Individualized and group assessments will be used to foster students’
learning. Students will be exposed to Naviance and utilize this web-based program in order to plan and organize career and college plans.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8 (C0201) no credit
Grade 8 Social Studies focuses on a primarily chronological study of history and geography in the United States and New York as well as economic, social, and political trends. The course content first concentrates on tracing the human experience in the United States post Civil War up to the end of World War II, and ends with the tracing of different themes in the United States from the post-War period up to the present day. The specific themes include the expansion and interaction of economic systems, the role of technology and global connections. Emphasis is placed, not just on a comprehensive study understanding of America’s historical turning points but also on the development of academic skills such as the writing process, analysis of historical evidence, the ability to make informed claims, and evaluations of historical actions and time periods.
Requirements include: midterm exam and final exam. Offered: full year course.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8 HONORS (C0200) no credit Prerequisites: Teacher and counselor recommendation, final course grade of 90 in previous year's or grade 7 course, final exam grade of 90 in previous year's grade 7 course, standardized test score at or above the 75th percentile. Honors course decisions will be made after final grades are determined.
Grade 8H Social Studies focuses on a primarily chronological study of history and geography in the United States and New York as well as economic, social, and political trends. The course content first concentrates on tracing the human experience in the United States after Reconstruction up to the end of World War II, and ends with the tracing of different themes in the United States from the post-War period up to the present day. The specific themes include the expansion and interaction of economic systems, the role of technology and global connections. Emphasis is placed, not just on a comprehensive study understanding of America’s historical turning points but also on the development of academic skills such as the writing process, analysis of historical evidence, the ability to make informed claims, and evaluations of historical actions and time periods.
Requirements include: midterm exam and final exam, as well as participation in Socratic discussions, analyzing and integrating primary and secondary sources into writing tasks, as well as unit projects.
Offered: full year course.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 9 (C0203) 1 credit
Global History & Geography 9 is primarily based on the study of world history with several underlying themes, consisting of political, economic, geographic, and social factors. Through interpretation of the past, connections are made with each of these themes and conclusions will be drawn to evaluate the circumstances that have shaped world history. Specific historical turning points discussed in this course include Ancient River Valley Civilization, Belief Systems, Classical Civilizations, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Exploration. Upon the conclusion of each unit of study, reflection and analysis will take place in order to predict the effects these events will have on the global community. Students will cite specific textual evidence, determine central ideas of information, and analyze detail from primary and secondary sources. Additionally identify, analyze and evaluate multiple cause-and- effect relationships in historical periodization, distinguishing between the long-term and proximate.
Requirements include: midterm and final exams. Offered: full year Credited: for core credit.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 9 HONORS (C0202) 1 credit Prerequisites: Teacher and counselor recommendation, final course grade of 90 in previous year's grade 8 course, final exam grade of 90 in previous year's 8th grade course, final course grade of 87 in previous honor’s level course, standardized test score at or above the 75th percentile.
This course is the first of a two-year requirement that explores world history from the Paleolithic Era through the year 1750. Units of study include river valley civilizations, belief systems, the classical civilizations of Greece, Rome, India, China, and Mesoamerica, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Age of Exploration, and Age of Absolutism. The course will focus on the interrelation of time periods throughout history and their impact on future societies. Students will be able to analyze cause-and-effect relationships in historical context, analyze and evaluate the dynamics of historical continuity and change over periods of time, and compare and contrast multiple historical developments within one society and across or between different cultures. They will also arrive at meaningful and persuasive understandings of the past by applying historical thinking skills, drawing on ideas from the classroom, as well as incorporating knowledge from primary and secondary source documents.
Requirements include: midterm exam, final exam, as well as quarterly unit projects. Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
AP WORLD HISTORY 9 (C0218) 1 credit Prerequisites: This course is an open-enrollment course opened to all 9th grade students, however, it is strongly recommended that students consult with their 8th grade Social Studies teachers prior to committing to the course.
AP History 1 course covers world history from the pre-historic period thru 1450. The AP World History program is a 2-year sequence in the 9th and 10th grade. AP World History 1 will emphasize cultural, intellectual, economic, social history and cross-historical connections. Students will build upon the skills learned in the 8th grade honors social studies course. Some of these skills include evaluating historical arguments, using compare and contrast skills across world history and interpreting history from a variety of viewpoints. The course is designed to provide students with the analytical and written skills associated with the Advanced Placement exam, which will be taken in May of the student’s 10th grade year. Some of the major topics to be covered are: river valley societies, classical societies around the world (Persia, China, India, Greece, and Rome), major belief systems around the world (Judaism, Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Islam etc.).
Requirements: students will take a midterm and final exam. Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 10 (C0205) 1 credit
Global History & Geography II is primarily based on the study of world history with several underlying themes, consisting of political, economic, geographic, and social factors. As we interpret the past, connections are made with each of these themes and conclusions will be drawn as to evaluate the circumstances that have shaped world history. Specific historical turning points to be discussed in this course include the Enlightenment, the Age of Revolutions, Nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World War I, the Russian Revolution, World War II, and the Cold War, in addition to other significant 20th Century issues. Upon the conclusion of each unit of study, reflection and analysis will take place in order to predict the effects these events will have on the global community.
Requirements: The Global History & Geography Regents Examination is taken as the final exam for the course, which includes content from both 9th and 10th grade.
Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 10 HONORS (C0208) 1 credit Prerequisites: Teacher and counselor recommendation, final course grade of 90 in previous year's Regent’s level course, final exam (Regents) grade of 90 in previous year's Regents level course, final course grade of 87 in previous honor’s level course, standardized test score at or above the 75th percentile.
Global History & Geography II is primarily based on the study of world history with several underlying themes, consisting of political, economic, geographic, and social factors. As we interpret the past, connections are made with each of these themes and conclusions will be drawn as to evaluate the circumstances that have shaped world history. Specific historical turning points to be discussed in this course include the Enlightenment, the Age of Revolutions, Nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World War I, the Russian Revolution, World War II, and the Cold War, in addition to other significant 20th Century issues. In addition, the honors class will have the opportunity to explore historical topics in greater depth. For example, the Pearl History Day historical projects will provide students with the opportunity to gather and synthesize information for a specific global historical topic, create an exhibit based on that information, and present the content to the Pearl River academic community. Upon the conclusion of each unit of study, reflection and analysis will take place in order to predict the effects these events will have on the global community.
Requirements: Global History & Geography Regents Examination is taken as the final exam for the course, which includes content from both 9th and 10th grade.
Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
AP WORLD HISTORY 10 (C0219) 1 credit Prerequisite: AP World History 9
AP World History 2 course covers world history from 1450 thru the present. The AP World History program is a 2-year sequence in the 9th and 10th grade. AP World History 2 will further emphasize cultural, intellectual, economic, social history and cross-historical connections. Students will build upon the skills they learned in AP World History 1. In addition to historical argument, comparison and interpretation, students will learn to analyze periodization and change over time. They will understand how to understand and use turning points in their written analysis of history. The course is designed to provide students with the analytical and written skills associated with the Advanced Placement exam which will be taken in mid-May. Some of the major topics to be covered are: Age of Exploration, Protestant Reformation, Enlightenment, Spanish Americas, Atlantic Slave Trade, Impact of the Ming and Qing Dynasties on China, Age of Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World Wars 1 and 2, Cold War and Current Topics in World History.
Requirements include: each student must take the AP exam. All students must take the Global History Regents exam in June. Both exams are based on work done in AP World 9 and 10. Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
UNITED STATES HISTORY & GOVERNMENT (C0207) 1 credit
United States History and Government focuses in-depth on the American way of life. The major topics studied in this course include: The Thirteen Colonies, Creation and Implementation of the Constitution, The Early American Republic, Westward Expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Immigration, World War I and II, The Roaring Twenties, Great Depression and the New Deal, Suburbanization, The Cold War, Civil Rights, Vietnam, and more recent U.S. History (1980s – Present). As these topics are investigated, emphasis is placed synthesizing the turning points of each era and integrating that understanding into the broader themes of American history. A research paper is completed in the spring semester that exposes students to historical research skills needed in high school and college, such as utilizing print and electronic sources, outlining critical content to support a specified thesis, and developing proper bibliographies to effectively credit research.
Requirements: the U.S. History and Government Regents Examination is taken as the final exam for the course.
Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit
UNITED STATES HISTORY & GOVERNMENT HONORS (C0212) 1 credit Prerequisites: Teacher and counselor recommendation, final course grade of 90 in previous year's Regent’s level course, final exam (Regents) grade of 90 in previous year's Regents level course, final course grade of 87 in previous honor’s level course, standardized test score at or above the 75th percentile.
Honors United States History is a demanding course, analyzing the same detail as the Advanced Placement course and offering students similar opportunity to use historical evidence to interpret and synthesize American history. Students will study the democratic and constitutional foundations of the U.S. from colonies to nationhood, the industrialization and urbanization of the nation, national and international migration, the Progressive movement, domestic and foreign policy during times of crisis and modern American history since the end of World War II in order to gain a better understanding of the unique periodization of the time periods as well as patterns of continuity and change over time. It is offered as an alternative to United States History & Government.
Requirements: students are expected to complete lengthy nightly readings, practice writing essays modeled after the essays prompts on the New York State Board of Regents Examination in U.S. History & Government and ultimately to take the New York States Regents Examination in United States History & Government in June.
Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
AP U.S. HISTORY (C0206) 1 credit Prerequisites: This course is an open-enrollment course opened to all 11th grade students, however, it is strongly recommended that students consult with their 10th grade Social Studies teachers prior to committing to the course.
Advanced Placement United States History is a rigorous, writing-intensive course, which offers students the opportunity to explore the chronological reasoning of the history of the United States. It is designed to allow students the opportunity to interpret and to synthesize factual knowledge and to craft historical arguments from primary sources and secondary scholarly texts. Students will be able to compare and to contextualize historical research developments in the American experience is an integral part of the course. This is an alternative to United States History & Government.
Requirements: students are required to perform extensive nightly readings, practice writing essays modeled after the AP U.S. examination essays, and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Examination in United States History in May as well as the New York States Regents Examination in United States History & Government in June.
Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
ECONOMICS (C0210) 1⁄2 credit
Economics examines the principles of the United States free market economy in a global context. Students will analyze the role of supply and demand in determining the prices individuals and businesses face in the product and factor markets. Students will study the role entrepreneurs play in our economy. Students will explore the challenges facing the United States free market economy in a global environment and various policy-making opportunities available to the government to address these challenges. Students will explore the stock market as an investment vehicle and examine the effects of economic news to the market by participating in a stock market simulation. Throughout the curriculum, students will be processing economic concepts to engage in problem solving, decision making, inquiry, and conceptualizing. Other topics include personal finances, credit cards, minimum wage, universal healthcare and corporate responsibility.
Requirements include: several papers, chapter tests and a final exam. Offered: half year course. Credited: for core credit.
AP MICROECONOMICS (C0211) 1 credit Prerequisites: This course is an open-enrollment course opened to all 12th grade students, however, it is strongly recommended that students consult with their 11th grade Social Studies teachers prior to committing to the course and have strong Algebra II skills.
AP Economics will give students a thorough understanding of economics that apply to the functions of the individual decision maker, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and function of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Some of the topics that will be explored include: opportunity costs, supply and demand analysis, comparative and absolute advantage as they relate to trade, consumer choice, production costs and market structures. Students will be required to use problem-solving skills and utilize graphs and curves to explain market conditions and events. Curriculum will cover state requirements for Economics and Government and Politics. Requirements include: midterm exam, final exam, the AP Microeconomics exam, and a practice AP exam. Offered: full year course. Credited: for core credit.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (C0209) 1⁄2 credit
This course is designed to provide students with a greater awareness of why we study government and politics and the Constitution. Students will explore how public policy effects their lives. Students will integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media in order to address a question or solve a problem. Students will be encouraged to express their views on the many topics that will be addressed. The topics that will be covered are introduction to government in America, federalism, political parties, nominations & campaigns, elections & voting behaviors, civil liberties & public policy, civil rights & public policy, the mass media & the political agenda, and interest groups.
Requirements include: final exam. Offered: half year course. Credited: for core credit.
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (C0215) 1 credit Prerequisites: This course is an open-enrollment course opened to all 12th grade students, however, it is strongly recommended that students consult with their 11th grade Social Studies teachers prior to committing to the course.
AP United States Government and Politics will provide students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course involves the study of concepts and theories of government, patterns and consequences of political behavior, and the analysis of data. The major topics covered are: constitutional and historical background, opinion and participation in the political process, the politics of public policy, civil rights and civil liberties, and the institutions of the national government. Students will integrate information from primary and secondary sources to form coherent understanding of events and political processes. Curriculum will cover state requirements for Economics and Government and Politics.
Requirements: students are required to take an AP exam. Offered: full year course.
Credited: core or elective credit.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE PROGRAM ALL ELECTIVES AND AP COURSES WILL BE AVAILABLE, DEPENDING ON BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS AND SUFFICIENT ENROLLMENT.
ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY (C0225) 1⁄2 credit
This course examines psychological and developmental issues of adolescence; including the interaction between physiological, psychological, and social changes that occur during the transition from childhood through young adulthood. The course will provide a background in the principles of psychology and proceed to examine social and abnormal psychology. There is an emphasis on psychosocial factors influencing various peer relationships. The course is discussion and project based. Students will read, analyze, discuss, and present content. Additionally, various experiments will be conducted in class. Students will evaluate hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions to understand concepts and resolve conflicting ideas. Requirements include: students are required to complete a final project.
Offered: half year course. Credited: for elective credit. Open to students in grades 9-12.
AMERICAN SOCIOLOGY (C0229) 1⁄2 credit
A semester long course that will focus on the influential role of music, movies, television and sports on American society. American Sociology is a theme-based course that follows trends in these topics from the 1920s until the present. Students will learn to analyze American history, politics and culture by using various forms of media outlets, including but not limited to popular music, television programs, film clips and sports broadcasts.
Requirements: a daily journal, and a final portfolio, which is a culmination of a variety of multi- media assessments.
Offered: half year course. Credited: for elective credit. Open to students in grades 11 & 12.
CAREER EXPLORATION 8 (C0518) 1⁄2 credit
This course will provide students with the opportunity to plan for future educational and career goals as well as personal financial responsibility. Students will discover their own aptitudes and interests, to determine relevant college majors and career paths. Assessments will incorporate information from personalized surveys, and a database with over 7,000 colleges and universities; and over 2,000 occupations. Students will synthesize information from a range of sources that will allow them to make informed and effective decisions about their future educational and career plans. Additionally, this course will give students an overview of Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher, as well as to provide opportunities for the integration of these programs. The emphasis of the assessments is on practical, relevant applications for the high school student. The assessments are intended to foster creativity and critical thinking, as each student completes unique, individualized projects.
Requirements: students are required to submit a final portfolio. Offered: half year course. Credited: for core
This course is open to students in grade 8.
CAREER EXPLORATION 9-12 (C0520) 1⁄2 credit
This course will provide students with the opportunity to plan for future educational and career goals as well as personal financial responsibility. Students will discover their own aptitudes and interests, to determine relevant college majors and career paths. Assessments will incorporate information from personalized surveys, and a database with over 7,000 colleges and universities; and over 2,000 occupations. Students will synthesize information from a range of sources that will allow them to make informed and effective decisions about their future educational and career plans. The assessments are intended to foster creativity and critical thinking, as each student completes unique, individualized projects.
Requirements: students are required to submit a final portfolio.
Offered: half year course. Credited: for core credit. Open to students in grades 9 – 12.
CHILD PSYCHOLOGY (C0224) 1⁄2 credit
An introduction to child psychology class that affords students the opportunities to examine child psychology theories, abnormal child psychology, the impact of television on child development, and current issues. The course examines different theorists who focus on social learning development, patterns of behavior, the impact of love and affection, birth order, the impact and development of the brain, and many more. While child psychology examines cognitive, behaviorist, biological, humanist, and psychoanalytic perspectives, a major focus is on learning from infancy through childhood. This course is heavily based on discussion, which involves experiments, group projects, analysis of current event topics and reflection on one’s childhood. Requirements include: a final exam and to conduct experiments evaluating Vygotsky, Kohlberg, Erikson, and Piaget’s theories. Offered: 1⁄2 year course. Credited: for elective credit.
CRIMINAL LAW (CO222) 1⁄2 credit
This one semester course is intended to provide the student with a functional knowledge of the American legal system, with primary emphasis on criminal law. Topics studied include: The historical basis for establishing laws, how to advocate as citizens within the context of a legal environment, the nature and prevalence of crime, and the court system of the United States as it pertains to criminal law in the phases of investigation, defense, proceedings, and trials. Trial procedure will be taught, as well as how to write coherent and accurate legal briefs. Students will be required to analyze specific court cases related to the topics of study, as well as present their case research with clear and precise legal arguments (both written and through class presentations). Instruction will be primarily discussion-based, with emphasis on relating the topics of study to the expectations of responsible citizenship. A mock trial is conducted at the end of the course.
Requirements: a local assessment is given as the final exam.
Offered: half year course. Credited: for elective credit. Open to students in grades 9–12
FILM AS HISTORY (C0220) 1⁄2 credit
Through the use of predominantly movies and documentaries, the course examines several major historical events that have impacted American History from the late 1800’s into the Twenty-first Century. Major events include, Wounded Knee, World War I, Prohibition, The Great Depression, World War II, The Cold War and the War on Terrorism. Each event studied will include historical information that is essential for understanding each event as students will be required to analyze and evaluate major historical events that have shaped American History. The focal point of each unit will be the viewing of a movie depicting the event. While viewing each movie, students are required to answer guide questions and will be responsible for an assessment upon conclusion of the movie. In addition, class discussions and activities will be utilized to gain insight as to the historical accuracy of the movie as well as making connections to current American themes. A sampling of movies viewed include: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Cinderella Man, and Forrest Gump.
Requirements: students are required to take a final exam.
Offered: half year course. Credited: for elective credit. Open to students in grades 11 & 12
HISTORY OF U.S. WOMEN & SOCIAL CHANGE (C0231) 1⁄2 Credit This course (SUNY Albany AWSS 260X) puts an emphasis on the diversity of U.S. women and examines the social, historical, and economic forces that have shaped U.S. women’s lives from about 1800-1970 and the contexts within which women have participated in and sometimes led social and political movements. Class discussion will play an integral role in the classroom. This class is a college credit bearing course and there will be required reading and writing throughout the semester as well as a final at the end of the semester. This course has an approximate fee of $160. Students are required to register with SUNY Albany and pay this fee. Students are not allowed to audit this class. Students that successfully complete this course may be eligible to receive 3 college credits.
Offered: 1⁄2 year course. Credited: for elective credit only. Requirements: Students are required to take a final exam at the end of the semester. Open to students in grades 11&12
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (C0227) 1⁄2 credit
This introductory course in the field of philosophy addresses many contemporary moral issues. These issues include but are not limited to understanding what philosophy is, just war theory, abortion, same sex marriage, animal rights, environmentalism, affirmative action, the death penalty, racial profiling & rights of the accused.
Requirements: completion of reflection papers, projects and a final presentation.
Offered: half year course. Credited: for elective credit only. Open to students in grades 10-12.
PHILOSOPHY OF ETHICS (C0232) 1⁄2 Credit
This course is designed as a fundamental inquiry into the assumptions or presuppositions of any subject. Ethics, or moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. This branch of philosophy comprises the sub-branches of ethics and aesthetics, each concerned with values. As a field of intellectual enquiry, we will look at moral ethical philosophy as it relates to the fields of moral psychology, descriptive ethics, and value theory. During the semester a sample of the topics to be studied include Ethical Theories, Euthanasia, Capital Punishment, Free Expression, Animal Rights, Environmental Rights, and Business Ethics amongst others. The course will make wide use of multiple strategies including Socratic seminar.
Offered: half year course in the fall only. Credited: for elective credit only. Open to students in grades 10-12
RCC INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (C0230) ½ credit Note: Students must enroll with SUNY Rockland to take this half year course at the high school. They must also qualify for the course by taking the Accuplacer exam. Please note that there is a fee associated with this course. The SUNY Rockland Introduction to Business course (BUS 101) is an overview of business in the American economy. It discusses basic economics, ethics in business, globalization, other forms of business, management functions, motivation, human resource management, and marketing and financial management. Enhancements to this course will also introduce concepts related to accounting, production and data processing. The cost of the course is approximately $65 per semester as well as additional fees depending on the course. There may be a tuition increase. Offered: half year course. Credited: for elective credit. This program is open to students in grades 11 & 12.