There is a three year LHS graduation requirement in History and Social Studies. Four years are strongly recommended. All freshmen and sophomores will take the two year World History course sequence. All juniors will take one year of U.S. History. It is strongly recommended that students choose a variety of Social Studies electives as listed in the Elective Section. The LHS Social Studies Program is aligned with the MA History and Social Science Framework.

SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE LEVELS

Honors and Advanced Placement are the most accelerated courses, requiring for success, a demonstrated mastery of content, critical thinking, document analysis and superior writing skills. Students enrolled in these classes must be able to independently read and comprehend material that is well above grade level. Additionally, students must have the proven ability to think critically and conceptualize at an abstract and advanced level. Honors courses prepare students for Advanced Placement classes, which in turn prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. The Advanced Placement classes operate at a level equivalent to a college course.

502, 504, 527 level classes are college preparatory courses that emphasize the development of critical thinking skills, document analysis and writing skills. The pace and reading levels of materials in these classes are grade appropriate. Students must have a basic understanding of historic methodology and proficient social studies skill development. Students will develop and build research and writing skills that will prepare them for social studies classes at the college level.

500, 505, 528 level classes are designed to provide students with reinforcement in basic historical methodology and social studies skill development. Additionally, students in these classes will spend time developing appropriate study skills and strengthen their reading comprehension and writing skills.

FRESHMAN PROGRAM OVERVIEW

All freshmen are required to take World History I. This course will survey world history through the 18th Century. Units of study include, but are not limited to, Medieval India, China, Japan, Middle Eastern History, Byzantine Civilization, the European Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment and the French Revolutions. Attention will also be given to the geography, culture, economic systems and civic life of the main societies and eras of world History. Foundation principles in civics and economics will be introduced.

500 WORLD HISTORY I 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

This full-year course surveys the same content as 501 and 502. It is designed to provide freshmen with reinforcement in basic historical methodology, social studies skill development and to strengthen reading comprehension, writing and study skills.

501 WORLD HISTORY I HONORS 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: Middle school social studies teacher recommendation

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

In order to meet with success in this honors level course, freshmen must have advanced writing skills, advanced vocabulary skills, and the ability and motivation to read material that is significantly above grade level. Additionally, students must have the ability to think critically and conceptualize at an abstract and advanced level.

Honors and Advanced Placement are the most accelerated courses, requiring for success, a demonstrated mastery of content, critical thinking, document analysis, and superior writing skills. Students enrolled in these classes must be able to independently read and comprehend material that is well above grade level. Additionally, students must have the proven ability to think critically and conceptualize at an abstract and advanced level. Honors courses prepare students for Advanced Placement classes, which in turn prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. The Advanced Placement classes operate at a level equivalent to a college course.

502 WORLD HISTORY I 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

While the same historical methodology will be applied in this course as in the 501 level, the pace and the reading level of materials will be grade appropriate. This is a college preparatory course offered to freshmen that will emphasize the development of critical thinking skills, writing skills and strategies.

SOPHOMORE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

All sophomores are required to take World History II. This course will survey world history beginning with industrialization in the 19th century up to the present day. Some topics will include: New economic theories, European Imperialism, World War I and II, genocide in the 20th century, global interdependence and the developing world. Attention will focus on the history, culture, geography, economic systems and civic life of the main societies and eras of world history. Foundation principles in civics and economics will be introduced.

503 WORLD HISTORY II HONORS 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: B-(80 test, quiz and paper average) in World History I Honors and World History I Honors teacher recommendation or Department Chair approval

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

In order to meet with success in this honors level course, sophomores must have advanced writing skills, advanced vocabulary skills, and the ability and motivation to read material that is frequently above grade level. Additionally, students must have the ability to think critically and conceptualize at an abstract and advanced level.

Honors and Advanced Placement are the most accelerated courses, requiring for success, a demonstrated mastery of content, critical thinking, document analysis, and superior writing skills. Students enrolled in these classes must be able to independently read and comprehend material that is well above grade level. Additionally, students must have the proven ability to think critically and conceptualize at an abstract and advanced level. Honors courses prepare students for Advanced Placement classes, which in turn prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. The Advanced Placement classes operate at a level equivalent to a college course.

504 WORLD HISTORY II 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: Passing grade in World History I class.

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

In methodology and content, this course is similar to level 503. The pace and reading level of materials will be grade appropriate. This is a college preparatory course for sophomores with strong critical thinking, writing and vocabulary skills. Students will be expected to use documents and supplemental readings in a conceptual and thematic approach to World History.

505 WORLD HISTORY II 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: Completion of 500 World History I and teacher recommendation

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

This full year course covers the same content as levels 503 and 504. It is designed to provide sophomores with reinforcement in basic historical methodology, social studies skill development and to strengthen reading comprehension, writing and study skills.

JUNIOR PROGRAM OVERVIEW

LHS Juniors are required to take one year of U.S. History. Most students will study U.S. History. However, to adequately prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam, the A.P. course will cover U.S. History from the European Discovery to the present. Foundation principles of economics as well as Massachusetts and local civics will be introduced. In all junior history courses, the focus will be on the development of critical thinking and writing skills. All Juniors will be required to complete a research paper based on their study of U.S. History.

521 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: B+ or better in World History 503 or teacher recommendation or department chair

Approval, plus completion of summer reading

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

This course follows the methodology and content of the College Board's Advanced Placement program in U.S. History. This is not a U.S. History Honors class. Parents considering the waiver process should seriously consider its implications. This advanced course encourages juniors to investigate and discuss significant historical material with college maturity and depth. It allows students to read historical material analytically, to weigh historical evidence and interpretations and to arrive at conclusions on the basis of informed judgment. Students will study U.S. History from the European discovery and settlement of North America to the present. All students are expected to take the AP Examination in American History. (See paragraph re: AP Courses)

This is an Advanced Placement^® course with the curriculum determined by the College Board^®. Success in this course is dependent upon strong critical and abstract thinking skills, the ability to apply content and knowledge to unfamiliar problems, a substantial time commitment, and a strong work ethic.

527 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1877 - PRESENT 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: Passing grade in World History II class.

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

This course covers U.S. history from 1877 through contemporary America. This course will concentrate on the social, political, economic and technological aspects of this time period. The various events and ideas of the past will be analyzed and evaluated in terms of their correlation to society today. Students will strengthen their skills in geography, interpreting charts and graphs, reading comprehension as well as their understanding of economics. Students will work with chronology, develop and improve their writing skills and analysis of non-fiction primary and secondary sources. All students will be required to read an outside work of nonfiction and complete a research paper.

528 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1877 – PRESENT 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Prerequisite: Completion of 504 World History II and teacher recommendation.

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

This course covers U.S. history from 1877 through contemporary America. This course will concentrate on the social, political, economic and technological aspects of this time period. The various events and ideas of the past will be analyzed and evaluated in terms of their correlation to society today. Students will strengthen their skills in geography, interpreting charts and graphs, reading comprehension as well as their understanding of economics. Students will work with chronology, develop and improve their writing skills and analysis of non-fiction primary and secondary sources. All students will be required to read an outside work of nonfiction and complete a research project.

This course covers the same content as level 527. It is designed to provide juniors with reinforcement in basic historical methodology, social studies skill development and to strengthen reading comprehension, writing and study skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

Electives in the Social Studies are designed to give students a sense of college level work and an opportunity to study the various disciplines of the social studies in an introductory format.

536 COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING 2.5 Credits

Given: Either Semester

Open To: Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Participate in green initiatives, recognize and respect cultural similarities and differences.

Community Service Learning is a course at Longmeadow High School which requires you to continuously step outside yourself, think of others, and make a difference in the school, town and world communities. In order to be successful in this course you must have good work ethic and be able to work independently and with a small group.

Each quarter you will complete a project rationale, community service, project analysis sheet, read and report on a book that deals with your service and arrange for a speaker to come to LHS and talk to our class about the service he/she is involved in. Each quarter students will complete an end of the project power point documentary style presentation about all facets of their Community Service project.

543 MEDIA AND SOCIETY 2.5 Credits

Given: Either Semester

Open to: Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information.

This semester course introduces the social, cultural, and political role of mass media in the United States. The approach examines the social and historical context within which newspapers, radio and television developed. A special emphasis is placed on the advertising industry’s influence on these institutions. In addition, the implications of corporate media control as well as the media’s treatment of race, class and gender will be explored.

553 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 2.5 Credits

Given: Either Semester

Open to: Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, write clearly.

This course provides a framework for understanding the purposes, principles and practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution. Students are expected to understand their rights and responsibilities in local, state, and national government. Through research, discussion, film, debate, individual and group projects, students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of American government. A special emphasis will be placed on current political issues and Constitutional debates.

570 ASIAN STUDIES 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Open to: Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, recognize and respect cultural similarities and differences.

This course is designed for students with an active interest in Asian history and cultures. Asian films, arts and literature will be used to present history from the Asian perspective. This course surveys the historical and cultural traditions of Japan, Korea, India and China but more time is devoted to contemporary issues as China and India continue to rapidly develop. In addition, students study current and controversial political issues in Taiwan, North Korea, Cambodia, Myanmar and Tibet. Students will have the opportunity to help promote Longmeadow High School’s sister school partnership with Takikawa West High School, located in Hokkaido, Japan. Through discussion, project-based learning, foreign film and a wide variety of cultural activities, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the rich heritage of Asian history and culture.

580 MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY - ADVANCED PLACEMENT 5 Credits

Given: Full Year

Open To: Seniors

Prerequisite: B (83) or better in AP U.S. History or teacher recommendation with department chair approval plus completion of a summer reading list provided by teacher prior to the start of the class.

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, speak clearly, write clearly.

This course is an in-depth study of European History from l450 to the present. Serious study will center on the political, economic and social forces operating in Europe and their impact on the development of modern institutions and society. Students will be required to complete weekly reading assignments from the text, study questions for discussion, prepare specific historical problems for debate in seminars, write essays and book reports; major tests are to be completed each quarter. All students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in European History.

This is an Advanced Placement^® course with the curriculum determined by the College Board^®. Success in this course is dependent upon strong critical and abstract thinking skills, the ability to apply content and knowledge to unfamiliar problems, a substantial time commitment, and a strong work ethic.

583 PSYCHOLOGY 2.5 Credits

Given: Either Semester

Open To: Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Read and interpret written and oral information, solve problems.

Psychologists ask and try to answer fundamental questions about the nature of human beings, their mental processes and behaviors. This course is an introduction into research, the brain, addiction, psychological disorders, psychotropic medications, the power of social norms, behavior engineering, psychotherapy, human sexuality and personality testing. Students will be introduced to these topics through the use of experimentation, discussion, debate, observations (of self and others), and reading (fiction and non-fiction)

590 20th CENTURY MUSIC IN AMERICAN CULTURE 2.5 Credits

Given: Either Semester

Open to: Seniors

Prerequisite: None

Academic Expectations: Recognize and respect cultural similarities and differences.

This semester course is designed to be an introduction to 20^th Century American music. Students will examine the relationship between the various genres of music and their interactions with human society and its cultural and political environment. The course will focus on folk, rock, blues, jazz, swing, punk, disco and rap (with a nod to country and western) music. Students will examine the impact of music on race, class and gender themes. Class attendance and participation will be a major part of the requirements of this course. Cultural literacy is the dominant goal of the course.