SOCIAL STUDIES

FOUNDATIONS/ESSENTIAL COLLEGE PREP STUDENT 

Foundations/Essential College preparatory students demonstrate the ability to complete the following tasks:  

• Comprehend and synthesize textbook and class readings with guided support.  

• Comprehend cause and effect relationships with guided support.  

• Write a multi-paragraph essay using evidence with guided support.  

• Engage in meaningful class discussion.  

• Develop note-taking and organizational skills with guided support. 

COLLEGE PREP STUDENT 

College preparatory students demonstrate the ability to complete the following tasks:  

• Comprehend and synthesize textbook and class readings.  

• Answer fact-oriented questions with little prompting.  

• Identify major cause and effect relationships among events in history.  

• Write a multi-paragraph essay with correct usage of supporting evidence.  

• Engage meaningfully in class discussion.  

• Come to class regularly with necessary supplies and completed homework. 

• Maintain an organized notebook.  

• Seek teacher support when necessary.

HONORS STUDENT 

Honors students demonstrate the ability to complete the following tasks:  

• Understand key content without significant external prompting.  

• Read and comprehend material that is appropriate or slightly above grade level.  

• Logically defend a given position in debate or in writing by applying relevant supporting evidence.  

• Understand class content that is conceptual in nature, and not necessarily chronological. 

• Differentiate between types of historical sources and identify biases contained in those sources.  

• Write a short paper organized around a thesis statement.  

• Seek teacher support when necessary. 

In addition Honors students demonstrate the following characteristics:  

• A genuine enthusiasm and interest for the subject.  

• Self-discipline and organization.

In this course students will investigate world history thematically by examining the impact of science and technology, the “Have’s and Have Not’s”, and the uses and abuses of power. Specific topics include monotheistic and polytheistic religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam), the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the French Revolution, imperialism, the World Wars, the rise of dictatorships, and the Holocaust. Student will explore case studies on Europe, Africa, India, China, and the Middle East. Students can also expect to refine and improve writing and research skills. This course addresses the essentials of the Massachusetts Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks and will prepare students for two-year colleges, technical training, military service, and/or the workforce. 

Open to Grade: 9

By recommendation only 

In this course students will investigate world history thematically by examining the impact of science and technology, the “Have’s and Have Not’s”, and the uses and abuses of power. Specific topics include monotheistic and polytheistic religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam), the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the French Revolution, imperialism, the World Wars, the rise of dictatorships, and the Holocaust. Student will explore case studies on Europe, Africa, India, China, and the Middle East. Learning strategies based on performance objectives stress the development of critical thinking skills and the clarification of values important to a democratic society. Students can also expect to refine and improve writing and research skills. Substantive outside class reading and writing will be required at the honors level, and regular class reading and writing will be required in the college prep level. 

Open to Grade: 9 

Recommendation: Students recommended for the honors level should be earning at least a 90 in 8th Grade Social Studies and demonstrate exceptional reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. 

This course will examine different themes impacting Asia. Some of the topics that will be examined, though not limited to, are Asian philosophy and religion, gender studies, important historical events in Chinese history, and current events. Throughout this course, students will work on improving their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. Honors level students will be expected to complete an additional research project on a topic of their choosing. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 

This course will help students learn how to effectively research and to think like a historian. Using inquiry based learning, students explore historical topics that cater to their own interests and curiosity. Through using the National History Day Program, every student who takes this course will develop a project using one of the following mediums: historical essay, documentary, performance piece, website, or exhibit. Unlike other classes where students develop projects and then move on, this class will focus on improving their product and taking ownership of it. Not only will students have the opportunity to create a product to demonstrate their growth and knowledge in their selected field, students will also have the opportunity to compete against other student projects at Mansfield High School, across the state and possibly at a National level. Students will also gain many valuable skills that will be applicable beyond their high school career, as this course will focus on developing their interview skills, critical thinking, creative thinking, and discipline and time management. Students who wish to take this course at the honors level will have additional requirements.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11 

Students will learn about problems from around the world and how they are impacted by physical, economic, cultural, political, and urban geography. Case studies from around the world on population growth, migration, technological developments, territorial disputes, gender equality, the demands of ethnic minorities, and the role of climate change and environmental abuse will allow students to develop a greater understanding of how geography shapes human environment relationships. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 

Students will examine the history of Russia from its early beginnings through present times. Topics will include the impact of geography on Russia and Central Asia; The culture, religions, literature, and music of Russia; Imperial Russia under Peter and Catherine the Great; and the Soviet State and Modern Russia. Honors students will be expected to complete additional reading and research. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12