SOCIAL STUDIES

Guiding learners on a journey through the past to provide learning opportunities to develop, challenge, stimulate inquiry to prepare students for their futures as educated citizens.

World Experience 2                                    

CPS/Honors 1 credit Grade 9

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."   -Maya Angelou

Ever wonder why civilizations just seem to collapse? Why wars happen? Why dictators are supported? Ever have a question as to where someone else’s customs or religion came from? What is the elemental difference between right and wrong?  We need to look to history for guidance to answer the essential questions of today. History serves as our living laboratory to collect, analyze, and theorize, and debate, why people act the way they do within our world. Understanding of  global world history provides knowledge for the individual to make critical decisions and choices as a global citizen. We need to understand how the world operates in order to choose how we live our lives. This class will give you the tools to be an effective critical thinker, ability to analyze issues, and be an effective communicator. Topics addressed include politics, governments, revolution, war, human rights and the impact of global technologies. 

 United States History 1                                   

CPS/Honors 1 credit Grade 10

Why do you live in the Blackstone Valley Area? How can you change your circumstances?  What is the best form of government? What do you consider basic rights that should be protected under a government?  To understand what rights you have as a citizen, and how your life is influenced by our political system, we need to look back to the origins of U.S. History where it all began.  In U.S. I, we get to explore how these questions have shaped our lives through the themes of patterns of early settlement; how governments are constructed from the ashes of revolution; the origins of politics and democracy in the U.S.; the rise of immigration and industry; early civil rights and social reforms.  Students will get to collaborate with their peers as they participate in a number of passionate debates, historical simulations, and work to create original and innovative projects based on their skills and interests throughout the year, connecting historical concepts to our modern world and their lives today.  Students should successfully completed World Experience II prior to enrolling in this course.

United States History 2                                   

Honors 1 credit Grade 11 

“We are not makers of history. We are made by history”  -Martin Luther King Jr.

Walk quietly and carry a big stick?  Was it necessary to drop two nuclear bombs on Japan?  Should the U.S. have gone to Vietnam? Are political parties still relevant? Is civil disobedience an effective form of protest? Is an American President above the law? Is the understanding of the past a key to an individual's successful future?  This course dives into some of the most compelling questions of our times and cultivates in students a global awareness, active citizenship, and the ability to work with others to try and solve some of the burning issues of their time.  Students should successfully complete United States History I prior to enrolling in this course.

Advanced Placement U.S. History                              

AP 1 credit Grade 11-12 

“There is little that is more important for an American citizen to know than the history and traditions of his country...A knowledge of history is, above all, a means of responsibility-of responsibility to the past and of responsibility to the future.”  - JFK

Ever wonder if war is always a just solution?  What role does our American past play in our present day lives? How did our forefathers decisions of the past impact our lives today? What's a Cold war? Economic Collapse? Are nuclear weapons justified? What causes political divide? How do we deal with terrorism? These questions and other controversial issues from the past and present will be discussed and debated in depth in this class.

Advanced Placement United States History will provide the knowledge and tools for students to deal critically with the problems, issues, and solutions discussed in United States history. Students will be given the tools to assess historical materials, their relevance to problems, and issues of the past and present. Students will also assess their reliability, their importance, and their interpretations presented in historical scholarship. This course will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment, reasons and evidence to understand differing  points of view to support debate, discussions, and persuasive writing.   Through intensive instruction and study, students will also prepare to participate in the College Board Exam in May.

Patterns of Crime and Justice       

CPS/Honors 1 credit Grade 11-12

This course traces the history and philosophy of criminal justice systems and the administration of justice. We will examine the causes and patterns of crime and criminal behavior and the ways in which criminal justice institutions have responded in trying to solve these social problems. Students will also learn the methods for scientifically processing (examining, recording, documenting, and managing) a crime scene. The Patterns course will be partnering the Mendon, Upton and State Police departments and other members of the criminal justice system that live in our community. Patterns will include laboratory activities, lecture, discussion, projects, field trips to expose and deepen the students understanding of a wide variety of aspects of the criminal justice system.

Sociology    

CPS/Honors 1 credit           Grade 11-12

Why did I do that?  I can’t believe what just happened? What holds us together and what divides us?   Are we free, are we to act as individuals, or are we shaped by pervasive cultural influences that surround us?  Sociology is at its essence is an examination of why people and groups do what they do.  We will explore multiple perspectives on social change and examine the connection between history and life experiences.

Rise of the City                   

CPS/Honors 0.5 credits Grade 11-12

Do you know that over half of the world’s population live in the city? Some institutions believe that  by 2050 it is estimated that close to ⅔ of the world’s population will live in the city.  In this interactive course we will break some myths about the city and examine the historical background of the city, the role of geography and engineering, urbanization, culture and the impact of the citizens. The course will explore the historical perspectives of growing cities, think critically and experiment with physical structures and civil engineering problems, finally culminating with a team competition on the recreation/reimagining of the city of Worcester.

Global Issues                                                           

CPS/Honors 0.5 credits Grade 11-12 

How do we end world hunger? What about climate change? Why do they hate each other? What is the role of a diplomat? These questions and more will be tackled in Global Issues. Global Issues explores the conditions facing the global community. The course will be driven by a thematic question, in which students explore, discuss and investigate topics including human rights, economics, peace and conflict, and future challenges. This will occur through Project Based Learning (PBL), experiential learning and critically thinking about how society is affected by decisions we make and the potential solutions to those issues. The course consists of projects, discussions, lectures, debates, and possible model UN conferences. Students who will take this course will have a better understanding about the history and contemporary affairs of all humankind, and become a person who can in some measure think, speak, and write about world issues and problems intelligently and confidently.

Advanced Placement European History                                    

AP 1 credit Grade 11-12 

Are you curious about the world we live in today?  How the concepts of human rights, nationalism, and world government operate? Are you a knowledgeable and informed global citizen? These questions and other world issues such as revolutions, wars, and world politics will be addressed.   In AP European History students will read and analyze a variety of primary and secondary source documents and texts, view historical films, and debate both historical and current issues of global importance. Through this course students will gain the necessary skills to be an informed global citizen.   Students who elect this course of study will expand their cultural literacy and analyze many questions of historical interpretation focusing on themes involving politics, diplomacy, economics, society, culture, and intellectual, as well as artistic movements. Students will also sharpen and develop writing skills using both an essay and document-based formats. Through intense study and instruction, students will also prepare to participate in the College Board Exam in May.

Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics                                  

AP 1 credit Grade 11-12 

This college-level course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Students will study the constitutional underpinnings of American democracy, the political beliefs and behaviors of individuals, the role of political parties and interest groups, and the functions of the three branches of government. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking and data analysis skills as students examine foundational documents, Supreme Court cases, and modern political data. By exploring the complex relationship between political institutions and the American public, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process and the legal protections of civil liberties and civil rights. This course prepares students for the AP Exam and equips them with the tools necessary for active and informed citizenship.

Advanced Placement Psychology                      

AP 1 credit Grade 12   

Step into the fascinating world of the mind with AP Psychology! This course is perfect for students who are curious about why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. You'll dive into an engaging exploration of human behavior and mental processes—learning not only about yourself but also about the world around you.

In AP Psychology, you'll uncover the science behind emotions, memory, decision-making, and much more. Explore intriguing topics like personality, learning, mental health, and social interactions. You’ll also get hands-on insight into the ethical considerations and research methods that psychologists use to understand the human experience.

Expect a dynamic class experience that combines college-level challenges with real-world applications. With plenty of discussions, experiments, and projects, you'll gain skills that are not only helpful for the AP exam in May but also valuable for your future studies and everyday life. If you're ready for an exciting academic journey that opens doors to careers in healthcare, education, business, or beyond—AP Psychology is your next step!

Academic Decathlon

Honors 1 credit Grade 9-12

Academic Decathlon is an interdisciplinary course designed to challenge students through rigorous, theme-based study across the humanities, sciences, and mathematics. Students prepare for seven objective events—Art, Economics, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Science—and three subjective events—Essay, Interview, and Speech. Each year’s curriculum is centered on a nationally selected theme, with past topics including The Roaring ’20s, Russia, the French Revolution, Water, and the Cold War. Through close reading, research, analytical writing, public speaking, and collaborative preparation, students develop critical thinking, content mastery, and professional communication skills. The course emphasizes interdepartmental learning, drawing on multiple academic disciplines to build a cohesive understanding of complex historical and contemporary issues.

All students enrolled in Academic Decathlon have the opportunity to represent Nipmuc in local, regional, state, and national competitions, competing for medals, scholarships, and team recognition. This course is well-suited for motivated students seeking academic challenge, teamwork, and authentic competitive experiences beyond the traditional classroom.