In addition to the courses required to obtain a High School Diploma, the courses listed below are recommended for pursuing a career in Law and Justice.
Introduction to Government
College Credit Available
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will provide students with an overview of American Government and its structures and functions. Topics will include the Constitution, three branches of government, civil liberties and civil rights, political ideologies and beliefs, and political participation.
Course Objectives: During this course, students will:
Understand the basic concepts of democratic thought
Analyze the formation, concepts, and components of the United States Constitution
Investigate the idea of federalism and explain the role of states and the national government in America’s political environment
Explore America’s political culture and examine the traits and beliefs of the American voter.
Identify America’s major political parties, the core beliefs, and the impact special interest groups can have on their actions
Understand the electoral process in the United States
Analyze the organization and purpose of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government
Understand the role and structure of the federal bureaucracy
Investigate the modern media and its impact on public opinion Examine the concepts of civil rights and civil liberties and their impact on American society
Examine the structures and functions of New Jersey’s government on the local, county, and state levels.
AP U.S. History
College Credit Available
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation, US History 1-H
Students will investigate significant events, individuals, developments and processes in nine historical periods from 1491-present day. This course also provides eight themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places:
American and national identity
Work, exchange, and technology
Geography and the environment
Migration and settlement
Politics and power
America in the world
American and regional culture
Social Structures
AP Psychology
College Credit Available
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation, Introduction to Government
AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health. Throughout the course, students apply psychological concepts and employ psychological research methods and data interpretation to evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
AP U.S. Government & Politics
College Credit Available
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation, Introduction to Government
This course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality.
AP English Literature & Composition
College Credit Available
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation, English 2-H and/or AP Language
AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.
AP African American Studies
College Credit Available
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation, Success in any Honors Level English/History high school course
AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with rich and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment.
Professional Communication
Prerequisite(s): None
This course is for any student who would like to work on their writing & public speaking skills. We focus on the following:
Preparing & performing speeches
The college application process
Improving organization and study skills
Research and evidence for academic writing
Revising and editing grammar to improve writing
Presentation skills
Persuasive and argument writing
Expository and informational writing
Business writing
Media and digital citizenship
Writing for blogs and other internet sources
Propaganda of Genocide & Oppression
Prerequisite(s): Global Studies
Suggested Corequisite: Sociology
College Credit Available through Stockton University
This is a seminar style humanities elective for grades 10-12 (students should have Global Studies before taking this class). The class covers political science themes related to genocide studies and contemporary issues. Students will examine the role that language and propaganda play in historical perceptions. Students will also evaluate the connections that past events have on contemporary issues. There is a concentration on 20th century history and The Holocaust as well as other genocidal events from history and today.
Sociology
Prerequisite(s): None
Suggested Corequisite: Propaganda of Genocide & Oppression
The purpose of the course is to understand societal roles, patterns, strengths and deficiencies. Students will understand the multiple influences of gender, family background, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, and nationality as a basis for the analysis of individual identity. they will recognize their roles as local and global citizens, as well as catalysts for positive social change. This content knowledge will be mastered through differentiated activities, multiple means of assessment, and enhancement of prior knowledge. Students will be encouraged to make real-world connections and explore their career goals.