Social Studies Electives

AP ART HISTORY

Grades: 12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: None 

The AP Art History course welcomes students into the global art world to engage with its forms and content as they research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and responses to and interpretations of art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the students develop in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, developing understanding of individual works and interconnections across history.  In order to earn AP credit, students must take the National College Board AP Examination in May. 

AP GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 

Grade: 11, 12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US II and/or teacher recommendation

This course is an in depth study of the evolution and current configuration of the American Federal Government. A portion of the course will also be devoted to the relationship of the federal government to state and local governments and to current problems facing the American political decision making process.  The second phase of the course will focus on preparing students to complete the AP U.S. Government Examination. Students selecting this course will focus on enhancing the social science skills necessary to successfully complete this vigorous examination. Course content follows The College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum in AP Government and Politics. Completion of the course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement Test. Summer work is required for this course.

Due to the pacing of the course, students will be expected to be motivated to read for understanding on their own, to recall facts and themes and apply them as part of their analysis of American government systems.  All students are expected to take the National College Board AP Examination in May.  Significant independent preparation is needed for success on the AP Exam and in the course. Summer work is required for this course.

AP PSYCHOLOGY 

Grades: 11, 12

Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Department recommendation; Intro to Psychology is strongly encouraged. 

AP Psychology is an accelerated and academically rigorous course for students who are interested in learning about human behavior from a scientific perspective. The class follows a curriculum designed to prepare students for the AP Psychology Examination. This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Significant independent preparation is needed for success on the AP Exam and in the course.  All students are expected to take the National College Board AP Examination in May.  Summer work is required for this course.

CRIMINAL LAW 

Grades:  10 - 12

Credits: 2.50

Prerequisites: None

Criminal Law is designed to help students understand our nation’s judicial system. The course will focus on current issues and the practical application of law in our daily lives, as well as each student’s responsibilities under the law. Students will develop their skills at reading and analyzing documents, learn the fundamental principles of criminal law and some aspects of procedure, and identify and discuss controversial issues. Students will explore the historical and significant impact the judicial system has on society.  During this semester-long course, students will engage in mock trials, debates, and other critical analysis and participation in the legal process.  This course is paired with Current Trends and Civic Engagement.  

CURRENT TRENDS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Grades 10 - 12

Credits 2.5

Prerequisites:  None 

This course is designed for those students who are interested in what is happening in the United States and around the world while also focusing on the ways in which we can participate and make a difference in today’s society.  Using an inquiry model, students will explore topics of high interest and relevance to them. Using current events, students will explore how local, state and national governments work and how they impact the events and issues defining our lives from a broad range of topics - whether it is climate and the environment, economics and trade, fairness and justice, etc. But students will also explore how to get involved to bring about change.   This course is paired with Criminal Law.

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 

Grades: 10 - 12

Credits: 5.0

Prerequisites: None

Intro to Psychology is an introductory course to the field of Psychology aimed at having students understand why people act in the way they do. It asks students to step outside themselves in order to objectively examine the physical, emotional and psychological causation of the behaviors they observe in both themselves and others. It also seeks to introduce students to the methodologies of the social sciences and differentiate them from the disciplines in both the pure sciences and the humanities. The first part of the course constructs a theoretical framework used in the second half to show applications to real-life cases. The hope is that each student will be encouraged to both ‘know thyself’ and have a better grasp of the workings of the world around them.

INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION

Grade: 11-12

Credits: 2.5 Pequannock Township High School credits 

This course will provide students with an overview of the philosophical and cultural foundations of the American education system. During this course, students will begin to explore their personal values and beliefs about education. Students will reflect upon their own educational experiences and begin to form their own beliefs and values about teaching, learning, and schooling. Students will also examine the expectations of the profession in today’s information age.  This course is paired with Rethinking Disabilities

RETHINKING DISABILITIES

Grade: 11-12

Credits: 2.5 Pequannock Township High School credits / 3 William Paterson University credits

Disability is a natural part of the human experience and the effects of a disability will likely impact every person across their lifespan. This course will provide a basic understanding of disability as a social construct and influence students’ perceptions of the experience of living with a disability in today’s society. Students will explore myths and stigmas about disability as well as issues of access and accommodations within multiple environments. This course is for students with and without disabilities, and may be of special interest to students exploring careers in education, public policy and government, sociology, psychology, technology and health professions. 

This course is paired with Introduction to Education.

YOUR LIFE, YOUR WORLD

Grade: 11-12

Credits: 5

Prerequisites:  World History and US History I and teacher recommendation

This course will emphasize the real world, practical application of reading, writing, and other social studies related life skills with a focus on strengthening academic proficiency in these areas. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, how the brain learns, modern careers, media literacy, social emotional learning, household economics, consumer behavior, street law, history through film, community engagement, and current events.  Through thought-provoking discussions, hands-on projects, using artificial intelligence, and authentic assessments students will explore the connections between historical events, contemporary issues, and their own lives.