Department Chair: Mr. James Betres
Department Chair: Mr. James Betres
The Portsmouth High Social Studies Department is committed to provide all students with diverse knowledge and skills in order to be prepared for college, career and civic life. Students’ inquiry based, authentic experiences with history, American democracy, and cultures around the world, will provide an invaluable foundation as they become active citizens and compete in a global economy. Our courses place emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, information literacy, and communication. Preparing students with 21st century skills in order to attain future goals is a top priority. In a world immersed in complex issues and economies ever changing, we prepare our students to intelligently analyze and act upon complex local and global issues.
The Social Studies Department focuses on developing the following inquiry skills:
To develop questions, identify problems and plan inquiries
Apply disciplinary concepts and tools
Critically think and collaborate
Evaluate sources and use evidence
Communicate conclusions and take informed action
Expectation 1: Access and critically analyze information to answer questions and explore ideas
Expectation 3: Write proficiently for a variety of purposes.
(1138) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ Sample Syllabus
In Modern United States History students explore United States history as experienced in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students learn about the origins of American globalism starting with WWI and progressing through the United States becoming an economic and military war power. Topics include basic economic concepts, the Great Depression, New Deal, World War II, and the Cold War. Students explore guiding questions such as: “How has the United States Government responded to economic crises?”, ``What are the sources of political and cultural differences in the modern United States?” and “What kind of role should the U.S. play in world Affairs?” The course is designed to stimulate inquiry. analyze credible sources, argue or explain conclusions and determine next steps.
(1137) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ 📚 Sample Syllabus
AP U.S. History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students will learn to assess historical materials, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.
Recommendation: Highly motivated students who attained an A- or higher in Modern United States History or teacher approval
(1140) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ Sample Syllabus
In Modern World History, students study the world from approximately 1700 to the present through interpreting evidence and identifying significant trends in order to understand major developments across the globe. Students will explore different perspectives on how humans have thought, behaved and interacted across the ages in order to develop an understanding of global patterns of change and continuity. Students of world history study specific people, events, and ideas by situating them in global, interregional, and regional contexts. By presenting content from multiple perspectives and through diverse primary and secondary source materials, this course provides students with a solid foundation in the history of the modern era and prepares students to be active and informed citizens of the world.
(1141) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ 📚 Sample Syllabus
In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
Recommendation: Highly motivated students who attained an A- or higher in Modern United States History or B or higher in AP United States History
(1165) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ 📚 Sample Syllabus
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 this field, AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
Recommendation: Highly motivated students who have obtained an A- or higher in prior social studies courses or B or higher in AP social studies courses.
(1130) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ 📚 Sample Syllabus
AP European History is an introductory college-level European history course. Students cultivate their understanding of European history through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like interaction of Europe and the world; economic and commercial developments; cultural and intellectual developments; states and other institutions of power; social organization and development; national and European identity; and technological and scientific innovation.
Recommendation: Highly motivated students who have obtained an A- or higher in prior social studies courses or B or higher in AP social studies courses.
(1173) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️ 📚 Sample Syllabus
The course is designed to teach students about how people behave politically, and about the design of the American political system. The major purpose of this course is to help students gain and display an understanding of American politics, and the processes of government that help shape our public policies.
These ideas include but are not limited to:
Constitutionalism (CON) The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the branches of government and allocates power between federal and state governments.
Liberty and Order (LOR) Governmental laws and policies balancing order and liberty are based on the U.S. Constitution and have been interpreted differently over time.
Civic Participation in a Representative Democracy (PRD) Popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are important considerations of U.S. laws and policy making and assume citizens will engage and participate.
Competing Policy-Making Interests (PMI) Multiple actors and institutions interact to produce and implement possible policies.
Methods of Political Analysis (MPA) Using various types of analyses, political scientists measure how U.S. political behavior, attitudes, ideologies, and institutions are shaped by a number of factors over time.
Recommendation: Highly motivated students who have obtained an A- or higher in prior social studies courses or B or higher in AP social studies courses.
(1150) 1 credit
Full Year Sample Syllabus
This course focuses on the origins of mankind in both a physical and cultural context. Students taking this course will follow the progression of human development from the emergence of primitive man to the divergence of the various cultures that now exist. During this process, the major themes investigated will include evolution, primate history and diversity, archeology, social norms and stratifications, language, religion, magic, and an in-depth look at culture and its psychology. Students will gain an insight into primitive man through the study of our closest ancestors, the primitive apes and gain an understanding of our own behavior through those correlations.
Recommendation: Enrollment open to 10th and 12th grade students.
(1175) 0.5 credit
Semester Sample Syllabus
This course offers an immersive, hands-on exploration of international relations and global policy-making, equipping students with practical skills in diplomacy, research, and negotiation. Through engaging activities such as UN simulations, debate drills, crisis management exercises, and resolution writing workshops, students will deepen their understanding of global governance and key international challenges. From analyzing historical case studies to participating in a full Model UN simulation, this course fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and strategic decision-making. By integrating current events and ethical discussions, students will develop the expertise needed to navigate complex international issues and contribute meaningfully to global policy discussions.
(1159) 0.5 credit
Semester Sample Syllabus
This course focuses on how to live your best life. The interactive curriculum is designed to introduce students to the study of the psychology of adjustment. Part of this scientific study focuses on the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences within relationships, work, and play. The utilization of psychological theory and scientific studies will lead us in this endeavor. Some topics that will be covered are stress and its effects on the mind and body, the impact of social media, constructive coping techniques and mental illness.
Recommendation: open to students in grades 10-12
(1145) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️⚖️ Sample Syllabus
This course examines the central features of police, courts and corrections as a legal and social institution. A central theme throughout this course is the exploration of law’s relationship to culture and legal consciousness. Students will begin with a look at foundational documents that set up the principle of all humans being created equal and then analyze the Supreme Court's judicial review of legislation that helps define the application of Americans constitutional rights. Next, the goals of social justice will be explored. Utilizing this foundational knowledge students will be involved in a focused analysis of how diverse groups fare in our legal system. Some of the diverse groups that will be examined are the mentally ill, racial minorities and juveniles. This course is experiential in nature. Whenever possible we will work with professionals in the field to enhance the application of the knowledge acquired. Law and Society is the second course in the pathway for Criminal Justice.
Requirement: open to students in grades 10-12
Recommendation: Criminal Justice or teacher recommendation.
Portsmouth High School’s Pathway for Criminal Justice provides a sequence of aligned courses and learning experiences that will deepen students' understanding of the American criminal justice system. This locally approved program will provide students the opportunity to earn a Pathway Endorsement upon graduation. This designation certifies that the individual has accomplished a deep understanding of criminal justice and is better prepared to begin entry level security positions or further their education in the fields of policing, security, corrections and the law.
Level One: Criminal Justice
Level Two: Law and Society
Level Three: One of the following three (3) courses:
21st Century Criminal Justice
(1142) 1 credit
Full Year ⚖️ Sample Syllabus
Criminal Justice examines the American criminal justice system through the exploration of policing, court systems and corrections. The overarching theme, the balance of individual rights versus public order, will guide our inquiry. The primary goal of this course is to develop a general understanding of the criminal justice system and its response to crime. When possible, field trips to the courts and prison will provide opportunities to see first hand how our system works in Rhode Island. Guest speakers as well as practitioners such as police officers, lawyers and judges will provide the opportunity to explore even deeper. This course is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in law, policing or corrections.
(1145) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️⚖️ Sample Syllabus
This course examines the central features of police, courts and corrections as a legal and social institution. A central theme throughout this course is the exploration of law’s relationship to culture and legal consciousness. Students will begin with a look at foundational documents that set up the principle of all humans being created equal and then analyze the Supreme Court's judicial review of legislation that helps define the application of Americans constitutional rights. Next, the goals of social justice will be explored. Utilizing this foundational knowledge students will be involved in a focused analysis of how diverse groups fare in our legal system. Some of the diverse groups that will be examined are the mentally ill, racial minorities and juveniles. This course is experiential in nature. Whenever possible we will work with professionals in the field to enhance the application of the knowledge acquired. Law and Society is the second course in the pathway for Criminal Justice.
Requirement: open to students in grades 10-12
Recommendation: Criminal Justice or teacher recommendation.
(1143) 1 credit
Full Year ✈️⚖️ 🎓 Sample Syllabus
This is an optional 3rd course in the Criminal Justice Pathway. It is designed to prepare students for the professional world. Through applied content, professional skills and attainment of industry certifications, an individual will be well prepared to compete for 21st century entry level careers in criminal justice and pursuit of advanced study in a collegiate setting. Collaborative projects based on research, analysis and critical thinking will anchor this course. Professional skills such as resume writing and interview skills will be taught. Finally, the attainment of industry certifications such as OSHA 10 and Advanced CPR/First Aid will advance students toward attainment of their future goals. The course will be enhanced by working with industry professionals.
Requirement: open to students in grades 10-12
Recommendation: Criminal Justice Pathway enrollment and successful completion of Criminal Justice and Law and Society with a B or higher or teacher approval.