Philosophy

The Social Studies Department of the Ramsey School District seeks to develop active and responsible citizens of our community, country, and world.  Therefore, the program cycles through units of study that engage students in developing a sense of self, responsibility to community, knowledge of the history and governance of the United States, as well as global and diverse perspectives of events, institutions, cultures, and people.

In order to cultivate civic engagement, students need to acquire multiple understandings of the past, communicate effectively, and read, write, and think deeply.  In an effort to support the acquisition of disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary skills, students will routinely be engaged in active and inquiry-based learning.  They will need to integrate new learning with prior knowledge, question and think critically, apply concepts, utilize tools and technology, evaluate sources and use evidence, develop deeper understanding, communicate conclusions, and take informed action.  

Although the AP examinations at the end of AP courses are optional, we recommend that students take the exam. 

Course Descriptions

World History (Honors, CP)

1 year 5.0 Credits Grade 9

In this course, students will examine historical developments that have shaped the modern world. Topics include the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, French Revolution, Age of Imperialism, Industrial Revolution, World Wars, and contemporary issues that have impacted societies across the globe. Students will engage in a wide variety of learning experiences that  will encourage their academic growth and will assess their mastery of course content. Special attention will be given to support students in developing their creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills.  

US History I (Honors, CP)

1 year 5.0 Credits Grade 10

This course focuses on the foundations of American society. By studying the periods from Colonization through Reconstruction, students will gain an appreciation for the evolution of American heritage. A strong emphasis will be on the study of the Constitution to foster an understanding of the political system and promote civic participation. Students will also analyze the challenges that faced the young American nation and will evaluate how these challenges  were met by the people of the United States. 

US History II (AP, CP)

1 year 5.0 Credits Grade 11

This course emphasizes significant historical developments of the 20th century. By studying the periods from Progressivism through the present day, students develop their understanding of the role of the United States in the 20th century. Significant attention will also be given to domestic issues that affect how Americans see themselves. The development of an historical perspective will equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions as active citizens  in the 21st century. Those enrolling in the US History II Advanced Placement must complete US History I Honors as a prerequisite or have a teacher recommendation. 

Liberty and Justice: Our Legal System in Action

Prerequisite: None 

1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 10 - 12

Does the American legal system truly ensure liberty and justice for all? This course is designed to give the student and working knowledge or our legal system and the law. Topics include important issues in both criminal and civil law, such as criminal justice and questions of legal liability. Students will engage with real world legal scenarios and the functioning of the judicial system through mock trials and other collaborative activities. Students will learn their place and role within the American legal system by exploring issues that are of interest to them.

Psychology

Prerequisite: None 

 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 11 - 12

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the science of psychology. It is divided into five units: Psychology as a Science, Learning/Memory/Development, Sensation/Perception/ Emotion, Personality, and Psychological Disorders. In-class activities that demonstrate the concepts and experiments that test the theories accompany each section. This program will enable students to become more scientific in understanding their own and other people’s behavior. The course provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue this field in college.

World Challenge

Prerequisite: None 

 1 semester 2.5 Credits Grades 10 - 12

This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to the region of the world to which they will be traveling. They will learn about the region’s topography, biodiversity and environmental issues, gain insight into the culture, master some of the language, and acquire a basic understanding of nations’ social institutions. Students will also study the region’s history and the forces that have shaped the political and economic institutions, as well as gain an appreciation of the arts. Students will participate in activities and lessons designed to prepare students for the mental, physical, cultural, financial and collaborative demands of the trip.  A particular focus will be on team-building, fundraising, decision making and communication skills. Overall, this course is a substantive, relevant elective for students who wish to develop 21st century skills and enrich their World Challenge travel experience. 

Sociology

Prerequisite: None 

 1 year 5 credits Grades 11 – 12

Sociology is the scientific study of patterns of human life, peoples’ roles and their relationships with one another. Topics included are: status and role, role conflict, groups, teen-age culture, the family, women, religion, social classes, and social change. A variety of texts and media are used.

SUPA Sociology

Prerequisite:  Enrollment requirements as per Syracuse University 

1 year 5 credits Grades 11-12

SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) Sociology is an analytic, skills-based introduction to sociology. The emphasis is on analytic reading and conceptual analysis. Viewed as an empirical social science, the readings are based on empirical research studies or are review articles of research in an area of sociological investigation. In this course, students will look at human interaction in a wide range of situations, from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious cults, and from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. Students will learn how to take a disciplined view of social inequality, discover the forces behind social change and resistance, and examine how social systems work. This is a writing-intensive course. As the course progresses, students will obtain increasing skill in analytic reading and writing, sociological reasoning, empirical investigation, and in the ability to make empirical and conceptual generalizations about self and society in an increasingly global world. Students selecting this course must meet enrollment requirements and cover tuition and book costs in order to be eligible to earn college credit through Syracuse University.

US Government and Politics Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: None

1 year 5 credits Grade 12

In this Advanced Placement course, students will gain an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course places special emphasis on American principles and values, political processes, and the role of government in society. Students will become acquainted with a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes.  They will read and analyze U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the various groups, institutions, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. They will read and interpret data, develop evidence-based arguments, and engage in an applied civics or politics research-based assessments. This course is intended for students with a background in honors or AP classes.  The course culminates with the AP Exam in May.

AP Human Geography

1 year 5 credits Grade 10-12

This interdisciplinary course challenges students to analyze the relationship between people and place on a local, regional, and global scale. This includes the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of Earth’s surface.  In addition to giving students a geographical perspective of the Earth, it will provide a forum and context for students to pose and solve problems of global significance. Relevant topics include: the impact of human alterations to the environment on land, population and public policy; the effect of changing population rates on political and social roles; new patterns of industrialization and economic development and their connection to growing inequality; and the changing relationship of countries due to terrorism, climate change, and other issues of international importance in the 21st century. 

Advanced Placement Psychology

Prerequisite: None

1 year 5 credits Grade 12

In AP Psychology students explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Throughout the course, students develop an understanding of the major concepts and theories of psychology, gain an understanding of the systemic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through inquiry-based investigations. Course topics include: schools of thought in psychology, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, testing and individual differences, as well as developmental, abnormal, and social psychology.  Students will examine the concepts of psychology through reading, discussion, inquiry, and analysis of data from psychological research studies.

Change Agents: Your World, Your Solutions*

Prerequisite: None

1 semester            2.5 credits                         Grade 12

*Profile Pathway Course

This is a senior profile course in which students will engage with contemporary events and issues and consider what it means to be a change agent in a complex modern society. In this course, students will gain the tools necessary to exercise responsible citizenship through social science inquiry. Along the way, students will gain a deeper understanding of the most pressing global issues. Students will choose one area of research and design their own solution to a real world problem as part of their Profile Project.