The Social Studies Department at Valley Regional High School is committed to helping students become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens in a global society. Students build lasting knowledge and skills that support lifelong learning and responsible participation in their communities.

By studying the past, students learn to understand both shared human experiences and the diversity of people across time and cultures. They explore the balance between individual rights and the common good, helping them better understand the responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.

Students also develop a broader understanding of the United States within a global context, recognizing how nations and people are connected in today’s world. Through this work, students build empathy, critical thinking skills, and habits of reflection that prepare them to thoughtfully analyze issues and contribute positively to society.

Social Studies Career Clusters

Academic

Archaeologist

Anthropologist

Historian

Museum Curator

Archivist

Art Historian

Private Sector

Journalist

Reporter

Investment Banker

Economic Analyst

Lawyer

Psychologist

Politics and Civil Service

Politician

Judge

Public Defender

Foreign Affairs

Public Administration

Teacher

College Professor

Sociologist

Social Worker

Social Studies Content Area Standards

Source Analysis: Analyze Social Studies specific documents, particularly primary and secondary sources, to determine claims, evidence and perspective.
Argument Writing: Produce clear and coherent written arguments about Social Studies content with precise and knowledgeable claims supported by evidence from multiple sources.
Inquiry: Conduct short as well as more sustained inquiries to answer compelling questions, evaluating and synthesizing multiple sources on the subject, adjusting the scope and focus of the inquiry when appropriate.
History: Understand enduring themes of history and apply historical thinking skills in order to make informed decisions about significant local, national and world events of both the past and present.
Geography: Analyze the physical, human, and environmental geography of various regions of the world to evaluate the interdependent relationships and challenges facing human systems in the past, present, and future.
Economics: Demonstrate reasoning and critical thinking in the application of economic concepts and processes to make informed judgments about local, national, and global economic issues.
Citizenship: Demonstrate active citizenship by applying knowledge of democratic ideals, governmental institutions, and political processes to issues of civic concern at the local, state, national and international levels.

Course Descriptions

Global Studies

Full Year College Prep 1 credit Grade 9 No prerequisite

In this course, students explore the world from the early 1900s to today. You’ll study major global events, different regions of the world, cultures, and geography to better understand how the modern world was shaped. The course is organized around big themes, including global conflicts from 1914–1945 and the development of a more connected world since 1945.

Throughout the year, students will build important skills such as research, analyzing information, writing, and working both independently and in groups. By the end of the course, students will better understand their place in modern history and be prepared to participate in an increasingly global society.

The Constitution and Civic Responsibility

One semester course College Prep or Honors 0.5 credits Grade 10 Global Studies Prerequisite

This course introduces students to the U.S. Constitution and how federal, state, and local governments work. Students will learn how the Constitution was created, why it still matters today, and how it shapes our democracy.

A major focus of the course is citizenship—your rights, your responsibilities, and how you can make a difference in your community. Students will take part in hands-on activities like mock trials, debates, congressional hearings, and town meetings. You’ll also practice reading nonfiction texts, analyzing information, and writing persuasive arguments. This is a state-required course.

United States History

Full year course College Prep or Honors 1 credit Grade 11 Civics Prerequisite

This course covers U.S. history from the years after the War of 1812 through September 11, 2001. Students will study major events and movements such as the Civil War, Industrialization, the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, the Vietnam Era, and modern America.

The class emphasizes both understanding historical events and developing strong writing and research skills. Each student will complete a research project and learn how historians explain and interpret the past.

AP United States History

Full year course Advanced Placement 1 credit Grade 11 Civics Prerequisite

AP U.S. History is a college-level course for students who enjoy reading, writing, and thinking deeply about history. The course covers U.S. history from early settlement through the present and focuses on analyzing historical documents, arguments, and interpretations.

Students will develop advanced skills in critical thinking, evidence-based writing, and historical analysis. This course prepares students for college-level work, and students are required to take the AP exam.

IB History SL or HL

Two year course IB 1 or 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Civics Prerequisite and teacher recommendation

IB History is a one or two-year, world history course that looks at history from multiple perspectives. Students study political, social, economic, and cultural history while focusing on key historical ideas such as change, cause, and significance.

Topics include global wars, authoritarian states, the Cold War, and the history of the Americas. Students will develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills while learning to think like historians.

Contemporary Issues

Half year course College Prep or Honors 0.5 credit Grade 12

This required senior course focuses on understanding today’s most important local, national, and global issues. Students will research current events, discuss multiple viewpoints, and connect history, politics, economics, and social issues to the modern world.

A major part of the course is an independent senior portfolio project, allowing students to explore a topic of personal interest in depth. This course helps prepare students for informed citizenship after graduation.

Western Civilization I

Half year course AP 0.5 credits Grade 12 US History or APUS Prerequisite and teacher recommendation

This college-level course (through the UConn ECE Program) explores Western Civilization from ancient times through the Renaissance. Students will study the foundations of modern Western society, including political systems, laws, economic growth, and cultural achievements.

The course emphasizes thinking like a historian, asking questions, analyzing sources, and developing independent ideas. Students should be motivated, curious, and ready for college-level expectations.

Western Civilization II

Half year course AP 0.5 credits Grade 12 US History or APUS Prerequisite and teacher recommendation

This course continues the study of Western Civilization, beginning with the Enlightenment and moving through revolutions, industrialization, and the ideological conflicts of the 20th century.

Students will focus on how ideas shape history and practice advanced historical analysis. This course may be taken independently of Western Civilization I and also offers UConn ECE credit.

IB Global Politics HL

Full year course IB HL 1.0 credit Grades 11 & 12 Civics Prerequisite

This course explores big political ideas such as power, equality, human rights, peace, and sustainability. Students examine politics at the local, national, and global levels and analyze real-world case studies that connect directly to their own lives.

The course emphasizes discussion, debate, and understanding multiple perspectives. Students are required to take the IB Global Politics exam.

IB Psychology HL

Two year course IB HL 2.0 credits Grades 11 & 12 Civics Prerequisite

IB Psychology is an in-depth study of how the human mind and behavior work. Topics include brain and behavior, personality, perception, psychological disorders, and treatment.

Students will analyze case studies and conduct independent research. This course is ideal for students interested in psychology, health sciences, or social sciences at the college level.

Advanced Psychology

Full year course Honors 1.0 credit Grades 11 & 12 Civics Prerequisite

This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It follows the curriculum expectations set by the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Elective Courses

African-American/Black Studies and Puerto Rican/Latinx Studies

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 No Prerequisite

These courses are an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino people in the U.S. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they, both separately and together, worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national, and international contexts. Coursework will provide students with tools to identify historic and contemporary tensions around race and difference; map economic and racial disparities over time; strengthen their own identity development; and address bias in their communities.

Global Conflict and Human Rights

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

This course examines human rights issues around the world, past and present. Students will study major genocides and human rights violations, including the Holocaust, Rwanda, Armenia, and modern conflicts.

Through projects and discussions, students will learn why human rights matter and how individuals can help protect them today.

*This course is offered in school years beginning with an even calendar year

20th Century History Through Sports

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

This course looks at major 20th-century historical events through the lens of sports. Students will explore how athletes and sporting events have influenced politics, culture, and social change.

Topics include the 1936 Olympics, Jackie Robinson, the Cold War, Apartheid, and the Olympics after the fall of the Soviet Union.

*This course is offered in school years beginning with an even calendar year

Local History

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

Students explore the history of Chester, Deep River, and Essex, from Native American history to modern times. Topics include early settlement, shipbuilding, industrialization, world wars, and economic change.

This course is project-based and research-focused, emphasizing both independent and collaborative work.

*This course is offered in school years beginning with an even calendar year

Psychology

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

This introductory psychology course explores how people think, feel, and behave. Topics include learning, personality, brain function, relationships, and mental health.

Students will read, write, research, and analyze psychological concepts while learning key vocabulary and problem-solving skills.

*This course is offered in school years beginning with an even calendar year

20th Century Warfare

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

This course studies why wars happen, how they are fought, and how they affect societies. Students will explore different types of warfare, including world wars, Cold War conflicts, terrorism, and nuclear war.

The course asks big questions such as: Is war inevitable? Is it ever justified? How does war change nations and people?

*This course is offered in school years beginning with odd calendar year

Sociology

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

Sociology is the study of how people interact in groups and how society influences behavior. Students will examine social structures, inequality, culture, and social norms.

Hands-on activities and group projects allow students to conduct real-world observations and sociological “experiments.”

*This course is offered in school years beginning with odd calendar year

History of American Women

Half year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10. 11, and 12 Global Studies Prerequisite

This course centers women in American history, focusing on both famous figures and everyday women whose contributions are often overlooked. Students will explore how women shaped society from colonial times to today.

The course also examines modern global issues facing women and how history looks different when women’s voices are placed at the center.

*This course is offered in school years beginning with odd calendar year