World History

Full Year Course Number: 4091

World History is a year-long course that encompasses the scope of history from the Big Bang through present day. The course is centered on human development from the dawn of civilization to the present day, allowing students to see the interconnectedness of the human story. Students will look at a variety of themes, events, and movements using primary and secondary sources, maps, inquiry-based activities, class discussion as well as other activities designed to engage the learner while allowing them to build their knowledge and skills in research, writing, identification, and analysis.

This freshman level class is designed to give students a solid foundation of social studies skills to allow for success in high school.

US History to 1898

Half Year Course Number: 4101

Grade: 10

Students are introduced to the breadth of the chronology of the United States as well as its major historical themes. Emphasis will be placed on certain Eras in US History with particular focus on the Constitution and its evolving role in US History. Students will be expected to complete various writing, reading, and research based assignments and meet the following standards. This course is offered every fall semester.

Personal Finance*

Half Year Course Number: 4117

Grades: 11, 12 (grade 10 requires a recommendation from the IB Coordinator)

Personal Finance explores the aspects of economic decisions both as a consumer and an employee. Job applications, resumes and cover letters related to job search will be investigated as well as employee items such as benefits, wages and tax preparation. Consumer credit topics such as student loans, credit cards and mortgages will be introduced. The students will also research savings and investment opportunities.

*This course meets the GNG personal finance graduation requirement.

Economics

Half Year Course Number: 4112

Grades: 11, 12

Students will develop an understanding of the economic world, consumer education, and the tools necessary to make wise economic decisions. Students will analyze comparative economic systems and how they evolve over time. Students will demonstrate and apply skills in taxation, finance, employment, investments and advertising.

Introduction to Psychology

Half Year Course Number: 00222

Grades: 11, 12

This elective is open to students. Students will gain an understanding of the history and nature of psychology as an academic discipline and potential careers in the field. The application of psychological concepts and principles to everyday life will be explored, as well as the major theories of psychology.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

AP US History

Full Year Course Number: 4124

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Honors/ Advanced Placement United States History is a fast-paced study of United States history from 1607 to the present. The study of the economic, political, cultural, intellectual, geographical and social aspects of US History create the foundation of the course. Reading and writing requirements are significantly greater than other courses. Students concentrate on various skills such as writing essays, primary document investigation and interpretation, prioritizing of material, and analyzing historical data and ideas.

This class will prepare students who choose to take the AP United States History exam in the spring and for a rigorous college-level curriculum. Students enrolling in the course should have a high level of interest in US History and a willingness and ability to handle the workload. Summer Assignment: Students are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments, which are due on the first day of class in the fall.

Text and Materials: America's History; America, Pathways to the Present; Preparing for the AP Exam; supplemental primary and secondary sources and map booklets.

NOTE: Because there is a significant enough difference in material, expectations, and requirements, students may take both AP US History as 10th graders and IB History of the Americas as juniors and seniors. AP US History focuses on the United States only, while IB History of the Americas focuses on the United States' history as a part of history in the western hemisphere. Both meet the TWO semesters of US History requirement for graduation.

IB History of the Americas HL 1*

Full Year Course Number: 1009

Grades: 11, 12

*Prerequisites: Students need to have successfully completed one of the following courses: U.S. History, Honors U.S. History, or AP U.S. History.

IB History of the Americas HL 2

Full Year Course Number: 1209

Grade: 12

Prerequisites: IB History of the Americas HL 1

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

History of the Americas is a two-year IB, (International Baccalaureate) course which is an HL, (Higher Level) class and which meets the group 3, “individual and societies”, academic area requirement for diploma candidates. The History of the Americas course is unique in that it not only covers the major events in the history of the United States, but also important developments in the history of our neighbors to the north and south; Canada; Mexico; Central America, and South America. Starting from around the year 1760 and working up through the present, students will explore commonalities and differences in independence movements; nation-building eras; influence of the Americas in World Affairs; World War I; the Great Depression; World War II; the Cold War, and the challenges as we enter the 21st century.

History through Film

Half Year Course Number: 4136

Grades: 11,12

How can movies and other films help us learn about history? In this class students will also use films, photographs, editorial cartoons, and posters as primary sources to learn about how history is represented on film, how those films can teach us about the people that created them, and how those films can teach us about the times in which they were created. We will also explore how films and other media sources not only reflect, but can shape the evolving human story through theirinfluence on individuals and societies. In addition to watching movies, students should expect to read, analyze, collaborate, discuss, debate, present and create products.