Social Studies

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. 

Honors Shaker Studies*

Semester 1    Course Number: 7790

Shaker Studies is a Freshmen only, semester-long course which represents a unique partnership between GNGHS and the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester. This is an academic opportunity found nowhere else in the world!  In addition to studying various aspects of Shakerism in the classroom, the class travels regularly to the Village and other locations to study the physical environment, meet with members of the Shaker Community, and use primary and secondary resources in the Village archives. Students should expect an increased workload and will complete several projects and writing assignments throughout the semester. 

*Pre IB Pathway

Class size is limited to 16 students. 

*Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation is required for this course. 

Honors World History*

Semester  2    Course Number: 7795

Honors World History is a semester-long course offering students the opportunity to become more worldly and to challenge their worldview.  We will travel through time and around the world: from Ancient History to the Silk Roads to Revolutionary Europe and Post-colonial Africa; from Russia to China to Iran to Ghana to the European Union and the Americas. Students will examine history through different lenses, including societal structures, religion, politics, geography, economics and civics.

We will explore global themes, perspectives and questions over the course of the year. Throughout these explorations, students will practice and develop important academic and life skills. These include critical reading, note taking, research and writing, study skills, geography, analysis, civil discourse and collaboration. This upper level course will prepare students for other advanced history classes.

*Pre IB Pathway

Class size is limited to 16 students. 

*Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation is required for this course. 

US History to 1898 Grade: 10

Semester     Course Number: 4101

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.  This course is offered every fall semester.

Personal Finance         Grades: 10 ,11, 12 

Semester    Course Number: 4117

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.

*Prerequisite: This course meets the GNG personal finance graduation requirement. 

Political Science Grades: 11, 12

Semester   Course Number: 4115

The study of Political Science will include students developing an understanding of comparative political systems. Emphasis is placed on civic responsibility. Students will understand the types, purposes and evolution of various governments and will explain differences in structure, ideology and values. The relationship between local and state government with the federal government will also be examined.

Introduction to Psychology Grades: 11, 12

Semester    Course Number: 0222

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.  

Current Events Grades: 11, 12

Semester  Course Number: 4120

Current Events is geared toward fostering a better understanding of the global, national, and local news stories of the day.  Using current events, this course will focus on the world and local issues that affect students' everyday lives, such as economics, government, the environment, and conflict.  The class will use newspapers, online media, and newscasts to stimulate class discussion and create engaging group and individual presentations.  An emphasis will involve a deep dive into developing critical media literacy to better identify bias and misinformation commonly found in today's 24-hour news cycle.  Using primary source materials, opinion pieces, and class discussions, students will work to better appreciate the complexities of their world.

Civics Grades: 11, 12

Semester Course Number: 7791

Civics is designed to provide students with a comprehensive analysis of the American government's authority, structure, and procedures, including the Federal, State, and local politics.  Major topics include the U.S. Constitution, the Separation of Powers, and the system of Checks and Balances. Of particular interest will be the exploration of the foundational beliefs fo the major and minor political parties found in the United States.  Emphasis will be placed on the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship.  Students should develop critical thinking skills needed to interpret and make judgments about government decisions in a complex society and world.  Currents events as they relate to course topics are discussed throughout the semester.

AP US History Grades: 10, 11, 12

Full Year      Course Number: 4124

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* Grades: 11, 12

Full Year     Course Number: 1009

*Prerequisites: Honors World History or World History; students are encouraged to have already completed US History or AP US History

IB History of the Americas HL 2* Grade: 12

Full Year     Course Number: 1209

*Prerequisites: IB History of the Americas HL 1

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.

IB World Religions SL Grades: 11, 12

Full Year     Course Number: 1201

The Diploma Program SL World Religions (IBWR) course is a systematic, analytical, yet empathetic study of the beliefs and practices encountered in 5 of the world’s living religions. The course seeks to prepare students for global citizenship by identifying diverse world views and taking in consideration the role of religious and cultural perspectives in current global issues. In the empathetic study of world religions, the experiential dimension to learning is of great importance. In addition to analytical reading and writing of sacred texts, students should be prepared to participate in experiential learning through activities such as Tai Chi and Yoga. This course will include visits to and from members of different faith communities both in person and utilizing technology. 

This IB SL course includes mandatory summer work and requires significant work outside of the classroom.  However, this 1 year course can fulfill the group 3 (social studies) requirement for IB diploma candidates. Both 11th and 12 grade IB World Religion students will take the IB WR exam in May.  

*Prerequisites: World History; students are encouraged to have already completed US History or AP US History