Social Studies

Grade 9

Foundations of World History*

Full Year ~ Course Number: 4090

This year-long course is designed to provide students the opportunity to more deeply develop their reading, writing and research skills while learning to analyze World History eras and themes. Students will be required to engage in basic research assignments using primary and secondary resources to examine the principles of civilization, government and democracy in a historical context.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

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 World History*

Full Year ~ Course Number: 4092

Honors World History is a year-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.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

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. Class size is limited to 16 students.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Honors World History*

Semester 2 ~ Course Number: 4092S

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.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Grade 10

United States History*

Full Year ~ Course Number: 7795

This year-long course is designed to provide students the opportunity to develop their reading, writing, and research skills in a more relaxed thematic approach. Students will be required to engage in basic research assignments using primary and secondary resources to examine the principles of citizenship, government, and democracy in a historical context.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

US History to 1898

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.

US History Since 1898

Semester ~ Course Number: 4102

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 role of the United States in the World. Students will be expected to complete various writing, reading, and research based assignment. This course is offered every spring semester.

Honors US History*

Full Year ~ Course Number: 4106

This year long US History course is designed to provide students the opportunity to deeply develop their reading, writing and analysis skills in addition to learning US History eras and themes. Students completing this course will gain the skills and content knowledge necessary for success in future advanced social studies courses.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Personal Finance

Foundations of Personal Finance*

Grades: 11&12

Semester ~ Course Number: 6873

The foundations level of Personal Finance will explore all of the following topics at a different pace and potentilaly with variations on assingments to suit the students. This class 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.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

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. This course meets the GNG personal finance graduation requirement.

*Sophomores: IB pathway or PATHS.

Grades 11 & 12

Pop Culture in US History

Semester ~ Course Number: 6872

In this class juniors and seniors will embark on an exciting journey through the vibrant world of American pop culture. This course will explore how music, movies, fashion, and social media have influenced key themes in US history, such as identity, innovation, and social change. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how pop culture reflects and shapes the American experience and explore American history through a different lens. Join us to discover the power of pop culture in shaping America's past and present!

Introduction to Law

Semester ~ Course Number: 4113

Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to understand complex legal issues in our society. Students will demonstrate an understanding in the following areas: constitutional, criminal, civil, contract, business, employment and business law. Students are expected to research and analyze various legal cases and decisions.

Introduction to Psychology

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.

History through Film

Semester ~ Course Number: 4136

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 their influence on individuals and societies. In addition to watching movies, students should expect to read, analyze, collaborate, discuss, debate, present and create products.

Genocide Studies

Semester ~ Course Number: 7792

This semester long course examines the horrific reality of genocide in our modern world. The first half of the class investigates fundamental questions pertaining to genocide through the lens of the Holocaust. These include: who should be held responsible for genocide? What is the nature of good and evil, blame and responsibility, duty and dissent? Can individuals, groups, governments and the international community effectively prevent, punish and shed light on genocide? During the second half of the course students learn about more recent genocides. These might include Cambodia, Rwanda, Guatemala, Rwanda, Bosnia, and the ongoing terror faced by Uyghurs in China. The class will grapple with how organized mass murder remains possible in modern times.

Civics

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.

Modern Middle East

Semester ~ Course Number: 1999

Revolution. Terrorism. War. Religion. The Middle East is home to the oldest civilizations in world history, but this course takes a more modern approach. The goal of The Modern Middle East is to give you context on the rapid, dramatic, and often violent events and conflicts facing this historic region. The majority of the course focuses on the past century of profound and often global change. Some of the major topics and themes include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s quest for nuclear power, mass migration and colonial occupation, Arab nationalism and oil, and the 2011 Arab Spring. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to walk away with a stronger understanding of the current state of affairs in the Middle East and the regions’ impact on the world at-large.

Economics

Semester ~ Course Number: 4112

Students develop and 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 overtime. Students will demonstrate and apply skills in taxation, finance, employment, investments, and advertising.

Advanced Placement

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.

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.

International Baccalaureate

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

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.

*Prerequisite: IB History of the Americas HL 1.

IB Theory of Knowledge 1

Grades 11&12

Semester ~ Course Number: 1024

IB Theory of Knowledge 2*

Grade: 12

Semester ~ Course Number: 1224

Theory of Knowledge, or TOK is a unique year-long class that begins at the start of 2nd semester junior year and concludes at the end of 1st semester senior year. TOK is primarily a discussion based class where students focus their attention on answering four essential questions: “What do you know?”, “How do you know it?”, “What counts as knowledge?”, and “What is the value of knowledge?”. The key goal of this class is to help students become effective critical thinkers and communicators. Active participation in class discussions is a key component of this class. Student will be expected to arrive at each class prepared to be fully engaged in the day's topic. This course is required for all IB diploma candidates but is open to others as space is available.

*Prerequisite: IB Theory of Knowledge 1

IB World Religions SL

Grades: 11&12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 1201

IB World Religions seeks to promote respect for the diversity of religious beliefs, with the aim of fostering international and inter-religious understanding. Students dig deep to examine the historical developments, beliefs and cultural practices among practitioners of five of the world’s religions. Religions of study may include: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and The Bahá’i Faith. Students sharpen their academic skills by analyzing texts, and by conducting their own scholarly research. Beyond traditional academic activities, students participate in experiential learning through hands-on activities, such as guided meditation and Yoga. This course will include visits to and from members of different faith communities.

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.

IB Psychology SL

Grades: 11&12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 1998

IB psychology is an introduction to three different approaches to understanding behavior: the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches. Students study and critically evaluate the knowledge, concepts, theories and research that have developed the understanding in these fields. The contribution and the interaction of the three approaches is understood through the four options in the course, focusing on areas of applied psychology: with a focus on developmental psychology, and exploration of abnormal psychology, health psychology, and the psychology of relationships.

IB Digital Society SL

Grades: 11&12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 8667

Digital systems are changing our world and transforming how we think, communicate, collaborate and create. This course invites students to better understand this changing world and to imagine where we might go next. As partners in inquiry, students and teachers explore the impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities in diverse real-world contexts. This course prepares students for further study in a variety of fields and professions. The interests and experiences of young people are central to the course, which aims to empower students to become citizens who not only participate in digital society but lead it as well. Topics will include: data, algorithms, computers, networks and internet, media, AI, robots and autonomous technologies.

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