World History (Honors Option)

Full Year Course Number: 4091

World History will cover a scope and sequence survey of history from the development of early civilizations to the modern world. Economic, political & geographic concepts will be introduced in all areas of study and during different historical periods. Students will be expected to complete homework assignments including use of critical reading and writing skills. Students will be required to engage in basic research assignments of governments and economies using primary source documents. The level of expectation is intended to provide students with the historical knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in 10th grade U.S. History.

** Honors Option in World History:

The Honors level of this course may incorporate the use of differing reading material, pacing, and analytical depth, but satisfies the same set of Common Core standards associated with ninth-grade World History. Honors World History experiences will be award upon successful completion.

US History to 1898

Half Year 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 and meet the following standards. This course is offered every fall semester.

Honors Humanities 10 (Social Studies)

Full Year Course Number: 4105

Students enrolled in Honors Humanities 10- Social Studies (Honors Human Geography) should also be enrolled in Honors Humanities 10- English. The Honors Grade 10 Humanities pathway will feature an interdisciplinary approach to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The pathway will focus on an interconnected literacy skill set targeted to prepare students for the College Board PSAT/SAT.

Honors Humanities introduces students to the systematic study of pattern and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Students will learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science. Students will develop skills that enable them to interpret and analyze maps and spatial data, understand the implications of patterns and processes and their dynamic nature, from multiple perspectives. Sample topics include population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization, rural land use, industrialization and economic development and urban land use. The level of expectation for course work is intended to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the IB program.

History through Film

Full Year Course Number: 4136

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Students will learn to analyze secondary sources as we use films to teach us about historical events and cultures around the world. Students will also use films, photos, editorial cartoons, and posters as primary sources-- teaching us about the people who created them and 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. Students will frequently utilize technology to demonstrate their historical understanding and skills.

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.

Money Matter$: Social Studies

Half Year Course Number: 4117

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Money Matter$ explores aspects of personal finance from finding a job, building budgets, filing tax forms, managing credit and financing their futures. As a social studies class this Money Matter$ track focuses more on economics and it influences financial matters that apply to students though there is still math involved! After taking this course students will be armed with the skills they need to negotiate the financial responsibilities of adulthood with confidence!

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.

Political Science

Half Year Course Number: 4115

Grades: 11, 12

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 principles of the United States system of democracy will be analyzed and the political institutions will be explored and evaluated. Students will understand the political relationships that exist between the United States and other nations and will analyze the processes used to develop U.S. foreign policy and the restrictions imposed on it by domestic policy. The relationship between local and state governments with the federal government will also be examined.

Shaker Studies

Half Year Course Number: 4116

Grade: 12

Shaker Studies is a semester-long course which takes advantage of unique resources in our district, including 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 regularly travels 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.

Teacher recommendation

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: 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

Full Year Course Number: 1209

Grade: 12

Prerequisites: IB History of the Americas HL 1

NOTE: While not required, students enrolling in IB History of the Americas 1 are strongly encouraged to have already taken two semesters of US History (either AP or regular US) in 10th grade prior to the start of their junior year.

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.

IB World Religions SL 1

Full Year Course Number: 1201

Grades: 11, 12

IB World Religions SL 2

Full Year Course Number: 1202

Grade: 12

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.

Field trips may take place both in state and to Boston or NYC. Students will also develop global competencies by participating in the Global Nomads Groups - Youth Talk program. Through the program students use video conferencing to collaborate on a student led project, with a partner school in Israel. Select students (2-4) from the class will receive formal training on facilitating online, intercultural meetings.