Advanced Placement World History: Modern: What people, events, and issues made the world what it is today? How do we measure progress in the world history? How has power been used? What ideologies have developed? How has culture changed?
In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
Modern World History: Does all change bring progress? Why do revolutions begin? How do ideas and individuals change the world?
This course places students in the center of global change, from the streets of Paris during the French Revolution to the factory floors in newly industrialized cities. Students will explore the political manipulations of Bismarck and learn about the roots of terrorism in the 21st century. Change may be forced on the world by the horrors of war or influenced by the paintings of Impressionist artists. Overall, this course will provide students with a thematic analysis of world history (revolutions, nationalism, conflict, imperialism, cultural and technological change) from the Enlightenment to the present day. Students will work collaboratively to problem-solve creative and historical scenarios. They will be assessed on their knowledge of content and application of historical thinking skills through extensive use of primary and secondary sources.
Debate Team Mission Statement: It is the purpose of the SMHS Debate Team to
conduct debates which improve critical thinking, research skills, ethical argumentation, advocacy, analysis, rhetoric, oral presentation, listening, organization, teamwork and group problem solving, active citizenship, and leadership skills.
participate in debate competitions with other schools, presenting students with the opportunity to conduct deep research into important topics while developing and refining public speaking skills.
Civic Action Team Mission Statement: The driving question for this extracurricular activity is, “How can students become civic leaders to change their world?” The Sandwich High School Civic Action Team focuses on understanding civic issues, assessing need and solutions, and taking informed action. Our goal is to explore the role of civic virtue in an active democratic society and create outcomes focused on student-chosen local, regional, national, and international topics. Collaboration with other schools is part of our mission, connecting students across districts to learn from and work with one another. Support resources will include civic leaders, non-governmental organizations, teen empowerment groups, and educators. In the past few years, we have led civics workshops, hosted conferences, organized demonstrations, worked with local, state, and federal politicians, and highlighted school humanitarian efforts.
Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. Any accredited public or private high school can apply for a local chapter, through which individuals will be inducted into Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.
