Social Studies

100 Global History and Geography I 

1 UNIT 

This course examines Global History and Geography chronologically. The grade 9 curriculum focuses on the history of civilization starting from the beginning of humans through 1750 CE. This course utilizes a chronological format organized around the major themes, concepts, and enduring issues of Global History. These themes and concepts are supported by the emphasis on developing interpretation skills through the use of various primary and secondary sources. This course is a requirement for all high school students in New York.

110 Global History and Geography II 

1 UNIT 

The grade 10 curriculum focuses on exploring more recent Global History. The course begins by examining the world in 1750 and continues chronologically up to the present. Students will study themes and enduring issues including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. Students will analyze both primary and secondary sources. Students are required to take the Global History and Geography II Regents exam. Successful completion of this course is a graduation requirement.

187 Pre-AP: World History 9 

1 UNIT 

PREREQUISITE: RECOMMENDATION FROM GRADE 8 COUNSELOR AND/OR TEACHER AND OUTSTANDING READING AND WRITING SKILLS 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

Pre-Advanced Placement World History 9 is the first year of the AP World Sequence and a prerequisite for AP World History. In this course students are introduced to the College Board AP World Key Concepts in World History beginning in 8000 BCE. Pre-Advanced World History 9 focuses on skills, including development of the Historical Reasoning Skills. The course emphasizes an understanding of the primary themes in World History, the ability to analyze historical evidence, and the expression of that historical understanding in writing. The course curriculum focuses on political, social and economic history of the various regions of the world.

188 Advanced Placement World History 10: Modern (AP) 

1 UNIT 

PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PRE-AP 9 OR RECOMMENDATION FROM GRADE 9 SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AND OUTSTANDING READING AND WRITING SKILLS 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

Advanced Placement World History 10 is a one-year program that provides a more in-depth study of the narrative of events and movements in World History from 1200 to present. The course emphasizes an understanding of the primary themes in World History, and an ability to analyze historical evidence, and express that historical understanding in writing. The course curriculum focuses on political, social and economic history of the various regions of the world. Students will develop study skills that will be useful in college and will be required to demonstrate independent reading and writing skills. Students who are enrolled in AP World History are expected to take the AP exam in May and the Global History and Geography II Regents exam June. A qualifying score on the AP exam may lead to 3-6 units of credit at participating colleges and universities.

120 U.S. History and Government 11 

1 UNIT 

This course provides a chronological survey of U.S. history, with a major emphasis on the Constitution, how it has changed through the last two hundred years, and an investigation of the thirteen enduring Constitutional issues. Other areas of emphasis include: geography, demographics and the role of the United States in the global arena. Students are required to take the U.S. History Regents in June. Successful completion of this course is required for graduation.

190 Advanced Placement American History (AP) 

1 UNIT 

PREREQUISITE: RECOMMENDATION FROM GRADE 10 SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AND OUTSTANDING READING AND WRITING SKILLS 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

Advanced Placement American History is a one- year program that provides a more in-depth study of the narrative of events and movements in American History. The course emphasizes an understanding of the principle themes in American history, and an ability to analyze historical evidence, and express that historical understand.ing in writing. The course curriculum focuses on the political, social and economic history of the United States. Students will develop study skills that will be useful in college and will be required to demonstrate significant independent reading and writing skills. A qualifying score on the AP Exam may lead to 3-6 units of credit at certain colleges and universities. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the AP U.S. History in May and the U.S. History and Government Regents exam in June

ECONOMICS 12 & PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT 

Economics 12 and Participation in Government are each half-year courses required for graduation.

169 Economics 12 

1/2 UNIT 

This is a required course for all high school students. It includes the study of both microeconomic (elements of the economy) and macroeconomic (inflation, unemployment, policy goals) systems. A major focus is on the United States and its involvement in the world economy

167 Participation in Government 12 

GRADE 12 1/2 UNIT 

This course is required for all high school students. The student will study the interaction between citizens and government at all levels: local, state and federal. As a culmination of the social studies program, the goals for this course include the development of individuals who have the characteristics that define a citizen: civic-mindedness, civic intelligence and civic literacy.

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

189 Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government & Politics

1 UNIT

PREREQUISITE: RECOMMENDATION FROM GRADE 11 SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AND OUTSTANDING READING AND WRITING SKILLS.

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

This full-year course gives students a college-level, non-partisan introduction to the concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will complete an applied civics or political science research project of their choosing to gain a real-world, hands-on connection with the course content. Course content includes: foundations of American democracy; interactions among the branches of government; civil liberties and civil rights;  American political ideologies and political participation. In addition, topics in Economics will be included in each unit of study. Students who are enrolled in AP Government are expected to take the AP exam in May. A qualifying score on the AP exam may lead to 3-6 units of credit for a political science or government course at participating colleges and universities. NOTE: This course satisfies the requirements of both 1/2 credit Participation in Government and 1/2 credit Economics required by the New York State.

157 Sociology 

1/2 UNIT

GRADES 10-12 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

Do you want to study other people? We spend our lifetime being shaped by various groups, institutions and cultures into which we are born. This course will research and evaluate humans in school, in our town, our nation and across cultures, to learn how we all become effective members of society. Basic topics of study include: gender, wealth, social status and respect, group dynamics and leadership. There will be an emphasis on experiments, surveys and evaluations of real people.

158 Psychology 

1/2 UNIT

GRADES 10-12 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

Have you ever been interested in why people do what they do and how the brain works? Psychology deals with the human mind — its scope and function. We will explore topics like infancy, adolescence, parenting styles, sensation and perception, along with abnormal behavior.

159 Performance Psychology

GRADES 11-12 1/2 UNIT

PREREQUISITE: MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY TAKEN AND COMPLETE HVCC OR LOCAL LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY.

The course in Performance Psychology will provide students with a rich understanding of the field of sports psychology and exercise, applying psychology topics to exercise, sports, competition leadership, creating confidence, communication, commitment, self-talk and health. Topics will cover how psychology can work -at any level, with students, student-athletes and teams in motivation, concentration, resilient personalities, attention, decision making based on inter-behavioral, cognitive, mental skills and other important approaches in sports psychology. Topics will include theoretical foundations of behavior, procedures for solving problems, adherence and motivation, etc. Applications are made to future practitioners of psychology, coaching, teaching, sports medicine, personal training, counseling, sport management, wellness, mental performance consultant, the military, social work and health fitness instruction.

171 Criminal Justice I 

GRADES 10-12 1/2 UNIT 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

This course seeks to provide students with a greater understanding of crime and criminal justice in the United States and abroad. It is an introduction, overview, and survey of the American criminal justice system and its subsystems — police, courts, juvenile justice, and corrections. The courses also explores current and future critical issues such as due process, discretion in the administration of justice, as well as police behavior and ethics in both historical and modern perspectives.

172 Diversity Studies 

GRADES 10-12 1/2 UNIT 

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

This course is intended to provide students with a Social Studies elective that will explore, investigate and afford them an opportunity to learn about real world interactions for a variety of groups. This course will offer a safe, accepting and successful learning environment for all, by increasing the awareness of issues affecting many different Americans. Diversity Studies will strengthen multicultural consciousness and allow students to see a variety of historical perspectives, by studying current issues, that range from gender identity, combatting racism, female empowerment, classism, and battling prejudice against those who are disabled. This courses aims to combat stereo.types and prejudicial behaviors and assist students in developing positive self-images.

Career Exploration (CEIP) 

HRD 103 Career Exploration Internship Program SUNY Adirondack - 1 CREDIT

GRADE 12 1/2 UNIT *This is a Pass/Fail Course

*For students in the Behavioral Sciences, Emergency Responders, Society and Law, International Affairs and World Relations Pathways

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway

CCHS Seniors have the opportunity to participate in a 40 hour unpaid internship in an area related to the student's career interest through the Career Exploration Internship Program.  This course is designed to help students understand the connection between their high school academic program and the world of work.  Topics covered in the course include resume writing, interview skills, business etiquette, responsibilities and general workplace laws and safety requirements.  Each student will be required to complete instructional assignments, maintain work journals and submit a final written report.  An evaluation of the field performance will be made by a supervising practitioner.  The course is taught in conjunction with SUNY Adirondack.  Students must provide their own transportation.  Internships must be approved by the high school internship coordinator and by SUNY Adirondack.

*New York State Seal of Civic Readiness - Starting in the 2022-23 school year, South Colonie students will have the opportunity to earn the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR). The NYS Seal of Civic Readiness is a nationally-recognized award for students and a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset, and civic experiences.  This credential will be officially noted on high school transcripts and a seal will appear on student diplomas. This noteworthy achievement should also be highlighted on resumes and college applications as a significant accomplishment.  Please contact the Social Studies Department for information about the process and the requirements. 

VIDEO LINK: Seal of Civic Readiness Video