The main purpose of the state- required four-year sequence in social studies is to develop a knowledge base for students to help them become involved citizens. To this end, social studies courses are designed to enable students to gain a better understanding of the world in which they live. They study political, economic, geographic and social concepts in the United States, as well as other regions in the world. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of factual data and documents and the skills needed to best understand the social sciences.

Global History and Geography 9

(Grade 9): 1 year/1 credit

This ninth grade course is the first part of a two-year sequence that emphasizes the political, economic and cultural trends throughout global history. The course begins with a unit on the first civilizations and then covers the following broad topics: belief systems, classical societies, trade networks, growth of early empires and global interactions. Students will learn about events and cultural aspects of Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Significant emphasis will be placed on skills such as reading, writing and analyzing sources (charts, graphs, maps, political cartoons). Students will develop an appreciation of multiple perspectives in global history and cultural contributions from a variety of time periods and regions. Students will complete a project during the year that will fulfill the ninth grade component to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Pre-College World History 9

(Grade 9): 1 year/1 credit

This is the first of a two-year sequence in world history that will likely culminate in students preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination in May of their sophomore year. The first three units of the AP World History (Modern) curriculum will be covered: the global tapestry, networks of exchange and land-based empires. Using primary and secondary source analysis, students will develop their historical thinking skills and learn how to use evidence to support claims in their writing. This course will teach about belief systems and other historical foundations that can be applied to current events, and allow students to begin the journey of becoming global citizens. Students will complete a project during the year that will fulfill the ninth grade component to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Global History and Geography 10

(Grade 10): 1 year/1 credit

This 10th grade course is the second part of a two-year sequence in Global Studies, beginning with the year 1750. The Age of Revolutions, industrialism, imperialism, global conflicts (World War I, World War II, the Cold War, modern history), decolonization and nationalism are some of the broad topics to be explored through a multicultural lens. The course will conclude with a unit on modern global issues such as globalization, human rights violations, conflicts and environmental concerns. Students will continue to focus on reading and writing skills while becoming more worldly in their knowledge of current events. Successful completion (65 or above) of the New York State Global History Regents Examination satisfies a component of the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP World History (Modern)

(Grade 10): 1 year/1 credit (w)

This is the second of a two-year course study in world history. Students will continue with the AP curriculum from ninth grade by covering the following topics as defined by the College Board: transoceanic interconnections, revolutions, consequences of industrialization, global conflict, cold war and decolonization, and globalization. Historical thinking skills will be emphasized using primary and secondary source analysis. Students will learn how events during the 19th and 20th centuries have influenced the world today. Students will take the AP World History exam in May and the Global History and Geography Regents in June. Successful completion (65 or above) of the New York State Global History Regents Examination satisfies a component of the Seal of Civic Readiness.

U.S. History and Government

(Grade 11): 1 year/1 credit

Building on students’ historical knowledge from seventh and eighth grade, this course will consist of a chronological study of United States history from the colonial era until present day. Units of study will include colonial and constitutional foundations, expansion, nationalism, sectionalism, the post-Civil War era, industrialization, urbanization, rise of American power, the Great Depression, World War II, social and economic trends of the postwar era, and the U.S. in a changing world. Multicultural topics will be explored across the curriculum as well. Students will read and analyze primary and secondary sources, hone their historical thinking skills and prepare for a civic literacy essay. Successful completion (65 or above) of the New York State History and Government Regents Examination satisfies a component of the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP United States History

(Grade 11): 1 year/1 credit (w)

Covering the time period from pre-Columbian history to the present, this course is often considered the equivalent of two introductory classes in American history on the college level. The curriculum is divided into nine time periods as students explore thematic concepts such as American identity; work, exchange and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement patterns; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures. Students will continue to develop their critical thinking skills, analyze primary and secondary sources and master the ability to craft an argument in history. Students will take the AP United States History exam in May and the United States and Government Regents in June. Successful completion (65 or above) of the New York State United States History and Government Regents Examination satisfies a component of the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Economics

(Grade 12): ½ year/½ credit

The curriculum for this required course will include economic principles and financial literacy skills. Students will gain an understanding of concepts such as scarcity, supply and demand, inflation, taxation, economic growth and the impact of the global economy. There will also be an opportunity for students to become well- informed consumers and economic decision- makers. Students will complete a research project during the semester, as part of their final exam, that will fullfil a component to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Government

(Grade 12): ½ year/½ credit

This required course serves as a strong foundation for students to later enroll in a political science course in college and/or prepare for life beyond high school. Students will learn about political issues on the local, state and federal level. Understanding key political concepts, trends and controversies is critical for students to become well-informed citizens. Among the many topics included in the curriculum are political ideologies, federalism, democracy, the electoral college and voting rights. Students will complete a research project during the semester, as part of their final exam, that will fulfill a component to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP United States Government and Politics

(Grade 12): 1 year/1 credit (w)

This college-level course is designed to provide seniors with a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The curriculum is divided into five units: Foundations of American Democracy, Interactions Among Branches of Government, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights, American Ideologies and Beliefs, and Political Participation. Students will learn how to connect political concepts to real- life situations, analyze data (both visual and text), and examine key primary documents and Supreme Court decisions. The required Economics component will be infused throughout the year and covered exclusively after the AP exam. Students will complete two research projects during the year that will fulfill a component to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

ELECTIVES

AP Human Geography

(Grades 9-12): 1 year/1 credit (w)

The purpose of this college-level Human Geography course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns 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. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP Comparative Government and Politics

(Grades 11 and 12): 1 year/1 credit (w) 

This course covers the political institutions and processes for six different countries – China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and the United Kingdom. Students will compare the structures of each country’s political system and draw conclusions about effective means of governing. Students will analyze and interpret data while taking a course “in real time” as events unfold in each of these countries. Students must take the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam upon completion of this course. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP European History

(Grades 10-12): 1 year/1 credit (w)

This is a college-level introductory course on European history from 1450 to present. The Advanced Placement course is designed to enable students to understand some of the principal themes in modern European history, to be aware of Europe’s changing position in the world and to be able to analyze historical evidence. Requirements include college-level readings with heavy emphasis on the development of thematic essays. Students must take the AP European History exam upon completion of this course. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP Psychology

(Grades 10-12): 1 year/1 credit (w)

AP Psychology is a college-level course. Students will be exposed to a range of facts, principles and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology, including research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality and treatment of psychological disorders. Students must take the AP Psychology exam upon completion of this course. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Contemporary World Issues

(Model U.N.) (Grades 8-12)

This course provides an opportunity to study current world issues facing the United Nations toda. Students will be able to develop an understanding of the purposes and functions of the United Nations. They will also gain insight into specific international issues through investigative research and assess international political systems and forces, which determine a nation’s world policy. They will also analyze the impact of global geography on national and regional interests and acquire an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. Students will prepare for and participate in a Model United Nations where they will demonstrate such skills as persuasive writing and extemporaneous speaking, the art of compromising, caucusing, consensus building and use of parliamentary procedures. Students, with the approval of the Board of Education, building administration and adviser, will participate in overnight conferences both domestic and foreign. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Criminal Justice

(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit

This course will investigate the different aspects of the criminal justice system. Students will study the history of American law, the administration of criminal justice and the nature and problems of crime in contemporary society. The course content is divided into the following general units: The Criminal Justice System and Process, The Adversary System, Lawmaking, Crime, Corrections and Police Procedures and criminal justice as a profession. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Psychology

(Grades 11-12): ½ year/½ credit

This one-semester course is designed to introduce students to the field of psychology. Students will be exposed to a range of facts, principles and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology, including research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality and treatment of psychological disorders. Learners will become familiar with the principles, concepts and theories that constitute an introductory course of study. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Sociology

(Grades 11-12): ½ year/½ credit

This course will focus on the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Students will learn to analyze the behaviors of people as both individuals and in group settings. Emphasis will be placed on culture, race, gender, social class, family structures, criminology and other related social institutions. Students in grades 11 or 12 may earn three college credits, for a fee, through St. John’s University’s College Advantage Program. Credits earned are transferable to certain other colleges. If interested, students should inquire with the department chairperson. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Constitutional Law

(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit 

Constitutional Law is a course where students learn about the freedoms granted to them by the United States Constitution. While the major elements of constitutional law are covered and landmark cases thoroughly reviewed, the course goes one step further by encouraging students to explore issues relevant to their lives. By using current national issues, students can take ownership of each topic on a personal level, thereby sparking a sincere interest in the subject itself. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Modern American History, 1960-Present

(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit

This course will examine the history of the United States, post-1960, with a focus on presidential administrations, social movements, foreign affairs, demographic changes and economic policies. Students will complete a semesterlong project of a topic of interest. This course can be taken as part of a possible sequence with Modern Social Issues. Those two courses may be taken in either order. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Modern Social Issues

(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit

Modern Social Issues was designed to challenge students to think critically about issues in modern American society. It highlights the skills necessary to succeed in social studies and in the world today. Specifically, students will be asked to read, write, analyze texts and consider multiple points of view. Students will examine the role different biases have played throughout history and formulate opinions on critical social issues and leave their schools more aware, global citizens. The course was framed according to various marginalized groups throughout United States history. Students will examine the historical backgrounds and the modern plights of different groups, while taking into consideration everyone’s “story.” The social justice causes include immigration, gender, race, people with differing abilities and religious groups. This course can be taken as part of a possible sequence with Modern American History. Those two courses may be taken in either order. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Athletes as Historical Advocates

(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit

The objective of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to explore beyond the headlines and immerse themselves in the study of how athletic competition shapes culture, gender roles, socioeconomic status, race relations, youth experiences, ethics and character. The course aims for students to examine the world of athletics beyond the typical “sports talk” and enhance one’s vision of the impact sports have on society. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.

AP African American Studies

(Grades 10-12): 1 year/1 credit

AP Afican American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. Students explore key topics that expand from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary movement. Given the interdisciplinary character of African American studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual and data analysis skills. The course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and African diaspora. Enrollment in this course can be used for students to achieve the Seal of Civic Readiness.