Social Studies

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Mission Statement

The purpose of Social Studies is to help young people recognize their roles as participants in a democratic society.  By acquiring knowledge, developing skills and examining values, Seymour High School students will begin to understand themselves as individuals, family members, consumers, responsible citizens, and life-long learners in a diverse society.

Most social studies courses require regular internet use.  Students who choose any of these courses must be prepared to use the school library to access the internet regularly.  Because of this, internet use forms must be turned in within the first week of school for all students. 

Modern World History – 211, 215

1.0 Credit

Required of all grade 9 students

215 Honors is open to recommended students who meet the Honors course criteria

This course is designed to allow students to “explore a variety of peoples, events, and movements in world history.” Such themes as “Culture, Conflict, and Change,” “Political and Economic Systems,” “Science, Technology, and Society,” or “Power, Authority, and Governance” will guide students in a course that emphasizes a focus on global interconnections.  Students will explore cause/effect relationships within the context of historical eras and events. Compelling questions within the curriculum encourage critical thinking, effective and creative communication, and opportunities to ethically access and evaluate information.  As students access and progress through the curriculum they will consider multiple factors that make the world modern.

United States History – 221, 225

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 11-12

225 Honors is open to recommended students who meet the Honors course criteria

Students will study the development of the United States from 1877 to present time. The class will provide an in depth study of major eras in the growth of America including: the Western Frontier, Industrialization and the Gilded Age, Urbanization and Progressivism, America on the World Stage, the Boom to Bust, World War II, the Cold War, and Years of Turmoil to Current Times. The goal of this study is to develop an understanding of our shared history, and how the past shapes our nation today.

AP United States History – 226

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 11-12 with teacher recommendation.

This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement US History exam.  Prospective students should realize, however, that every college and university has its own idiosyncratic reaction to granting college credit. Throughout the course, students will explore the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian time to the modern era. This course takes an accelerated approach and is designed to provide students with the opportunity to be successful on the AP exam. The student is expected to assume responsibility for independent research and study. 

AP US Government and Politics – 246

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 10-11-12 with teacher recommendation.

United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret  U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics.  Students who elect to take this course are expected to work independently

** This course meets the American Government/Civics  requirement for graduation **

American Government – 250, 252

0.5 Credit – Semester Course 

Offered to grades 10-11-12

In this course, students will apply knowledge of the United States Constitution, how the U.S. system of government works and how the rule of law and the value of liberty and equality have an impact on individual, local, state and national decisions.  In addition, students will demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of citizens to participate in and shape public policy, and contribute to the maintenance of our democratic way of life.

Criminal Law – 258

Offered to grades 10-12

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

In the course Criminal Law, students will develop a basic understanding of American jurisprudence.  Topics covered will include an introduction to law and the legal system, law-making, citizen advocacy, the court system, crime in America and due process.  

Current Issues – 254 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-12

Daily newspapers, periodicals and other media are used in an effort to give historical perspective to "current issues" under discussion.  Reading the daily newspapers and oral discussion of articles are part of the class work. 

AP European History – 249 

1.0 Credit

Offered to grades 10-11-12 with teacher recommendation.

This course introduces students to European history since 1450 and evaluates the cultural, economic, political and social developments that have shaped the world to this day.  Students will develop an understanding of some principal themes in modern European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation and an ability to express historical understanding in writing (The College Board). Students should be willing to make a commitment to the rigors of a college level class. The student is expected to assume responsibility for independent research and study. 

Geography – 255 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-12

This course will give the student the opportunity to discover answers to questions about the world around them. In this course, we will explore processes that shape the Earth, the relationships between people and their environment, and the links between people and places. Students will have an opportunity to interpret maps and study locations to enhance map skills. Additionally, the course will emphasize elements of culture around the world so that students may realize and appreciate the similarities and differences among various people. The course is designed to help students gain a greater knowledge, understanding and acceptance of people from different cultures.

Introduction to Psychology – 244 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 11-12

This course is intended to give students an understanding of human behavior and mental processes.  Students will study the current perspectives in Psychology and discuss how Psychology uses science to determine the truth regarding human behavior and mental processes. Independent research and projects will be required.

AP Psychology – 245

1.0 Credit

Open to grade 10-11-12 with teacher recommendation.

This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement English Psychology exam.  Prospective students should realize, however, that every college and university has its own idiosyncratic reaction to granting college credit. This course takes an accelerated approach and is designed to provide students with the opportunity to be successful on the AP exam. The student will be expected to assume responsibility for independent research and study. The goal is to create a college level classroom experience. 

Sociology – 256 

0.5 Credit – Semester Course

Offered to grades 11-12 

Sociology studies the various components of modern society.  Students are introduced to sociological terms and concepts that will assist them in better understanding man and his culture.  Topics covered include crime, social class, population trends, drug and alcohol addiction, old age, mental health, juvenile delinquency, and the family. 

The Vietnam War - 257

0.5 Credit – Semester Course. 

Offered to grades 11-12 

The primary objective is to offer students an additional opportunity to participate in an elective course that allows students to delve into a turbulent period in this country’s history and understanding this conflict from all sides involved.

Sports in American Society - 230

0.5 credit- Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-12

Students in this course will examine American history, society and culture through the perspective of sports.  Major topics of the course, including economic, ethnic, gender and contemporary issues, will be explored through literature, film, research and activities.  Additionally, students will become familiar with social interaction, sports organization, social and psychological aspect of sports, team behavior, and the culture of sports at the professional, collegiate, high school and youth levels

Music History and Appreciation - 235

0.5 Credit- Semester Course

Offered to grades 10-12

Students will listen to and study Music spanning the late 1800’s to modern day contemporary music.  An emphasis and investigation will be placed on the relationship between music and historical events, and how the history of American audio innovation and technology has affected and changed music.  Student demonstrations of learning would include individual and group projects, presentations, completion of listening exercises, independent research and essay writing, as well as teacher administered formative and summative assessment

Foundations of Civilization - 212

0.5 credits- Semester Course

Prerequisites: None

Offered to grades 9-12

Course Description: This course helps students understand the accomplishments/contributions of past civilizations. Tracing the development of civilization through political ideas and thought, art, history, cultural and scientific achievements of human civilization from prehistoric time to through the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome.

African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies - 220

1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: US History and Modern World History Humanities 

Offered to 12

The course is an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino people in the U.S. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they, both separately and together, worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national, and international contexts. Coursework will provide students with tools to identify historic and contemporary tensions around race and difference; map economic and racial disparities over time; strengthen their own identity development; and address bias in their communities. 

Motivation, Goals and Study Skills Seminar - 223

.5 Credit

Prerequisites: None

Articulated with Post University

Cost $300 - Payable by the end of week 2. All students who do not pay by the cutoff date will be removed from this class.

This first year course teaches students the fundamental skills and strategies required to support learning in a university environment. This course is structured to help students analyze values, motivations, and goals, while helping connect present university experiences with current and future career goals. Emphasis is placed on academic skills, personal assessment, career exploration, and development of interpersonal soft skills. 

Freshmen Seminar

.5 credit S1

The Freshmen Seminar is designed to introduce high school freshmen to the skills, habits, and mindsets necessary for success in high school and their future endeavors. This semester-long course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in academic excellence and personal development. Through engaging projects and reflective activities, students will embark on a journey of self-discovery, goal setting, and learning how to learn.

Post University Law

.5 credits

Dual Credit

Students will be able to select from one of 3 pathways Paralegal or Pre Law, Criminal Justice or Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Students would attend the class during one of their scheduled time blocks and complete the work. Classes are completed in 8 weeks and students will be required to select 2 courses. The cost to students is $150 a class or $300. Students will be responsible for paying for the course in the first 10 days of school or they will be removed.

Law 101 Introduction to Law - all take

then choose from the following

1. Paralegal

1. 1. 1. Law 105 Estate and Probate law or

      2. Law 201 Real Estate Law or

      3. Law 204 Business Law

2. Criminal Justice

1. CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

2. CRJ 102 Introduction to Law Enforcement

3. Emergency Management and Homeland Security

1. EMH 101 Introduction to Emergency Management

2. EMH 201 Risk and Vulnerability Assessment