Social Studies

Social Studies 6

Full year course

Course Description

The social studies curriculum in Grade 6 introduces students to the history and geography of the ancient world, mostly located in the Eastern Hemisphere. The curriculum emphasizes the interdependence of all people and their connection to the interaction of geography and economics. Various civilizations, empires, and city-states are studied from the four perspectives of history, geography, economics, and government. Students will participate in numerous activities that develop their skills in Social Studies, including reading, writing, discussion and thinking. 

Social Studies 7

Full year course

Course Description

This year's study of United States history from pre-Columbian time through the period of Reconstruction is part of a two-year sequence which is completed in Grade 8. The seventh grade program will also include the study of New York State within the framework of U.S. history. Students also learn about the establishment of the U.S. government. Primary sources are emphasized.  Instruction in Social Studies skills (i.e., organization, speaking, sequencing, composition) is continued.  Students will continue to work on writing evidence-based claims and document-based paragraphs.  

Social Studies 7 Honors

Full Year Course

Course Description

Grade 7 Social Studies Honors is the first Honors-level Social Studies course available to middle school students.  Students will study events in U.S. history from the pre-Columbian time period through Reconstruction.  Students will investigate historical events at a more complex level, relying more on the use of primary sources. Instruction in skills essential to success in Social Studies (e.g., reading primary and secondary texts, writing, note-taking, researching, speaking) will be continued.  Students will learn about the establishment of the U.S. government.   

Course Requirements/Recommendations:

Students are recommended for Social Studies 7 Honors based on a combination of Grade 6 teacher recommendations, past and current academic achievement.

Social Studies 7/8 Accelerated

Full Year Course

Course Description

Acceleration in Social Studies is an opportunity for the student entering Grade 7 to complete the entire Grade 7 and 8 U.S. history curriculums in a single school year. Students will work at a more rapid pace to study events from Exploration through the modern day.  There is a more intense focus on independent research and writing. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

• Students are selected for the Social Studies/English Acceleration Program based on their past and current achievement, and recommendations from their Social Studies, English and Reading or Critical Inquiry teachers.  Students chosen for the acceleration program are notified by mail in the spring of their Grade 6 year. 

• Students may complete a summer assignment for this course. 

• Additionally, and of great importance to future coursework, if a student is selected to participate in Social Studies 7/8, the student must also be enrolled in the 7/8 English course.  Given that the student is dually enrolled and successfully completes both courses, he or she will be enrolled in Global History and Geography 9 Acceleration  (and English 9H) in Grade 8. Students who complete the Acceleration program graduate from high school with five units of credit each in English and Social Studies upon graduation. 

Social Studies 8

Full Year Course

Course Description

Grade 8 Social Studies continues the chronological study of U.S. History through the modern day. Students investigate the political, social, geographic, historic, and economic development of the United States in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Primary sources are emphasized. Instruction is provided in writing evidence-based claims, analyzing primary sources and identifying enduring issues.  Students will participate in discussion about selected current events.  

Social Studies 8 Honors

Full Year Course

Course Description

This is the second Honors-level Social Studies course available to middle school students. Students will study events in U.S. history from the late 1800’s to the modern day. Students will investigate historical events at a more complex level, relying more on the use of primary sources. Instruction in skills essential to success in Social Studies (e.g., reading primary and secondary texts, writing, note-taking, researching, speaking) will be continued.  Students will participate in discussion about selected current events.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are chosen to participate in Social Studies 8 Honors based on a combination of Grade 7 teacher recommendations, past and current academic achievement.

Social Studies Global History 9/Accelerated

Full Year Course

Course Description

Global History and Geography 9 is the first course of a two-year (Grades 9-10) sequence. In the Global 9 course, students study the history and cultures of the world from the beginning of civilization (early man) up to and including the study of Absolutism in Europe through the 18th century. This is accomplished through a cross-cultural/historical analysis of both Western and non-Western societies during specialized time periods. Students will participate in seminar-type discussions of historical and selected current events.  

Course Requirements/Recommendations

There is a final exam worth 20% of students’ grades at the end of the course.

This course is only available to students who have been accelerated in Social Studies and English beginning in Grade 7. 

Students will earn one high school credit after successfully completing this course.