Social Studies

In the Bernards High School Social Studies program, the primary objective is the development and extension of students ' knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that will result in that mode of behavior essential for effective and responsible life and citizenship. The Social Studies program at BHS provides an integrated study of civics, economics, geography, history, geography, psychology, and sociology. The courses emphasize active engagement in the learning process, research and inquiry, utilization of current technologies, and service to others. The ultimate goal of the program is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as members of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. To meet New Jersey and district graduation requirements, students must successfully complete one year of World History and two years of US History. The preferred course sequence at BHS is as follows: World History in grade 9, US History I in grade 10, and US History II in grade 11. Students who are particularly interested in pursuing studies in the humanities after high school are strongly encouraged to elect additional course work in the social studies. Courses that provide an in-depth investigation of the traditions of Western culture or an introduction to human behavior add valuable dimensions to a student's background in the social sciences.

The academic level categories are as follows:

World History (03710)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

This course investigates the birth of democracy, the age of imperialism and nationalism, and future world trends. Attention i s given to historical developments in Latin America, the Far East, India, and Africa. Students will be engaged in historical research and writing designed to permit them to apply their learning and to expand that learning. In order to be aligned with the Core Curriculum Standards, this course will be devoted to the study of world events from the Renaissance to the Modern Era. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

World History (A) (03712)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

This survey course examines the history of both Western and non-Western civilizations. Each is analyzed in the terms of daily life, political and economic history, and physical geography. Development of basic social science research skills is encouraged. The issues and events concerning prehistoric man, classical civilizations, Christianity and Islam, Africa and the Americas, and Early Asia are chronologically and topically investigated. This course will also focus on the issues and events concerning the rise of the West, revolutionary and evolutionary changes in the West, the non-West in upheaval, and the contemporary world. In order to be aligned with the Core Content Standards, this course will be devoted to the study of world events from the Renaissance to the Modern Era. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

World History (H) (03714)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: A strong interest in history and proficiency in writing are recommended.

This course is designed to appeal to the most highly motivated and competent student by examining the characteristics of Western and non-Western civilizations in terms of their political, social, and economic systems, their philosophies and art forms, and the impact of physical geography on their cultural histories. In order to be aligned with the Core Content Standards, this course will be devoted to study of world events from the Renaissance to the Modern Era. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the analytical skills required to engage in historical research and writing. Primary and secondary sources will be used as well as audio-visual material. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

US History I (03720)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

This course is a survey of the period 1750 to 1900. Students will gain an understanding of the major domestic and foreign issues of the time period. Concentrating on the political, economic, social and cultural development in our nation's history, this course provides both an understanding of our growth and promotes a deeper appreciation of the democratic process. Instruction in strategies that develop study and critical thinking skills is of equal importance to content. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

US History I (A) (03722)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 10-11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

This course is a survey of the period 1750 to 1900. Students will gain an understanding of the major domestic and foreign issues of the time period. Concentrating on the political, economic, social and cultural development in our nation's history, this course provides both an understanding of our growth and promotes a deeper appreciation of the democratic process. Instruction in strategies that continue to develop critical thinking skills is of equal importance to content. Interrelationships, including causes and effects, will be established throughout the course. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

US History (H) (03723)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of World History…recommended for students with a final grade of B+ or above in World History (A), or completion of World History (H) with a final grade of B- or above.

This course is a survey of the period 1650 to 1900. Students will gain an understanding of the major domestic and foreign issues of the time period. Concentrating on the political, economic, social and cultural development in our nation's history, this course provides both an understanding of our growth and promotes a deeper appreciation of the democratic process. Intended for highly motivated history students, this course features significant amount of reading, and analytical composition. Students will employ critical thinking skills throughout the course. Instruction in strategies that continue to develop critical thinking skills is of equal importance to content. Students will be expected to write extensively. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

AP US History I (03728)

Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 10-11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of World History…recommended for students with a final grade of B+ or above in World History (H).

This course traces the history of the United States from the history of indigenous groups and European colonization to the beginnings of the 20th century. This course features extensive reading, analytical composition and serious consideration of those issues and events which occurred during the period above. Meant to prepare students for the AP Examination which will be given at the completion of AP United States History II, this course will undergird its learnings by using primary and secondary sources as well are assigned research projects.

US History II (03730)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History I

This course is a survey of the period 1900 to the present. Students will gain an understanding of the major domestic and foreign issues of the time period. Concentrating on the political, economic, social and cultural development in our nation's history, this course provides both an understanding of our growth and promotes a deeper appreciation of the democratic process. Instruction in strategies that continue to develop critical thinking skills is of equal importance to content. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

US History II (A) (03732)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History I (any level)

This course is a survey of the period 1900 to the present. Students will gain an understanding of the major domestic and foreign issues of the time period. Concentrating on the political, economic, social and cultural development in our nation's history, this course provides both an understanding of our growth and promotes a deeper appreciation of the democratic process. Instruction in strategies that continue to develop critical thinking skills is of equal importance to content. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

US History II (H) (03723)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10-11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History I…recommended for students with a final grade of B+ or above in US History I (A), or completion of US History I (H) with a final grade of B- or above

This course is a survey of the period 1900 to the present. Students will gain an understanding of the major domestic and foreign issues of the time period. Concentrating on the political, economic, social and cultural development in our nation's history this course provides both an understanding of our growth and promotes a deeper appreciation of the democratic process. Instruction in strategies that continue to develop critical thinking skills is of equal importance to content. Geography skills will be developed through frequent map exercises and activities. Students will be expected to write extensively, and there will be several supplementary readers utilized. A strong interest in history is recommended. Students must complete successfully the assigned research project in order to receive credit for the course.

AP US History II (03729)

Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of History I… recommended for students with a final grade of B- or above in AP US History I

This course traces the history of the United States from the history of indigenous groups and European colonization to the beginnings of the 20th century. This course features extensive reading, analytical composition and serious consideration of those issues and events which occurred during the period above. Meant to prepare students for the AP Examination which will be given at the completion of AP United States History II, this course will undergird its learnings by using primary and secondary sources as well are assigned research projects.

Sociology (03740)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

Sociology is a young and dynamic science that deals with society. It examines the ways in which people interact with one another. It involves learning about relationships within groups and social institutions and the organizations of societies. This course deals with the various relationships between humans and their physical, social and cultural environment.

20th Century History Through Film (03754)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This course enables students to examine the ways in which entertainment and history are intertwined. Starting with the early years of the century, and the first full feature, students will venture into the excess of the 1920s, the depression in the 30s, and the war and home front throughout the 40s and 50s. During the second marking period, students will examine the significance of the Cold War, the juxtaposition of conformity and rebellion in the 1950s and 1960s, the cynicism of the 1970s, and the Americana of the 1980s and 1990s. Students will take notes so that they can provide an analysis of the film through cultural components. Open -ended questions will be structured to enable students to connect social behavior exhibited in films to historical context. All assignments and activities are to be considered as a step toward the goal of understanding the American cultural changes in their historical context during the 20th century and realizing the continuum to the present day. Cultural materials, outside readings and visual aides to stimulate interest and provide additional information will be integrated into the classroom.

Comparative World Religions (03743)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of World History

This course will focus on major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Shintoism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity), by presenting the characteristic elements of each. The religions will be viewed as traditions that develop and evolve as responses to the deep questions we ask about our existence. Where did we come from? Where are we going? Why are we here? What is the nature of the world, and what is ultimate reality? The way in which each religion seeks to answer these questions they provide for their followers a way of living and dying meaningfully. Students will approach each religion from the context of origins and history, theology and sacred writings. Discussion will focus not only on what religions say or write in books, but on what people do in following their religion and what the religion does for them. A desired outcome of this course is that students will have both a greater understanding of and appreciation for the different world religions. There will be an emphasis on reading the sacred texts of religions and writing exercises. Field trips, outside of school hours, to various houses of worship will be required of students enrolled.

Popular Music In American History (03753)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This course allows students to critically examine American popular music of the 20th century to learn how it has reflected and helped to shape our society. Students will listen to and interact with (sing/ dance) popular selections as documented by recognized ratings services. They will be exposed to the "poetry" of the lyrics of all styles and record their reactions so that with other pertinent information (performer/composer biographies) they will have a better understanding of that which was so important to and illustrative of the preceding generations, as well as their own. Students will be evaluated on their grasp of the what, why and when of popular music. Readings will be assigned to provide background for the genre/time period to be examined. Each of the time periods of the 20th century will be covered. Students will take notes so that they can provide an analysis of the music through cultural components. Small group work will be used to allow students to discuss the music as critics. This strategy will provide a greater opportunity to comprehend how the music reflected the contemporary society. Open-ended questions will be structured to enable students to connect the social behavior described in the music to their historical context.

Economics (A) (03737)

Semester Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

Students will examine basic economic concepts such as the business cycle and the law of supply and demand, as well as the economic activities of both business and government. After being exposed to such economic thinking and principles, students will be able to explain the economic structure and their relationship to it.

AP Economics (03763)

Full-year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None… recommended for students with a final grade of A or above in US History I (A), or completion of US History I (H) with a final grade of B or above.

The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in Economics is to provide in-depth analysis of economic concepts and to prepare students to succeed on the AP Exams in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The first half of the course focuses on basic economic concepts (scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, etc.), and then focuses on the nature and function of product markets, factor markets, the history of economic thought, and the role of government. Students will practice interpreting a variety of models. The second half of the course emphasizes economic principles as applied to the economy as a whole. Topics discussed include basic concepts, measurements of economic performance (GDP, price indices, unemployment), price determination and national income, the financial sector (money, banking, and financial markets), and international trade & finance. Students will be expected to take the AP Exams in both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.

Psychology (A) (03751)

Semester Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This is an introductory course in Psychology. The course is taught with two basic purposes in mind. The first is to teach the students a variety of subject matter including: experimental research design, brain-based behavior, human development, learning theory, personality theory, and abnormal psychology. In addition, students will be exposed to many of the contributing psychologists and significant research studies, both historical and current. The second goal is to have the students come to a greater understanding of themselves through the study of the course content.

AP Psychology (03756)

Full-year Course; Level - AP; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None… recommended for students with a final grade of A or above in World History (H), or completion of US History I(A) with a final grade of A or above, or completion of US History I (H) with a final grade of B or above. Rising 10th graders will not be able to waive into this class if they did not earn an A or above in World History (H).

The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within Psychology. Further, students will develop critical thinking skills by applying psychological principles and understanding connections between ideas and theories. In addition, students will be exposed to many of the contributing psychologists and significant research studies, both historical and current. They will learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice, and gain an appreciation of the ethical procedures that produce such knowledge. This survey course will sharpen written and oral expression, and enable students to collect, describe and analyze data used in studies of society, to test hypotheses and interpret data. Students will be expected to take the AP Exam in Psychology.

Contemporary Global Issues (03744)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This course will begin with a quick introduction to US political structure, law, and economics, and then segue into discussion of the EU, the Middle East, the Pacific Rim, and the African Union. While examining international relations regarding economics, the environment, religion, and health care/humanitarian issues, students would obtain geographic knowledge, historical perspective, the development of critical reading skills (using various sources and viewpoints), and become more well-versed in discussions about the world in which they live. There will be multiple projects, based upon current events and research of previous conflicts, for students in this class.

AP World History: Modern (03764)

Full-year Course; Level - AP; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None… recommended for students with a final grade of A or above in World History (H), or completion of US History I (A) with a final grade of A or above, or completion of US History I (H) with a final grade of B+ or above. Rising 10th graders will not be able to waive into this class if they did not earn an A or above in World History (H).

This is a college level history course focusing on world history from 1200 CE to the modern day, designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who have a strong interest and ability in history. The course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students will read and analyze both primary and secondary source materials and interpret and evaluate these sources in essay form. The course is content driven with heavy emphasis on written critical analysis, and focuses on five main themes: Interaction between humans and the environment; development andinteraction of cultures; state-building, expansion, conflict; creatin, expansion and interaction of economic systems; and development and transformation of social structures. Extensive reading, writing and class discussions are integral components of the program. Students will be expected to take the AP World History: Modern exam.

AP US Government & Politics (03760)

Full-year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None… recommended for students with a final grade of A or above in US History I (A), or completion of US History I (H) with a final grade of B or above

The Advanced Placement course in US Government & Politics gives students a critical perspective on politics and government, and is the equivalent of a college-level introductory course in American government. Students will study general concepts used to interpret US politics and analyze specific case studies, in order to gain familiarity with the various institutions, constituencies, beliefs and ideas that constitute our political reality. Students must have knowledge of current political events, and their history. It is essential that some class time be spent reviewing this information as it unfolds in the news. Students will read newspapers, listen to news radio and watch news programs to learn about the issues, people and events that are part of modem politics. In order to provide hands -on learning and experience working with data, the students will conduct poll research, simulate congressional budget hearings and meetings, debate current events and constitutional amendments as well as work on group and individual research projects. Students will employ critical thinking skills throughout the course. These will include interpretation of data in the form of charts, graphs and statistical information, as well as multiple opportunities to write directed essays and position papers. There will be an emphasis on our system today and how it got that way. Students will be expected to take the AP Exam in US Government & Politics.

AP European History (03771)

Full-year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None… recommended for students who complete US History II (A) with a final grade of A or above, or completion of US History II (H) with a final grade of B+ or above, or completion of AP US History with a final grade of B- or above.

The goals of the AP European History course are for students to gain knowledge of basic chronology and major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present. The course will advance the students' ability to develop an understanding of the principal themes in modern European history, to analyze historical evidence, and to analyze and express historical understanding in writing. Themes to be included will be: changes in religious thought and institutions, the secularization of learning and culture, scientific and technological developments and their consequences, developments in social, political, and economic thought, developments in literacy, education, communication, relationships between domestic and foreign policies, war and civil conflict, the origins, development, and consequences of industrialization, and the relations between Europe and other parts of the world as they pertain to colonialism, imperialism, and global interdependence. Students will be expected to take the AP Exam in European History.