History and Social Studies

274.1 Psychology, Advanced College Preparatory, Grade 11-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course is designed as a survey of the science of Psychology - the study of human behavior.  Students will examine the foundations and applications of psychology.  The first part of the course includes the study of the brain and behavior, dreams, personality theory, mental illness and its treatment.  This course may also include the study of death and dying, learning, memory, adolescence, family and marriage and group behavior.

241.1 International Relations ACP or Honors, Grades 10-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course provides an introduction to international relations. A survey of the geopolitical world of power politics takes place with an emphasis on conflict resolution. In addition, examination is given to the problems of international life with which one must contend and to how power is controlled. The questions of diplomacy, colonialism, propaganda, regionalism and collective security are also analyzed in reference to the United States and its relation to the world.  Students will be asked to put themselves in the position of past leaders in order to attempt to resolve world issues/crisis/conflicts. Students who wish to take this course at the honors level must be recommended by their current teacher.

260.1 Advanced Placement Psychology, Grade 11-12, Full Year, 5.00 credits

This is a full year, intensive college level course in Psychology designed to prepare highly motivated students in Psychology to take the Advanced Placement test in May. Upon completion of the course the student should be able to demonstrate a solid background in the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Specific areas of study include: consciousness and dreaming, biological bases of behavior, personality theory, mental illness, treatment, learning cognition and social psychology. The curriculum is guided by the College Board® standards for advanced placement.

271.1 Introduction to Government, ACP or Honors, Grades 10-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course is designed to provide students with a working understanding of the U.S. government and the federal, state, and local levels.  Students will review the history of the United States, the Constitution, and various government institutions.  The course places a strong emphasis on current events, therefore the content of each session will be determined in part by what is happening in the news at that moment.  The goal is to provide students with the level of civic literacy that they will need to understand current events in the United States, as well as international events in which the United States is a key actor.

812.1   Advanced Placement Art History, Grade 10-12, Full Year, 5.00 credits
Advanced Placement Art History  This course is designed for students interested in learning to understand, evaluate, and appreciate art and its history in a non-studio setting. A broad range of artistic styles, media, and ideas from the past and present are used to examine the relationship and meaningful contribution of art to society. Students will view significant artworks from around the world through readings, research, slides, videos, and museum visits, while also participating in class discussions, visual presentations, research, and problem solving. Writing skills will be important in the description, analysis, and comparison of these works. In this course, students learn to look at works of art with intelligence and sensitivity, examining the major forms of artistic expression of the past and of distant cultures as well as those of our own time and environment in preparation for the advanced placement test.  The curriculum is guided by the College Board® standards for advanced placement.  Students are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the course.