Social Studies

Civil Law

Credit: 1/2 Credit (half year course)

Open to students grades 10-12

Course Description: This elective will provide the student with an understanding of the rights and responsibilities that Americans have in our legal system. The rights of victims as well as the rights of the accused will be studied along with the role of the court system. Students will be taught proper courtroom procedures through the re-enactment of cases and role-playing. Students will learn how to analyze primary documents and use them in oral and written reports and presentations. Course culminates with a Civic Research Project that is worth 1 .5 points towards the Seal of Civic Readiness diploma distinction.

Criminal Law

Credit: 1/2 Credit (half year course)

Open to students grades 10-12

Course Description: This course will examine the various aspects of the criminal justice system and process. 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. This course culminates with a Civic Research Project that is worth 1.5 points towards the Seal of Civic Readiness diploma distinction.

Economics

Credit: 1/2 Credit (half year course)

Open to grade 12 students

*NYS Required Course for Graduation

**Bilingual Course Available

Course Description: This course will emphasize how economic decisions are made and how they affect our daily lives. Topics will include supply and demand, the business community, consumer activities, the role of government, and international trade. This course encompasses an overview of general economics including various world economic systems; microeconomics, with a focus on the U.S. economy; macroeconomics; and decision making, personal finance, trade, types of business organizations, taxing, spending, as well as current national and international issues will be discussed. Financial literacy will be a recurring theme throughout the coursework.

Global History and Geography IR

Credit: 1 Credit (full year course)

*Open to students in grade 10

*NYS Required Course for Graduation

**Bilingual Course Available

Course Description: This course is the first of a two-year course of study, which culminates in the required Global History Regents upon completing Global History & Geography II. The course is designed to challenge students to define culture and civilization as they examine how geographically distinct societies developed over time. The students investigate the various components of culture and civilization including social customs, norms, values, and traditions. The emphasis is on the examination of political systems, economic systems, religions, and spiritual beliefs. The course examines the development and connectedness of Western Civilization with civilizations and cultures in South and East Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Students will proceed to Global History and Geography II upon completion of this course.

Global History and Geography I Honors

Credit: 1 Credit (full year course)

*Open to students in grade 10

*Fulfills NYS Requirement for Graduation

Course Description: This course is the first of a two-year course of study, which culminates in the required Advanced Placement World History exam as well as the Global History Regents upon completing Global History & Geography II. The course is designed to challenge students at a college level to define culture and civilization as they examine how geographically distinct societies developed over time. The students research and investigate various components of culture and civilization including social customs, norms, values, and traditions. The emphasis is on the examination of political systems, economic systems, religions, and spiritual beliefs. The course examines the development and connectedness of Western Civilization with civilizations and cultures in South and East Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Students will proceed to Advanced Placement World History and Geography upon completion of this course.

Humanities

Credit: 1 Credit (half year course)

Open to grade 9 students

**Bilingual Course Available

Course Description: This course is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of social studies by emphasizing literacy skill progression. The curriculum is rooted in the "Four C's" of historical thinking and is enriched by the inclusion of art, music, architecture, and philosophy. Students will be encouraged to take risks and be reflective practitioners as well as demonstrate their abilities to act as inquiry-driven and open-minded thinkers as they examine global perspectives focusing on the diversity of ideas, customs, traditions, and values. This course culminates in a research project that can earn students 1.0 points towards the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Humanities Honors

Credit: 1 Credit (half year course)

Open to grade 9 students

Suggested Prerequisite: Grade 8 Honors ELA and/or Social Studies

Course Description: This course is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of social studies, emphasizing literacy skill progression. The curriculum is rooted in the "Four C's" of historical thinking and is enriched by the inclusion of art, music, architecture, and philosophy. Students will be encouraged to take risks and be reflective practitioners as well as demonstrate their abilities to act as inquiry-driven and open-minded thinkers as they examine global perspectives focusing on the diversity of ideas, customs, traditions, and values. This course culminates in a research project that can earn students 1.0 points towards the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Multicultural Studies

Credit: 1/2 Credit (half year course)

*Open to students in grades 10-12

Course Description: This course will focus on Caribbean and Latin Americans and will highlight the significant contributions to society they have had made throughout history. This course will also provide a platform and safe space for students to engage in constructive conversations to further foster cultural competancy.

Participation in Government

Credit: 1/2 Credit (half year course)

*Open to students in grade 12

*NYS Requirement for Graduation

**Bilingual Course Available

Course Description: This course focuses on Civics, Citizenship and Government as it relates to past and present public issues. The goal is to increase student awareness of their rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Students will be engaged in various projects, including community service, relevant to the course of study. All students are required to attend a public community meeting or a board meeting and write a reaction paper. In addition, each student must submit a final policy research paper on an issue of choice. It is expected that all students participate in class, complete homework assignments, and maintain a passing average on all tests. This course culminates in a Civic Research Project worth 1.5 points towards the Seal of Civic Readiness and/or a Service Learning Project worth 1.0 points towards the Seal of Civic Readiness.

United States History and Government

Credit: 1 Credit (full year course)

*Open to students in grade 11

*NYS Requirement for Graduation

**Bilingual Course Available

Course Description: This course begins with a survey of United States history and intellectual forces from 1607-1865. Students will examine the major events and turning points of U.S. history from the nation's origin through the modern age. The course leads students toward a clearer understanding of the patterns, processes, and people that have shaped U.S. history. Students are required to take the U.S. History and Government Regents Exam.