Social Studies

The curriculum for this course is the first of two required units of world history. The curriculum is organized chronologically. This course encompasses world history beginning with the Neolithic Revolution up through the enlightenment. The second part of the course will be taken in the 10^th grade year. Passing this course is a requirement for graduation.

This course is the second part of the two-year Global History and Geography course. Similar to 9^th grade Global History, this course is organized chronologically beginning around 1750 AD. The curriculum for this course includes the major revolutions, nationalism and war, Post WWII, a transforming world, and contemporary issues. At the end of this course, the student will take the New York State Regents examination in Global History and Geography. Passing this course and its corresponding Regents examination are required for graduation.

Advanced Placement European History is a college-level course focused on the history of both Western and Eastern Europe. Material for this course will be oriented on three major themes: intellectual and cultural history, political and diplomatic history, and social and economic history. Chronologically, this course begins with the High Renaissance (around 1450 AD) and extends to today’s post-Cold War Era. Students who have not taken the Regents examination in Global History and Geography will prepare for this Regents examination after the AP test.

The curriculum for this course is organized with chronological themes. Included among the themes are Government, the Economy, the American Experience, Domestic Policy, Foreign Policy, and Contemporary US History. Passing this course and its corresponding Regents examination are a requirement for graduation.

Advanced Placement American History is a college-level course available to juniors and seniors to study major themes of American History from the founding of the first colonies to the 1980s. Units of study are organized around six periods of major emphasis: revolution and constitution; Jacksonian democracy; Civil War and reconstruction; Populist and Progressive Movements; Depression and New Deal; and Foreign and Domestic concerns since WWII. All students will be required to complete a summer assignment that entails reading and analytical writing. The assignment is due the first week of school in September.

Economics is a one-semester course required for graduation. It is designed to build a foundation of both micro and macro-economic principles. The course examines the decision-making theories and practices used by consumers, entrepreneurs, and economists to solve the various problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services.

Participation in Government is a one-semester course required for graduation. It is designed to build on the government foundation knowledge established in the Grade 11 American History and Government course, as well as an introduction to the science of politics and government. The course examines the behavior of the American government institutions and the American citizen in the development of public policy. It also promotes the skills necessary for students to become informed, accountable, self-disciplined citizens.

Psychology is a one-semester elective open to students in grades 11 and 12. It is designed to build a foundation of basic principles and theories to better prepare students for a college-level introductory psychology course. The class focuses on the psychological development and behavior of people; in other words, what makes us who we are? Topics include the evolution of psychology, brain, body and awareness, cognitive processes (intelligence and creativity), and human health psychology. A local final exam is given.