Social Studies

WORLD HISTORY HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Grade of A in 8th  grade Social Studies Open to: Fr.

Although World History Honors follows the objectives and themes from World History CP, it employs greater use of primary source and inquiry approach materials.  The academic expectations related to critical thinking, and analytical writing are more rigorous and there is a greater time commitment outside of class with more required student independence.

WORLD HISTORY CP 

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade Social Studies Open to: Fr.

World History is a survey of major developments from the onset of the Renaissance through the conclusion of World War I.  Major topics include the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, Scientific Revolution, Age of Absolutism, Enlightenment, French Revolution, the expansion of Nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, the Age of Imperialism and World War I.  Students will read both primary and secondary sources as they investigate the cause, course, and the impact of world history on our world today.

PRE-AP U.S. HISTORY

Year Course                 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Grade of B or above in World History Honors,                                     Open or Teacher recommendation

This is the first year of a two-year sequence that will offer highly able and motivated college oriented students a survey of the development of our nation.  Stressing extensive readings and work in areas of research and writing, this course will emphasize scholarship preparing students to take AP United States History during their junior year.  All students must also successfully complete a Civic Engagement Project as a part of this course.

U.S. HISTORY HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of B or above in World History Honors, Open to:  So.

Or A in World History CP

While this course follows the objectives and themes of the U.S. History CP course, it also employs an even greater use of primary source and inquiry approach materials.  The academic expectations for student performance and the workload are also more rigorous.   All students must also successfully complete a Civic Engagement Project as a part of this course.

U.S. HISTORY CP

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Completion of World History CP Open to:  So.

This course is a survey of major events in United States History from American Colonization through World War I.  The course is chronological in its presentation and covers the political, economic, and cultural themes and their significance to the development of American society.  There will be an emphasis on using primary source materials in this course in compliance with the state history frameworks.  All students must also successfully complete a Civic Engagement Project as a part of this course.

U.S. HISTORY II AP 

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Pre-AP U.S. History, Grade of B or above Open to:  Jr., Sr.

As the second part of a two year sequence, this course will complete the survey of our nation's development from the post-Civil War period to the present.  Individual scholarship stressing reading, writing, and research on a high level will be emphasized.  The national Advanced Placement Examination will be administered in May, which, if passed, allows the student to apply for up to one year of college credit in history.  All students taking this course must take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  Failure to take the exam will result in the student being removed from the Advanced Placement course.

U.S. IN THE MODERN WORLD HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of B or above in U.S. History Honors, Open to: Jr.

Or A in U.S. History CP1

Although this course follows the objectives and themes of the U.S. in the Modern World CP1 course, it also employs greater use of primary source and inquiry approach materials.  The academic expectations for student performance and the workload are also more rigorous. 

U.S. IN THE MODERN WORLD CP1

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of C or above in U.S. History CP1, Open to:  Jr.

or B in U.S.  History CP2

This course is a survey of major global events from the conclusion of World War I through the present.  Students will examine political, economic and cultural developments of the 20th and 21st Centuries and evaluate their impact on the United States and the rest of the world.  The course will be chronological in its presentation and place significant emphasis on primary source analysis and critical thinking.

U.S. IN THE MODERN WORLD CP2

Year Course

 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Completion of U.S. History 

Open to:  Jr.

Although the basic concepts and objectives covered in this course are similar to those covered in the CP1 level course, the material and requirements are somewhat less demanding.  This provides the flexibility to meet the academic needs and abilities of each student.  There will, however, be an emphasis on the use of primary source materials.

ELE SOCIAL STUDIES

Year Course

5.0 credits

Open to: Foundational ELs

ELE Social Studies is designed to provide the language of the content area of social studies to foundational students in the ELE (English Learner Education) program. Through this course, students will work toward the progression of their interpretive and expressive English language and literacy proficiencies within the social studies content area. Advancement in the use of linguistic complexity, language conventions, and academic vocabulary in English through the content of social studies will be the focus of this course.

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE COURSES

EUROPEAN HISTORY AP 

Year Course

5 Credits

Prerequisite:  Completion of 2 years of History,

Open to: Jr. Sr.

B or above in Honors History, A in CP1 History

AP European History is a college level course that covers events in modern European history from the High Renaissance (c. 1450) to the present.  Themes covered in the course include political and diplomatic developments, cultural and intellectual achievements, social movements, economic systems, and the role of Europe in the World.  Stressing writing, reading, research, and historical thinking skills, the course culminates in the Advanced Placement exam, which may allow students to earn up to one year of college credit.

AP PSYCHOLOGY

Year Course

5 Credits

Prerequisite: Recommendation from a Sophomore or Junior Year Social Studies teacher

Open to: Jr., Sr.

AP Psychology is a college-level course that introduces students to the study of behavior and mental processes in humans and animals. Students will begin with an examination of research methods in psychology, focusing on the unique strategies and ethical implications of studying human and animal subjects. Students will then examine the biological forces that underscore behavior, studying the impact of the nervous and endocrine systems on human behavior, sensation, and perception. This background will help students as we delve into other fields of study, including cognition, personality, abnormal psychology and social psychology. All enrolled students will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, which allows students the opportunity to earn up to one year of college credit.

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Year Course

5 Credits

Prerequisite: Recommendation from a Sophomore or Junior Year

Social Studies teacher

Open to: Jr., Sr.

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level course in U.S. government and politics that provides a nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. Students will also engage in skill development that requires them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. All enrolled students will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, which allows students the opportunity to earn up to one year of college credit.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Grade of A in CP1 level, or Open to:  Jr., Sr.

B in Honors or AP Social Studies courses

Students electing this course are expected to engage in the study of the contemporary international world through extensive readings and outside projects for an understanding of the institutions, the mechanisms, and the social, political, and economic conditions influencing the conduct of international relations today.  Special attention is paid to the United States as the dominant hegemon. While the ultimate goal is to provide students with the information needed to assess past and present developments in international relations, equally important is the preparation of the student in those methods of inquiry, which will allow them to produce superior results in future academic activities.  Text, periodicals, simulations, research papers, panels, and guest speakers are utilized in order to maximize the academic experiences of students and to expand their scholastic capacities.  Juniors taking this course must also be enrolled in the United States History program. 

MICROECONOMICS HONORS

Fall Semester Course 2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of A in CP1 level, or Open to: Jr., Sr.

B in Honors or AP Social Studies courses

Economics is the study of how individuals and societies decide to use their scarce resources to meet their limitless wants and needs. Microeconomics examines how human behavior and choices shape the marketplace, determining what products are available to us and at what price. Major topics of focus will include free enterprise, the interplay of supply and demand, the price system, government intervention in markets, market failure, business organization, and comparative market structures. Students will develop a mature understanding of how markets work and learn to apply economic thinking to current issues of public policy. Supplementary readings, critical thinking, and writing are key components of the course. 

Note: Students wishing to take Macroeconomics during 2nd Semester must successfully complete Microeconomics during the 1st Semester.

MACROECONOMICS HONORS

Spring Semester Course 

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Microeconomics Honors

Open to: Jr., Sr.

Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole, considering the interplay of economic forces on both a national and an international level. Major topics of focus will include national income, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, income inequality, government spending and taxation, monetary policy and international trade and development.  Students will gain a mature understanding of how national economies achieve varying levels of poverty and prosperity, and how success can be affected by various macroeconomic policies. Supplementary readings, critical thinking, and writing are key components of the course.  

ECONOMICS CP

Semester 2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of C or above in CP/CP1 History Open to: So., Jr., Sr.

or B in History CP2

Economics is the study of how individuals and societies decide to use their scarce resources to meet their limitless wants and needs. Students will gain a basic understanding of the workings of the economy and learn to apply economic thinking to understand and debate key public policy issues. Major topics of focus will include economic systems, the interplay of supply and demand, the price system, government intervention in markets, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, government spending and taxation, and the Federal Reserve. 

CURRENT EVENTS & U.S. POLITICS CP

Semester 2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of C or above in CP/CP1 History Open to: So., Jr., Sr.

or B in CP2 History

Through the lens of current events, this course provides a practical approach for understanding the purposes, principles, and practices of American government. Topics will vary but may include the three branches of government, political parties, campaigns and elections, voting patterns, public policy, as well as the role of the media, interest groups, and lobbyists. As students focus on current events, they will learn to analyze the media and engage in political discourse. They will also learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens on a local, state, and national level. Juniors wishing to take this course must also be enrolled in U.S. in the Modern World.

SOCIOLOGY CP

Semester                      2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of C or above in CP/CP1 History Open to: So., Jr., Sr.

or B in CP2 History

Sociology is an elective course that introduces students to knowledge and skills that will foster a deeper understanding of our social world.  Students will examine a variety of topics through the lens of sociological theories and concepts and will engage in a variety of activities that will enable them to think like social scientists.  The sociology student will acquire skills that will assist him/her in understanding the complexity of human behavior and the importance of using empirical data to think critically about the social world.

PSYCHOLOGY CP

Semester

 2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Grade of C or above in CP/CP1 History or B in CP2 History

Opento: So.,Jr., Sr.

Introduction to Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. In this introductory, college prep course, students are presented with a variety of topics with the intent of acquiring a technical vocabulary and a strong foundation in the basic principles of human behavior. Topics may include personality theory and assessment, abnormal psychology, the history and science of psychology, the study of the brain, animal psychology, human development, intelligence, learning, memory, consciousness, motivation and emotion, perception, and social psychology. This course utilizes lectures, outside readings, discussions, and class activities & projects to increase students' understanding of psychology as a science. In order to be successful, students are expected to complete assignments in a timely, thorough and reflective manner.

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES CP

Semester

 2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Completion of U.S. in the Modern World 

Open to: Sr.

African American Studies is an upper-level elective course that introduces students to ideas and concepts of race and institutions in America. Students will begin the course by examining the concepts of identity and privilege as well as developing a foundation of important terms and concepts. As students take a chronological and thematic approach to African American history from Colonization to Contemporary issues, they will study developments in culture, politics, and economics. Students will incorporate prior knowledge from past courses and delve deeper into the history and culture of African Americans while making current global connections.

STREET LAW CP

Year Course

 5 credits

Prerequisite:  Completion of U.S. in the Modern World

Open to: Sr.

Understanding the law, its functions, and its institutions as they apply to everyday life are the objectives of this course.  Students will have access to a variety of resources, including law enforcement officials, lawmakers, and attorneys.  Current legal issues and rulings will be incorporated to help students recognize the influence of law in their lives.  Students will investigate criminal law and civil law, including individual rights and liberties, and the responsibilities that come with these rights and liberties.

HISTORY & CULTURE THROUGH FILM CP

Semester Course

2.5 Credits

Prerequisite: Completion of U.S. History 

Open to: Jr., Sr.

History & Culture through Film will examine a variety of American and global historic and cultural topics throughout the course of one semester. Students will explore topics and time periods using outside readings, lectures, and class discussions. All topics will be supplemented with films and/or documentaries to provide additional cultural and/or historic insight into the topics of study.