Social Studies

Course Offerings

Grade 9

World History from 1100-1850 C.E. H, ACP, CP

This course begins with a study of the regionally diverse world of the early 12th century and culminates with a consideration of the global reach of ideas embedded in the Atlantic Revolutions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Several themes will be examined within this course: how different regions in the world developed distinct identities simultaneous to significant cross-cultural interaction and exchange, what makes movements, people and ideas powerful, how identities developed in response to ideas, world-views, and religions, and how individuals navigated and shaped their world. Students are introduced to and practice the productive habits of mind and scholarship that will be cultivated in their years at WHS.

Grade 10

Modern World History from 1850 C.E.-present H, ACP, CP

This course builds upon the previous year's world history narratives towards understandings of a world more recognizable to students today, more modern in a relative sense. The course investigates world history in the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries through three essential themes: the forging and impact of collective and individual identities, the consequences of economic systems on national and individual vitality, and the global rejection of the imperial model. Topics investigated in this course include evolutions in liberalism and nationalism, imperialism, the world wars, revolutions, decolonization, and globalization. Through inquiry into more recent historical patterns, students leave this course prepared to meaningfully engage with the contemporary world.

Grade 11

U.S. History from 1789-present H, AP, ACP, CP

This course examines U.S. history from the founding of the nation to the present using a thematic approach. After studying the underlying principles and evolving function of the Constitution, the course looks at the nation’s history through four specific themes. Democracy and Authority addresses the tension between the increasing power of the federal government and the rights of the people in the United States. Equality and Hierarchy explores the mechanisms through which marginalized groups sought greater equality in terms of legal rights and in their daily lives. Economic Opportunity examines the degrees of economic opportunity in society and the actors responsible for conditions associated with opportunity. Foreign Policy looks at the motives and methods of United States' involvement outside its own borders. The course asks students to regularly examine primary and secondary sources when considering topics to facilitate an understanding of perspective in scholarship. Students leave this course with a broader and richer appreciation of the United States and its history alongside a refinement in critical thinking, communication, reading and research skills.


Social Studies Elective Courses


Strikethrough: Course(s) not offered in 2024-2025 School Year

** These courses do not count towards NCAA eligibility


Department Information

The Social Studies Department seeks to support the development of “thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and complex world” (MA History and Social Science Framework). To be thoughtful and active participants in these places, students need to hone several essential skills - we plan to focus on three. Which essential skills will students refine through our core history program? 


These skills can also be found within each individual course description in this Program of Studies.


The Social Studies program offers survey history courses in multiple grades alongside an array of social science electives. We heartily encourage that students take courses every academic year to maximize all that the program offers. Two and one-half years of Social Studies, including one full year of U.S. history, are required for graduation.

Students in grades 9 and 10 typically enroll in world history courses that examine the broad scope of the last one thousand years. In 2024-2025, 10th graders can also enroll in one course from the department’s elective program: Contemporary Global Problems.

Students in grade 11 typically enroll in U.S. History. Having acquired background on issues and policies that influenced U.S. national development from the world history courses mentioned above, students now examine U.S. topics in depth and within themes in this core course. 11th graders can also enroll in several semester courses from the department’s elective program: Philosophy, Gender and Sexuality, International Politics After the Cold War, Contemporary Global Problems, and American Electoral Politics.

The grade 12 program is fully elective-based, allowing students to pursue courses even more varied in nature than the surveys offered in the other three grades. All elective courses are open to 12th graders. These offerings range across the social sciences. Semester offerings include Philosophy, Humanities,  Gender and Sexuality, International Politics After the Cold War, Discovering Psychology, Contemporary Global Problems, American Electoral Politics, and Sociology. The full-year offering is AP Psychology.

NOTE: In an effort to offer a broad array of courses to students, the department rotates semester courses available in a given year. Philosophy, and You and the Law will not be offered in 2024-2025. Any semester course offered next year may not be offered in 2025-2026; please plan accordingly when considering electives.