Social Studies

1.0 credit                 Grade 9                               Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies

The A-level course is designed to develop students’ ability to think critically, produce strong written arguments, analyze and interpret varied source information, and identify point of view and purpose within nonfiction texts. Students will develop the communication skills necessary to be able to work with others collaboratively, and build strong work habits. Emphasis will be placed on development of annotation and writing skills, critical thinking, questioning about thematic topics and issues, and presentation of arguments and ideas. The A-level course is a college-prep course and is appropriately challenging for most ninth grade students.

1.0 credit                 Grade 9                               Full-Year

Prerequisite: None

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies

The Honors-level Global Themes course is rigorous, intellectually demanding, and skill-intensive. The course is designed for highly motivated, independent learners. Students enrolling in Global Themes Honors must be prepared for advanced reading and source analysis that includes complex primary and secondary source material and the development of nuanced arguments in both written and verbal forms. Students will engage in historical thinking as they analyze complex causation, patterns of continuity and change and complete frequent, substantive writing assignments. Students assume independent accountability for their learning as they will need to manage long-term assignments, proactively seek clarification, and devote a sustained commitment of focused preparation time for each class. The coursework in Global Themes Honors is above grade level and is designed to further develop and enrich the essential skills necessary for success in subsequent college preparatory and college-level coursework. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grade 10                             Full-Year

Prerequisite: Global Themes

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies

The A-level course is designed to develop students’ ability to think critically, help them produce strong written arguments and analyze and interpret varied source information, including written text and visual sources. Students will be asked to read original documents and first-person accounts of historical events, as well as a variety of secondary sources. Students will also have to evaluate multiple sources to reach their own conclusions, which they must be able to support with proper and sufficient evidence. An emphasis will be placed on a student’s ability to read with a purpose and write cohesive arguments.

1.0 credit                 Grade 10                             Full-Year

Prerequisite: Global Themes

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies

The Honors-level U.S. History course is rigorous, intellectually demanding, and research-intensive. The course is designed to build upon the historical thinking and research skills developed in Global Themes and requires students to engage with complex historical interpretation and original research using primary and secondary source material. The course places a great emphasis on historical thinking and requires students to critique, compare, and synthesize varied historical arguments and perspectives. A cornerstone of the course is the required participation in the National History Day Program, which includes sustained independent research, original historical analysis, and a formal presentation of findings. Students assume independent accountability for their learning as they will need to manage long-term assignments, proactively seek clarification, and devote a sustained commitment of focused preparation time for each class, which includes following current events from the U.S. and international media. The coursework in U.S. History Honors is above grade level and is designed to further develop and enrich the essential skills necessary for success in subsequent college preparatory and college-level coursework. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: Global Themes

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (AP U.S. History may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken either U.S. History or U.S. History Honors during grade 10.)

AP U.S. History is a college-level survey course that assumes students possess a high level of interest and independence. Because the workload is similar to a one-year college course, students should expect that the workload will be significantly heavier than a regular U.S. history course. Students will learn to independently develop their own factually sound narratives of history, analyze how both long term and immediate events led to change, and sequence ideas and information within context in order to make deeper comparisons. Students will also select and interpret evidence from texts in order to craft strong, deep, and nuanced positions on major issues in U.S. history. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. A summer assignment is required.

.5 credit                   Grades 10, 11, 12                             S1, S2

Prerequisite: Global Themes                                                                                                

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies

Latin American Studies is a one-semester area study course that focuses on the development of Latin America. Latin America was the first “New World” and thus, the first part of the world to experience the profound challenges of Globalism. The story of Latin America therefore may provide an insight for everyone in the modern era as to where our world is going. To gain an understanding of these challenges, we will look at four themes throughout the history of Latin America. For each, the course will compare and contrast past events from the formation of Latin America with modern issues and events. The goals of the course are to understand and analyze: (1) how Latin America has developed over time (2) the degree to which Latin America remained consistent or changed (3) what the modern world should learn from these challenges and (4) how events of the 20th century have played a role in shaping what Latin America is today. Students will read a variety of primary and secondary sources including artwork and text from Latin American authors, artists, and leaders.

1.0 credit                 Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                              

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (AP U.S. Government and Politics may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken either the semester United States Government or Current Issues course.)

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level course designed for motivated and committed students with a demonstrated competence in U.S. history and keen interest in political science, government, and public policy. It is designed as an introductory political science course that is typically taught in a university setting. The course is a comprehensive study of the U.S. political system and designed to enable students to critically analyze politics and government in the United States. The class involves the study of concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and requires study of the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the U.S. political landscape. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Students must complete the course in order to satisfy the Civics graduation requirement. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History and teacher recommendation specifically for the We the People section                  

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (AP U.S. Government and Politics We The People may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken either the semester United States Government or Current Issues course.)

Note: The maximum number of students for this course is 25. Overrides into this course are not permitted. A qualifying application for participation in We the People is required. Students will be informed of acceptance into this course by the Social Studies Department Coordinator or We the People teacher.

The We The People course follows the same curriculum as the AP U.S. Government and Politics course, but with the requirement of participation in the annual We The People competition in Connecticut. Students enrolled in this course will participate in the We The People program, a nationally prestigious constitutional law contest conducted in a congressional hearing format. The contest at the state level is held in December and at the national level in April in Washington, D.C. There are potential transportation and travel fees for the competition in the event that students advance to the national level. A summer assignment is required.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                            

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (Current Issues may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken either the semester U.S. Government or AP U.S. Government & Politics course.)

Current Issues: U.S. Media & Politics is a one-semester introduction to U.S. media and public policy that meets the state civics requirement for graduation. The course is designed for students to understand U.S. public policy and build their media-literacy skills to support their development as engaged citizens. Topics will be drawn from current political and economic issues. Students will be required to research, write, and present arguments about key issues and historically significant public policy.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                  S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                            

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies or Open Humanities (U.S. Government may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken the Current Issues course.)

U.S. Government is a one-semester survey course that meets the state civics requirement for graduation. The course is designed for students to build an appreciation for the intricacies of governance on the federal, state and local levels as they develop the skills to be engaged citizens. This course fosters a deep understanding of how the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government operate in the U.S. Important topics in the course include the process by which bills become laws, the pressures that affect lawmakers, the meaning of the Bill of Rights, the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Bill of Rights, the points of view of the candidates on the issues in election years, and discussion of current events. Students will be required to research, write, and present arguments about key issues and historically significant court cases.

1.0 credit                 Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History                            

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (African American, Black, Latino, and Puerto Rican Studies may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken an additional Area Study course.)

The African American, Black, Latino, and Puerto Rican Studies course is an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American, Black, Latino, and Puerto Rican people in the U.S. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they, both separately and together, worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national, and international contexts. Coursework will provide students with tools to identify historic and contemporary tensions around race and difference; map economic and racial disparities over time; strengthen their own identity development; and address bias in their communities. 

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                    

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (African Studies may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken an additional Area Study course.)

African Studies is a one-semester area study course that focuses on both the traditional and modern aspects of African cultures. Students will examine the impact of geography on African peoples, the traditional languages, literature, art, and music of African societies, the effects of European colonialism on the continent, and contemporary issues facing African nations. Students will evaluate a variety of primary and secondary sources and at least one novel written by an African author.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (East Asian Studies may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken an additional Area Study course.)

East Asian Studies is a one-semester area study course that focuses on both the traditional and modern aspects of the cultures of the eastern Asian continent. Students will examine the impact of geography on the development of societies, the philosophical and religious foundations of traditional cultures, political traditions and trends over time, and contemporary issues facing the nations of eastern Asia. Students will read a variety of primary and secondary sources as well as literary works by contemporary East Asian authors.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                    

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (Introduction to Human Rights may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken an additional Area Study course.)

Note: Students taking this course must register with UConn.

Introduction to Human Rights is a demanding one-semester, college-level area study course that examines global conflict and cooperation since World War II. Students engage in an exploration of central human rights institutions, selected human rights themes and political controversies, and key political challenges of contemporary human rights advocacy.  In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the college-level reading, research, and seminar discussions, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. A summer assignment is required.

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS ALSO OFFERS CREDITS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT THROUGH UCONN EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

UCONN HRTS1007: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS

Three credits

Exploration of central human rights institutions, selected human rights themes and political controversies, and key political challenges of contemporary human rights advocacy.

.5 credit                   Grades 10, 11, 12                             S1, S2

Prerequisite: Global Themes                                                                                                

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (Latin American Studies may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken an additional Area Study course.)

Latin American Studies is a one-semester area study course that focuses on the development of Latin America. Latin America was the first “New World” and thus, the first part of the world to experience the profound challenges of Globalism. The story of Latin America therefore may provide an insight for everyone in the modern era as to where our world is going. To gain an understanding of these challenges, we will look at four themes throughout the history of Latin America. For each, the course will compare and contrast past events from the formation of Latin America with modern issues and events. The goals of the course are to understand and analyze: (1) how Latin America has developed over time (2) the degree to which Latin America remained consistent or changed (3) what the modern world should learn from these challenges and (4) how events of the 20th century have played a role in shaping what Latin America is today. Students will read a variety of primary and secondary sources including artwork and text from Latin American authors, artists, and leaders.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (Middle East Studies may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken an additional Area Study course.)

Middle East Studies is a one-semester area study course that examines the historical context of modern-day issues in this region of the world. Students will study: the characteristics and impact of geography (including climate, economics, trade, resources, conflict and identity); the three major monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - their historical relationships, their similarities and differences, and their impact on today's societies; the development of Jewish and Arab nationalism in the 19th and 20th centuries and the current conflict between the state of Israel and the Palestinians; and, how internal leadership and the influence of outside powers have impacted modern conflicts in the region. A major area of focus will be the development of identity in a diverse region, including the rich history of arts & literature, the power and influence of the Ottoman Empire, and how all of the aforementioned factors influence identity and international relations.

1.0 credit                 Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                    

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Area: Open Humanities

AP European History is a college-level course provided for high school students who excel in history and have the desire to study historical scholarship on a college course level. Specifically, students will study European history from 1450 to present day. Aside from the multitude of historical content, the course also requires students to analyze history from various historical perspectives and to develop their critical thinking and writing skills. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding through various means. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History, Algebra 2                                                                                   

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM; Personal Financial Management and Financial Literacy requirement for class of 2027 and beyond (note: AP Macro/Microeconomics can be taken to satisfy the Open Humanities and Personal Financial Management and Financial Literacy requirement simultaneously)

AP Economics is a rigorous and intellectually demanding college level course, intended for highly motivated students who possess strong mathematics skills, are able to independently explore course topics, and wish to take a course that will prepare them for college-level studies in macro- and microeconomics. Macroeconomics instruction will give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole, including particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, as well as developing students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Microeconomics instruction will give students thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. Primary emphasis is placed on the nature and function of product markets, and also includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. There is a considerable amount of reading in the course, including many problem sets that students will be asked to solve. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grade 12                             Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History    

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.  While AP Psychology is often classified as a social studies elective, students should recognize its strong grounding in the scientific method and empirical research. Prior success in science courses (such as Biology or Chemistry) and comfort with quantitative data interpretation will significantly aid student achievement in the course and on the Advanced Placement Exam. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grades 10, 11, 12                 Full-Year

Prerequisite: Global Themes

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Areas: Social Studies or Open Humanities (AP U.S. History may be taken for Open Humanities credit if the student has taken either U.S. History or U.S. History Honors during grade 10.)

AP U.S. History is a college-level survey course that assumes students possess a high level of interest and independence. Because the workload is similar to a one-year college course, students should expect that the workload will be significantly heavier than a regular U.S. history course. Students will learn to independently develop their own factually sound narratives of history, analyze how both long term and immediate events led to change, and sequence ideas and information within context in order to make deeper comparisons. Students will also select and interpret evidence from texts in order to craft strong, deep, and nuanced positions on major issues in U.S. history. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. A summer assignment is required.

1.0 credit                 Grades 11, 12                      Full-Year

Prerequisite: U.S. History

Teacher recommendation required

Graduation Requirement Area: Open Humanities

AP World History: Modern is a college-level course intended for qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to an introductory college course in world history. The purpose of the course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytic skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. It emphasizes relevant factual knowledge, leading interpretive issues, and skills in analyzing types of historical evidence. Periodization, explicitly discussed, forms an organizing principle to address change and continuity throughout the historical periods and is included in the course. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study. In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the Advanced Placement exam, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. A summer assignment is required.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History

Teacher recommendation required for UConn ECE course

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM

Note: Students taking this course must register with UConn.

The Anthropology elective course provides students with an understanding of major theories about the development of man, culture, and civilization. Units will include an introduction to anthropology and archaeology, the elements and impact of culture and religion, and analysis of socio-cultural anthropology through the lens of various theorists culminating in a final ethnography project.  In order to be successful in this class and prepare adequately for the college-level reading, research, and seminar discussions, students must spend a considerable amount of time preparing for class. A summer assignment is required.

ANTHROPOLOGY ALSO OFFERS CREDITS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT THROUGH UCONN EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

ANTH 1000: PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF THE WORLD

Three credits

An introduction to the anthropological understanding of human society through ethnographic case studies of selected peoples and cultures, exploring the richness and variety of human life. Encourages students to learn about different cultures and to apply their knowledge to make sense of their own society.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM

The Child Psychology elective course is designed to focus on the study of physical, social, and cognitive development and growth of a child from birth to school age. Students will understand the impact of multiple influences of children’s environments including culture, language, economic factors, discipline, health issues, learning needs, family, technology, media, community, and the influence of play on early learning. Students explore childhood milestones, parenting styles, types of learning, and the importance of play and sleep. Students will learn about related career paths in early childhood education, child advocacy, social work, child psychology, and other related fields. Assessments may include tests, projects, graded discussions, papers, and book reviews of independent outside reading.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                            

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM

The Environmental Social Studies elective course is designed for students with an interest in environmental issues. Utilizing field experiences that focus on both scientific and social issues, students will study local habitats such as forests, estuaries, marshlands, and wetlands as well as issues of urbanization, green building, and food production as they relate to climate change. Political and environmental factors regarding land use and water use are explored as well as future plans and the anticipated impact on the total environment. Students will utilize and explore local resources to make connections between theories and practice and to gain an appreciation of the environment around them. Hiking and exploring the outdoors is a requirement and major part of the course. The course runs for two consecutive periods and is taught by a science teacher and a social studies teacher. The course is limited to 40 students. 

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                    

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM; Personal Financial Management and Financial Literacy requirement for class of 2027 and beyond (note: Introduction to Economics can be taken to satisfy the Open Humanities and Personal Financial Management and Financial Literacy requirement simultaneously)

The Introduction to Economics elective course will provide students with a conceptual framework for effective economic decision-making. Units studied include Economic Systems, Government and the Economy, Markets & Firms, Macroeconomics, and the Reality of Economics in how economic theories and ideas apply to our own lives and the lives of people who are different from us. Class activities include films, speakers, discussion, game simulations, and student presentations. 

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                            

Graduation Requirement Areas: Open Humanities or Open STEAM

The Introduction to Psychology elective course is designed to introduce students to the study of human behavior. Areas of study will include how the human body affects and is affected by the mind, different types of research, how to use types of research effectively in a study, what motivates people to perform different behaviors, and how emotions affect behaviors. Students will also be given the opportunity to understand their own behavior in order to better understand adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Assessments may include tests, projects, graded discussions, papers, and book reviews of independent outside reading.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      S1, S2

Prerequisite: U.S. History                                                                                                    

Graduation Requirement Area: Open Humanities

Women in Society examines the invaluable role that women play in domestic and international society. Students unpack the systems and structures that have prevented gender equality and determine what efforts must happen to create a more intersectional, equitable, safe, just, and radically inclusive world. Course content includes the role of individual, influential women as well as collective action in the areas of politics, economics, business, science, technology and medicine, popular culture, and beyond. This course is centered around discourse and inquiry, which will allows students to research their own interests and pursue activism locally, nationally, and internationally. Course assessments will be based on class discussions, essays, and individual projects. If scheduling allows, students will participate in a field trip experience to sites on the CT Women’s History Trail, interact with guest presenters, and create and participate in activities and events with like-minded activists.

.5 credit                   Grades 11, 12                      Summer

Prerequisite: U.S. History                            

Graduation Requirement Area: Social Studies

Note: This course is offered during the summer through Westport Continuing Education for credit recovery or advancement in Social Studies only. In order to take for advancement, students must:

●       Have earned credit in U.S. History, U.S. History Honors, or AP U.S. History and met departmental writing standards

●       Have earned credit or be enrolled for a minimum of .5 credit in Social Studies beyond the graduation requirement for the school year immediately preceding or following the summer in which the course is taken

●       Obtain prior written approval from their school counselor and the social studies department coordinator through the Westport Summer School Registration Form.

United States Government is a survey course that meets the state civics requirement for graduation. The course is designed for students to build an appreciation for the intricacies of governance on the federal, state and local levels as they develop the skills to be engaged citizens. This course fosters a deep understanding of how the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government operate in the U.S. Important topics in the course include the process by which bills become laws, the pressures that affect lawmakers, the meaning of the Bill of Rights, the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Bill of Rights, the points of view of the candidates on the issues in election years, and discussion of current events. Students will be required to research, write, and present arguments about key issues and historically significant court cases.