Social Studies

Prerequisite: None

The fall semester begins with the Paleolithic Era and the Neolithic Revolution, the development of the first civilizations, the rise of belief systems, and continues with an examination of classical societies. The spring semester begins with the Byzantine Empire, feudalism of the Middle Ages, the rise of trans regional trade networks, then continues to the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. The course emphasizes the unifying themes, social studies skills and practices, and key ideas and conceptual understandings as described in the New York State Social Studies Framework.   

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, six consecutive quarters with a 90 or better average in English and Social Studies, and proficiency on an AP history entrance exam. 

World History AP Prep is an especially rigorous course offered to invited freshmen who intend to enroll in AP World History during their sophomore year. Students are routinely required to independently complete college-level reading and writing activities. The course involves the study of the first half of the AP World History curriculum, which provides balanced coverage of five major geographical regions of the globe. Students will apply the skills needed for analyzing, and interpreting historical evidence in formulation and defense of an argument.  

Prerequisite: Global History & Geography 1

The course begins with a snapshot of the world circa 1750 and continues to late 19th and early 20th century imperialism. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, revolution, nationalism, imperialism, global conflict, decolonization, globalization and contemporary world issues. The course emphasizes the unifying themes, social studies skills and practices, and key ideas and conceptual understandings as described in the New York State Social Studies Framework.  Students are required to take the Global History & Geography II Regents Exam in June.  

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and completion of World History AP Prep with an 80 or better average OR Global History & Geography 1A/B with a 90 or better average.

AP World History is offered to qualified students who wish to complete studies equivalent to an introductory world history course at the college level. The course continues the second half of world history from 1750 to the present day. AP World History encompasses the history of the five major geographical regions of the globe with special focus on historical developments and processes that cross multiple regions. The course focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about world history and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past.  

Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement World History Exam administered in May and are required to take the Global History & Geography Regents II Exam in June. The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines. 

Prerequisite: Global History & Geography 2 OR AP World History

Grade 11 begins with the colonial and constitutional foundations of the United States and explores the government structure and functions written in the Constitution. The development of the nation and the political, social, and economic factors that led to the challenges our nation faced are addressed. Industrialization, urbanization, and the accompanying problems are examined, along with America’s emergence as a world power, the two world wars of the 20th century, the Cold War and the place of the United States in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. The course emphasizes the unifying themes, social studies skills and practices, and key ideas and conceptual understandings as described in the New York State Social Studies Framework. Students are required to take the United States History & Government Regents Exam in June.   

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and completion of AP World History with an 80 or better average OR Global History & Geography 2A/B with a 90 or better average.

AP United States History is offered to qualified students who wish to complete studies equivalent to an introductory two- semester college course in United States History. The course focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. history from approximately 1491 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Several themes will provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These themes require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places. Students are expected to take the AP United States History Exam administered in May and are required to take the United States History & Government Regents Exam in June. Student enrollment in AP US History is contingent upon completion of a summer assignment prior to the start of the course.  

The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines. 

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to be a culminating study focusing on New York State’s learning standards on economics, the free enterprise system, and finance. The fundamental economic concepts of scarcity, productivity, supply and demand, and global interdependence will be examined. The role of the consumer, business, labor, and government will also be studied. Economics provides a unique opportunity for students to combine knowledge of the theoretical with practical, real-life decisions about employment options, consumer choices, and personal finance. Students are required to complete both a personal budget project and an investment project. Successful completion of this course is a NYS requirement for graduation.   

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to be a culminating study, focusing on NYS's learning standards on civics, citizenship, and government. Participation in Government is a course of study that has students define, analyze, and discuss contemporary issues and policies at the local, state, national, and international levels. The course reflects an issue-based approach to public policy, the tools and skills needed for community-based learning experiences, and the content knowledge needed for effective citizenship and community action. Students are required to complete a Civic Capstone Project which focuses on community-based learning experiences and a public policy issue research paper. Successful completion of this course is a NYS requirement for graduation and may earn students an opportunity to receive the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on their diploma.   

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and completion of AP U.S. History with an 80 or better average OR U.S. History & Government with a 90 or better average.

This course will focus on a variety of topics, including the constitutional foundations of the American Government, the political culture of citizens, political parties, special interest groups and the mass media. The institutions of government, public policy, and citizens’ rights will also be studied. The course demands upon students are equivalent to an introductory political science course at the college level. Students are expected to take the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam administered in May.  The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines. 

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and completion of AP U.S. History with an 80 or better average OR U.S. History & Government with a 90 or better average.

This course gives students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to decisions made by both consumers and producers within the economic system. Emphasis is placed on the nature and function of product markets and the role of the government in overseeing the economy. Students will also become familiar with measures of economic growth and international economics, including the impact of scarcity on the interdependence of nations. The course demands upon students are equivalent to an introductory economics course at the college level. Students are expected to take the AP Macroeconomics Exam administered in May.  The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines. 

Prerequisite: None

This elective course investigates the criminal justice process in the United States. Units of study include police work, the rights of the accused, the trial process, and the penal system. When possible, field trips to the Suffolk County Jail are arranged; and guest speakers from law enforcement and the court system are invited to speak on special topics.  

Prerequisite: None

This course is offered as a ½ year senior elective.  Students will study the development of the Long Island area from the Native American inhabitants and early European settlements to the present-day suburbs and surrounding New York City area.  Students will also explore the development of the William Floyd community through a variety of sources of local history such as artifacts, photographs, guest speakers and off-site visits.  Students who take this course will gain a greater understanding of the community that they live in and how areas of Long Island developed into the communities that exist there today. 

Prerequisite: None

This elective course will present a thorough investigation of the study of human behavior with emphasis placed on the theories of personality and degrees of mental illness. Application is made to clinical problems as well as everyday life-stress situations. The course is implemented through class and small group instruction and individual and class projects.