FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 9
The content of this course focuses on the major social, economic, and political forces that contributed to the shaping of the multi-cultural world we live in today. This course is designed to introduce students to the diverse cultural conditions and changes of the past. It will teach continuity and change; respect for rights and abilities of the individual, concern for the welfare of others and tolerance of differences among peoples. The course emphasizes the causes and consequences of historical events and the ever-changing balance of power. In addition, one of its goals is to help students appreciate the various patterns that have emerged around the world as they relate to our present day society.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 10
United States History I intends to prepare students to live and be responsible citizens in an ever changing world. These courses are designed to introduce students to the political, economic and cultural challenges, conditions and changes of the past that have contributed to our present-day society. Beginning with the Colonial period students will trace the major events that shaped America all the way through to the beginning of the 20th century. These courses will teach continuity and change; respect for rights and abilities of the individual, concern for the welfare of others and tolerance of differences among peoples. The following are incorporated in the units of study: economics, geography, literacy in social studies, the use and analysis of primary sources, the history of the United States, New Jersey, and the World.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11
United States History II intends to prepare students to live and be responsible citizens in an ever changing world. These courses are designed to introduce students to the political, economic and cultural challenges, conditions and changes of the past that have contributed to our present-day society. Beginning with the Progressive Era, students will trace the major events that shaped America from the turn of the Twentieth Century to modern day. These courses will teach continuity and change; respect for rights and abilities of the individual, concern for the welfare of others and tolerance of differences among peoples. The following are incorporated in the units of study: economics, geography, literacy in social studies, the use and analysis of primary sources, the history of the United States, New Jersey, and the World.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11, 12
AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with rich and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. The AP Program has engaged faculty from hundreds of colleges and universities to ensure that AP African American Studies reflects the academic rigor of introductory college courses in the field. Qualifying exam scores in AP African American Studies may earn credit or placement in required or elective courses at a diverse range of colleges and universities. The course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college or university course in African American Studies and related courses, including Africana Studies, African Diaspora Studies, and Black Studies.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 10, 11 & 12
The purpose of the Economics course is to provide students with a working knowledge of the fundamental concepts of economics. Students will be introduced to theories and workings of both Micro and Macro Economics. This course engages students to think critically about and analyze current challenges that are complex, have global implications, and are connected to people, places and the events that shape our global, national and local economy. It will teach continuity and change over time, so that students can assess the similarities and differences between economic periods and the consequences of these events. The course will enable students to have respect for the rights and abilities of the individual, concern for the welfare of others and tolerance of differences among peoples. The integration of technology allows students to overcome geographic borders, apply scientific and mathematical analysis to economic questions and contemporary issues, and appreciate cultural diversity. This course will provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to be active, informed, responsible individuals and contributing members of their communities; many of the practices can be applied to daily life.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 12
This course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in European History while increasing their understanding and appreciation for the history of Western civilization from 1300 to the present. Students will trace major developments in the intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social, and economic history beginning with the Renaissance and culminating with present day events. Through inquiry and analysis of primary and secondary materials, students will expand their knowledge of the history of Europe. In addition to providing a narrative of historical events, the goals of AP European History are to enhance college level reading and writing skills. These skills will be developed by document analysis, historical interpretation, essay writing, and the articulation of principal themes in modern European history.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11 & 12
Through the study of the Holocaust and other genocides, as well as various social issues, students learn the effects that racism and prejudice have had on history, and how these lessons can impact the moral choices they will face throughout their lives. One enriching aspect of this unique program is the almost complete reliance on primary source lessons that immerses every student in the examination of human behavior while connecting historical events to contemporary issues. Students are given the opportunity to use the tools of inquiry, analysis and interpretation of each event they study before forming opinions on the best way to reduce violence, prejudice and injustice in our communities, while strengthening individual civic responsibilities.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11 & 12
This history elective will examine the development of sport(s) in America. Our historical study will focus on helping students gain a better understanding of the inner relationship that sports has on social, economic, cultural, and political forces that are at work in the United States as well as the world. We will examine the historical context as well as the significance of race, gender, ethnicity, and social class. We will do our historical investigation through readings, primary sources, audio, and visual materials as well as class discussions.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11, 12
The content of this course provides for the study of the necessity and development of law, its interpretation and enforcement, attitudes toward law, crime and punishment, and youth in relation to law. Students will gain a new perspective on laws and explore the crucial roles and duties of citizens who work to preserve and strengthen our system of justice. Practical information and problem-solving opportunities generate student involvement and develop some of the knowledge and skills “necessary for survival in our law-saturated society.” The concepts presented are appropriate and complex enough to encourage effective citizen participation in our legal system and to foster a greater sense of justice, fairness, and tolerance. This course relies heavily on case studies, independent research, mock trials, role-playing, and small group exercises to provide opportunities for students to analyze, evaluate and resolve legal disputes.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 10, 11 & 12
The purpose of the Macroeconomics AP course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Macroeconomics is the study of economic theory on the national or international level. This course is for qualified students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one-semester college introductory Macroeconomics course. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, financial sector, economic growth and international economics. The course promotes the understanding of aggregate economic activity; the utilization of resources within and across countries; and the critical evaluation of determinants of economic progress and economic decisions made by policy makers.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11 & 12
AP Microeconomics is for qualified students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one-semester college introductory Microeconomics course. The course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of microeconomics as they apply to individual decision-making units, including individual households and firms. Students taking the course will spend time examining the theory of consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and the behavior of profit-maximizing firms under various market structures. They will evaluate the efficiency of the outcomes with respect to price, output, consumer surplus, and producer surplus. Student will have an opportunity to examine the behaviors of households and businesses in factor markets, and learn how the determination of factor prices, wages, interest, and rent influence the distribution of income in a market economy. Students will also consider instances in which private markets may fail to allocate resources efficiently and examine various public policy alternatives aimed at improving the efficiency of private markets.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11 & 12
The Sociology curriculum is designed to present fundamental sociological concepts in a clear, meaningful, and interactive way. The objectives for this course are threefold. First, this course is meant to help students understand how sociologists think. The curriculum has been carefully designed to help students develop the ability examine the social world around them more objectively and see the connections between the larger world and their personal lives. In sociological terms this means fostering students’ sociological perspective and sociological imagination. Second, this course is meant to get students to learn, and mimic, how sociologists work. Through a combination of labs, research projects, and other resources, students will be expected to utilize the methods sociologists use in the field to collect reliable data and the tools they use to analyze said data. Finally, this course has been constructed in such a way as to make students more aware of the active role they play in society and how it influences their own personal lives. Through engagement with course materials, students will become aware of the factors involved in finding an acceptable balance between their own personal desires and the demands made on them by society. They will also develop a better understanding of how their lives are influenced by social institutions and how they, in turn, might influence society and its institutions.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 11, 12
The Psychology curriculum is designed to present fundamental Psychology concepts in a clear, meaningful, and interactive way. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the content, terminology, methodology, and application of the discipline. This survey course is organized according to the seven core domains of the standards set by the American Psychological Association; Scientific Inquiry, Biopsychology, Development and Learning, Sociocultural, Cognition, Individual Variations, and Applications of Psychological Science. This elective course stresses the application of academic content to the student’s life.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 10, 11, 12
AP United States Government and Politics is a college-level 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 read and analyze U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions between political institutions and behavior. They will read and interpret data, develop evidence-based arguments, and engage in an applied civics or political research-based project.
FULL SEMESTER (5 CR). GRADE 12
United States History III R/S are survey courses that intend to prepare students to live and be responsible citizens in an ever changing world. These courses are designed to introduce students to the political, economic and cultural challenges, conditions and changes of the past that have contributed to our present-day society. Beginning with the Vietnam Era, students will trace the major events that shaped America from the turn of the decade of the Sixties to modern day. These courses will teach continuity and change; respect for the rights and abilities of the individual, concern for the welfare of others and tolerance of differences among people. The following are incorporated in the units of study: economics, geography, literacy in social studies, the use and analysis of primary sources, the history of the United States, New Jersey, and the World.