Global History I – (SS 9) 1 credit

This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about the world before 1750.  Major areas of study are river valley civilizations, world belief systems, classical civilizations, transregional trade networks, post classical civilizations, the world on the eve of the Encounter, and the resurgence of Europe.  This class is based on the historical thinking skills of analytical writing, argument development, and source interpretation. 

Global History II – (SS10) 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Social Studies 9 

This course continues the Global History and Geography sequence, beginning in the year 1750.  Major areas of study include the Age of Revolution, Global Imperialism in the 1800’s, Conflict in the Twentieth Century, and Problems of the Modern World.  Students will recognize the cross-cultural connections that have made the world increasingly smaller.  Students will continue to develop the skills of analytical writing, argument development, and source interpretation.  This course culminates in the Global History and Geography Regents Examination.  

US History & Government (SS11) - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Social Studies 9 and 10 

This course has as its goals the traditional ones of an appreciation of American institutions and heritage as well as good citizenship, but greater emphasis is placed on understanding and analysis rather than rote memorization. Significant themes or developments in the formation and continuing evolution of American society are explored. Some themes include: the rise of urban industrial America, our Pluralistic Society, American government and politics and American foreign policy. A multidisciplinary view of each theme, including geographic, economic, social, and political aspects is developed. A high level of student involvement is achieved through participation in a major simulation of the U.S. House of Representatives, which emphasizes research skills, problem solving and public speaking. Issues facing society today are explored in a legislative framework with attention to their historical roots and their significance for the future.  Students will take the regents examination in United States History and Government in June.

Advanced Placement (AP) United States  History - 11th grade - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Completion of 9th & 10th grade social studies, application, and teacher recommendation

Advanced Placement United States History is a survey course of American history which provides chronological coverage of the creation and development of the American nation, stressing not only political-constitutional and diplomatic history, but economic and social history as well. A series of historic problems or topics, highlighting the interpretive controversies which American historians have addressed, will be studied by students. Thus the course deals with the colonial period, the American Revolution, the Jacksonian period, the

Civil War and Reconstruction, Populism and Progressivism, the New Deal, and international affairs and domestic change in the post-1945 period. During the course selection process, students should select Social Studies 11. Students eligible for this course will be notified at a later date. Students will take the Advanced Placement examination in United States History in May and the Regents examination in United States History and Government in June.

The following selection criteria will be entered into a rubric which will be converted to scores of 1 through 5 and then added together to create a composite Matrix score. 

• First and Second Quarter Grades for social studies 10

• social studies 10 Midterm grade

• Global I (ss9) course grade

• Writing Sample

• Teacher Recommendation

Social Studies 12 - 1 credit

Seniors

There are two semesters of study: 1) Economics: Preparation for Tomorrow's Challenges; 2) Participation in Government: Senior Senate.

Economics: Preparation For Tomorrow's Challenges - 1 semester - ½ credit

Seniors

The economics course is designed to provide students with needed and useful knowledge and skills which will better prepare students in their transition toward becoming active, responsible and knowledgeable adults. The course will focus on three major areas: COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEMS, THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY, and the CONSUMER IN THE AMERICAN MARKETPLACE. Major emphasis will be placed on the American economy including buying and selling, consumer economics, the role of the government, taxation, income and occupations, banking and savings, family financial management, corporate activities, investments, insurance, and world trade. 

Senior Senate - (Social Studies 12)  1 semester - ½ credit

Seniors

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Social Studies 9, 10 and 11

This course follows a pattern which mirrors the sequence of effective problem solving skills used in the legislative process. Students will be asked to identify and confront many societal issues which can be addressed by formulating and implementing specific public policies. Students will engage in activities which strengthen and extend citizenship skills. They include skills which enable students to define social problems, identify policy alternatives, evaluate consequences of enacting a specific policy, and apply a legislative program to real life conditions.  Note: Civic internship (see course description under "electives" section) may be taken in place of Senior Senate for credit.  Civic does NOT replace the economics requirement.