King Philip Regional High School
Department of History & Social Sciences
Program of Studies
LEVEL CRITERIA
LEVEL-1
Students should:
LEVEL-2
Students should:
LEVEL-3
Students should:
There is a strong correlation between English and Social Studies courses with regard to levels. Social Studies Level-1 and Level-2 courses require a great deal of writing and strong reading skills. Although a strong English Level-2 student might be successful in a Social Studies Level-1 course, other students should consider taking the same level in both subject areas.
GRADE 9: REQUIRED
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United States History I |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 9 |
5 CREDITS |
The focus of this course is on the major events, ideas, and trends in American history from 1763 to Reconstruction. Causes of the American Revolution, the formation of a new government, the Constitution, westward expansion, economic development, political developments, slavery and causes of the Civil War, and Reconstruction are topics that will be studied.
This course is designed as an advanced course for students with excellent reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. A variety of materials is used: a standard textbook, a wide range of primary sources, and other outside readings. Assessments are based on written assignments, tests and quizzes, and term projects. Possible term projects include critical essays, creative writing, book reviews, and participation in the National History Day program.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: reading, listening, critical and creative thinking, ideals of democracy, and appreciation for diversity.
Students who wish to take Advanced Placement United States History should elect Level-1 for Grade 9 and Advanced Placement United States History in Grade 10.
Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a grade of B- or better in World Civilizations Level-1 and English 8 Level-1.
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United States History I |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 9 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is a thorough survey of American history from the end of the French and Indian War to the Industrial Revolution. Some of the major topics include the American Revolution, Constitution, political changes, economic changes, slavery and causes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Native Americans.
This course is designed for students who expect to continue their education after graduation. Good reading and writing skills are important and will be reinforced. Participation in National History Day and a formal research paper are required of all students. Varied homework assignments and reports, essays, and regular quizzes and tests are part of the curriculum.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and practicing democratic ideals.
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United States History I |
LEVEL-3 |
GRADE 9 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is a thorough survey of American history from the end of the French and Indian War to the Industrial Revolution. Some of the major topics include the American Revolution, Constitution, political changes, economic changes, slavery and causes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Native Americans.
There is an emphasis on skill development, writing, class discussion, maps, and using primary sources. Evaluation is based on homework, objective tests, essay tests, and class discussion. This course is appropriate both for students planning to continue their education after high school and for those planning to enter the work force.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and practicing democratic ideals.
Guideline: Admission to this course will be by teacher recommendation ONLY
GRADE 10: REQUIRED
Those freshmen who are contemplating electing Advanced Placement United States History or Level-1 United States History need to be aware that these courses are taught at the same intensity but with a different focus. The Advanced Placement course prepares students to take the very comprehensive Advanced Placement exam in May. Advanced Placement United States History is a course for a select number of students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and interest in history. The course follows the national advanced placement curriculum that includes an in-depth examination of major topics within a general survey of U.S. History from the Pre-Columbian era to the present.
Materials used include a college level text and study guide, and many primary source materials. Students will engage in critical thinking activities using readings and some films. Assessment is based on homework, essays, tests, extensive class discussion, term projects, an extensive research paper, and critical book reviews. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement United States History examination from the College Board in the late spring.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. In addition, students will receive the textbooks and assignments for Chapters 1 and 2 at the end of freshman year that are to be completed before returning in September. As well, an on-site visit to a museum with an associated project or paper is also a requirement for summer work.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: reading, listening, critical and creative thinking, ideals of a democratic society, and appreciation for diversity.
Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a grade of A- or better in U. S. History I Level-1, and Grade-9 English Level-1.
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Advanced Placement United States History |
LEVEL-AP |
GRADE 10 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is a thorough survey of American history from Reconstruction to the present, with detailed review of the period covered in U.S. History-I. Some of the major topics include the Industrial Revolution, the Progressive Era, World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties and the Depression and New Deal, the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, and Globalization.
This course is designed to prepare very advanced students to take the AP Exam in U.S. History in May. While the contents of the course will be similar to Level-1, the textbook is a college text, the assignments are more rigorous and the pace will be more intensive. Term projects include a formal research paper. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.
Students will have to read "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair during the summer. Soon after the school year begins, a test will be given on The Jungle.
NOTE: All sophomore students will be required to take the US History MCAS in June of this school year. There are NO exceptions!
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United States History II |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 10 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is a thorough survey of American history from Reconstruction to the present. Some of the major topics include the Industrial Revolution, the Progressive Era, World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties and the Depression and New Deal, the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and globalization.
This course is designed as an advanced course for students with excellent reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. A variety of materials is used: a standard textbook, a wide range of primary sources, and other outside readings. Assessments are based on written assignments, tests and quizzes, and term projects. Possible term projects include critical essays, creative writing, book reviews, participation in the National History Day program, and a formal research paper.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair is to be read and a chapter by chapter journal is to be submitted.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: reading, listening, critical and creative thinking, ideals of democracy, and appreciation for diversity.
Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a grade of B- or better in U.S. History I Level-1 and English 9 Level-1
NOTE: All sophomore students will be required to take the US History MCAS in June of this school year. There are NO exceptions!
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United States History II |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 10 |
5 CREDITS |
The focus of this course is on the major events, ideas, and trends in American history since Reconstruction. Some of the major topics include the Industrial Revolution, the Progressive Era, World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties and the Depression and New Deal, the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and globalization.
This course is designed for students with good reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. A variety of materials is used: a standard textbook, a wide range of primary sources, and other outside readings. Assessments are based on written assignments, tests and quizzes, and term projects that may include a formal research paper, critical essays and book reviews, and participation in the National History Day program.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: reading, listening, critical and creative thinking, ideals of democracy, and appreciation for diversity.
NOTE: All sophomore students will be required to take the US History MCAS in June of this school year. There are NO exceptions!
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United States History II |
LEVEL-3 |
GRADE 10 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is a thorough survey of American history from Reconstruction to the present. Some of the major topics include the Industrial Revolution, the Progressive Era, World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties and the Depression and New Deal, the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and globalization.
There is an emphasis on skill development, writing, class discussion, maps, and using primary sources. Evaluation is based on homework, objective tests, essay tests, and class discussion. This course is appropriate both for students planning to continue their education after high school and for those planning to enter the work force.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and practicing democratic ideals.
Guideline: Admission to this course will be by teacher recommendation ONLY.
NOTE: All sophomore students will be required to take the US History MCAS in June of this school year. There are NO exceptions!
GRADE 11: REQUIRED
Those sophomores who are contemplating electing Advanced Placement World History or Level-1 need to be aware that these courses are taught at the same intensity but with a different focus. The Advanced Placement course prepares students to take the very comprehensive Advanced Placement exam in May. This requires coverage of the entire scope of World History from the Foundations Period (8000 BCE) to the present in the case of Advanced Placement, and 1700 to the present in the case of Level-1. Students must do a great deal of reading and study on their own without comprehensive in-class coverage. The Level-1 course uses a regular textbook and a variety of primary sources which students must interpret. The course does not cover all of world history, but rather looks at selected topics in depth. Students are expected to do considerable reading and be able to write essays on questions focused on the primary sources.
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Advanced Placement World History History |
LEVEL-AP |
GRADE 11 |
5 CREDITS |
Advanced Placement World History is a course for a select number of students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and interest in history. The course follows the national advanced placement curriculum that includes an in-depth examination of major topics within a general survey of World History from the Foundation period to the present.
Materials used include a college level text and study guide with critical thinking activities, readings and some films. Assessment is based on homework essays, tests, extensive class discussion, and term projects such as participation in the National History Day program, an extensive research paper, and critical book reviews. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement United States History examination from the College Board in the late spring.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. A link to the summer reading requirements can be found on the main history department web page. Additional summer work may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor and it is the students responsibility to check with the instructor before the school year ends.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: reading, listening, critical and creative thinking, and appreciation for diversity.
Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a grade of B+ or better in U. S. History I Level-1, U.S. History-II Level-1, and Grade 9 & 10 English Level-1.
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Modern World History |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 11 |
5 CREDITS |
The focus of this course is on the major events, ideas, and trends in World History since The Age of Industry (1700) to the present. Major ares of study will include the Cultural Revolution, Democraacy and Reform, the Age of Imperialism, World War I, World War II, as well as an examination of major events in Latin America, Asia, Europe and North America.
This course is designed as an advanced course for students with excellent reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. A variety of materials are used: a standard textbook, a wide range of primary sources, and other outside readings. Assessments are based on written assignments, tests and quizzes, and term projects that may include a formal research paper, critical essays and book reviews, and participation in the National History Day program.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. The summer reading assignments may be accessed by going to the main web-site of the KP History Department.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: reading, listening, critical and creative thinking, various forms of government, and appreciation for diversity.
Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a grade of B- or better in U.S. History I Level-1, U.S. History II level-1, and Grade 9 and 10 English Level-1.
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Modern World History |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 11 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is a thorough survey of Modern World History from 1700 to the present. Some of the major topics include: Major ares of study will include the Cultural Revolution, Democraacy and Reform, the Age of Imperialism, World War I, World War II, as well as an examination of major events in Latin America, Asia, Europe and North America.
This course is designed for students who expect to continue their education after graduation. Good reading and writing skills are important and will be reinforced. Participation in National History Day and a formal research paper may be required by the instructor. Varied homework assignments and reports, essays, and regular quizzes and tests are part of the curriculum.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. Information on summer reading assignments may be obtained by accessing the main web-site of the KP History Department.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and practicing democratic ideals.
Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a grade of C or better in U.S. History I Level-2 and U.S. History Level-2.
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Modern World History |
LEVEL-3 |
GRADE 11 |
5 CREDITS |
This course concentrates on the period since 1700 by focusing on several of the following topics: the Cultural Revolution, Democraacy and Reform, the Age of Imperialism, World War I, World War II, as well as an examination of major events in Latin America, Asia, Europe and North America.
There is an emphasis on skill development, writing, class discussion, maps, and using primary sources. Evaluation is based on homework, objective tests, essay tests, and class discussion. This course is appropriate both for students planning to continue their education after high school and for those planning to enter the work force.
Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking.
Guideline: Admission to this course is by teacher recommendation ONLY.
ELECTIVES
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Criminal Justice (Sem. I & Sem. II) |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 11 - 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
Criminal Justice focuses on those laws and legal points most encountered by citizens. Topics that are studied include the role of values in law, citizen rights and responsibilities, criminal and civil law (the police, arrest and your rights, the courts, lawyers, juvenile justice, and the correctional system).
Relevant films, values clarification activities, guest speakers, simulations, mock trials, individual and group projects, reports, and field trips to courts and a correctional institution are features of the course. Students are required to do varied reading, analyze cases, and participate in all activities. Written exams and essays will be based on class lectures, readings and cases, and assigned topics.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and practicing democratic ideals
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Sociology (Sem. I & Sem. II)) |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
Sociology deals with human interrelationships in groups and organizations. This includes the major social institutions of family, religion, government, education, and economy. The goal of this course is to assist students in understanding current social issues and changes in American society. A comparison is made of American society with other major cultures in the world. Exams will be based on class lectures, text materials, case studies, and varied readings. In addition, guest speakers, films, and field studies will be utilized in this course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and appreciation of diversity
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Psychology |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 12 |
5 CREDITS |
TThe course in Psychology incorporates the materials in the Psychology I semester course (described on the next page), as well as developmental stages, brain research, abnormal behavior, emotion and motivation, states of consciousness, issues related to adolescents, and social behavior.
This course studies Psychology in greater depth through lectures, numerous reading assignments in the text and on psychological research, case studies, and current topics in the field. Learning activities include reading news articles and readings related to current issues in the mental health field.
Essays based on class activities, films, readings, and personal experiences are required. Actual case studies and films are used to investigate and analyze issues related to coping strategies, mental disorders, life issues, and healthy psychological functioning. Treatment approaches for mental disorders are investigated.
Class participation/involvement is a must. The course is intended for students who have a serious interest in Psychology and are considering a profession in the field of Psychology or a related field. A CD-ROM program is used to support class, textbook, and research materials. Assessment is based on regular homework, tests, and special term projects including a research project due in May.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: listening, speaking, reading, critical and creative thinking, and appreciation of diversity.
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Psychology I (Sem. I & Sem. II) |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
Psychology focuses on helping students develop concepts and techniques that will enable them to learn about themselves, their values, and their relationship to other people in a variety of settings.
Areas of study include: psychological theories of behavior and therapy, learning theories, developmental theories, environmental influences, decision-making processes, personality development, motivations and needs, achieving mental health and treatment therapies for mental illness, and abnormal behavior.
Learning activities and grading include the following: required textbook readings, concepts and information from assigned readings. Lectures and films are evaluated on quizzes and tests. Readings are assigned related to news articles and current issues in mental health. Essays based on class activities, films, readings, and personal experiences are required. Class participation is a strong factor.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: speaking, listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and appreciation of diversity.
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Advanced Placement Economics |
LEVEL-AP |
GRADE 12 |
5 CREDITS |
Advanced Placement Microeconomics is an accelerated course for seniors who would like to do more work in the social sciences with an eye toward business or government work. Specifically, the course deals with the Advanced Placement course outline, which includes the topics of scarcity, opportunity cost, production possibility curves, benefit/cost analysis, supply and demand, perfect and imperfect competition, factor markets, the role of government, and reasons for trade. In addition, current economic developments are analyzed. Students can leave this course with the same knowledge that could be acquired from a college introductory microeconomics course.
Students use a text (Dollars and Sense), readings from news magazines like Newsweek, and analytical exercises from Advanced Placement preparatory books. Homework quizzes, unit tests, Advanced Placement test preparation exercises, and small outside projects are the main source of grades. All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam. Students who are interested in taking this course should have an above-grade reading capability, a comfort level with mathematical abstractions, and a keen interest in this area.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: listening, reading, writing, critical and creative thinking and technological skills
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Citizenship for the 21st Century (Sem. I & Sem. II) |
LEVEL-2 |
GRADE 11 - 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
This course is designed to help students become informed, active, and powerful citizens of a free and complex society. Through the study of their fundamental rights and responsibilities as American citizens, students will learn practical skills to maximize their influence with various political and governmental institutions at the local, state, and national levels. Students will engage in numerous activities, including debates, mock trials, model legislative sessions, and executive role-playing situations. Emphasis will be on sound decision-making. Discussions of significant current events as they apply to course topics will also be conducted regularly.
This course satisfies the "Civics and Government" strand of the state frameworks. An assortment of articles, web sites, books, and other research tools will be utilized in class. Students are expected to maintain a notebook throughout the course.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: listening, reading, speaking, critical and creative thinking and practicing democratic ideals
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Ethics: Self & Society (Sem. I & Sem. II) |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 11 - 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
Harness the wisdom of the ages to achieve a more meaningful and fulfilling personal life. This course will highlight major trends in Western moral philosophy and apply prominent classical ideas to contemporary moral problems. Topics will include how to achieve happiness, the nature of morality, free will and responsibility, virtues and vices, suicide, dishonesty, human sexuality, abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, cloning, animal rights, decadence and the coarsening of American culture.
Combining ethical theory with practical situations, the course will feature student-centered activities such as intensive discussions, debates, role-playing situations, and examination of case studies. Students must possess sophisticated reading and writing skills because the bulk of the required readings is selected from a college-level text (Jacques P. Thiroux's Ethics: Theory and Practice) while journals, persuasive essays, and research projects form the basis of evaluation.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: listening, reading, speaking, critical and creative thinking, and appreciation for diversity.
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Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics |
LEVEL-AP |
GRADE 11 - 12 |
5 CREDITS |
This course is designed for qualified students with an avid interest in power, leadership, law, government, political theory, and practical politics. The curriculum will intensively investigate the following broad topics: the Constitutional basis of government; federalism; branches of the national government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, campaigns and elections; interest groups, and the mass media; civil rights and civil liberties; and public policy.
Extensive research, critical essays, and experiential activities will be assigned throughout the year. All students will be required to participate in daily seminars. James Q. Wilson's American Government is the text used along with a collection of readings, American Political Ideals and Realities by Peter Woll. A summer reading/writing assignment is required.
This course is equivalent to a one-semester college introductory course in American Government. Students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics exam in May.
This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: listening, reading, critical and creative thinking, and the ideals and practices of a democratic society.
Guideline: Students should have received a minimum grade of B in History Level-1 courses in order to select this course.
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Topics in American Studies Through Film (Sem. I) |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
This course examines a focused subject in US history and politics in detail, through examination of journal articles and primary source readings as well as through the interpretations of historic events as depicted in selected documentaries and feature films. Students will learn both the latest scholarship in the selected topic for the semester as well as techniques in media literacy and recognizing interpretation and bias both in print and in film. Students will be expected to produce a written three-to-five page critique for each documentary or feature film viewed, with an average of four to five films viewed during the semester. Fall - 2006 Topic: The U.S. Civil War & Reconstruction Era, 1850 - 1877.
Text: Carnes, Mark C. (ed.). Past Imperfect: History According to the Movies. New York: Henry Holt & Sons, 1995.
Guidelines: Admission to this course is by application ONLY. Students desiring to enroll in the course should have a minimum average of a B in junior Social Studies and English Level-1 courses or an A- average in Social Studies and English Level-2 courses. Students must submit a two-page entrance essay to the instructor one week prior to course selection deadline to help determine eligibility for the course. Students should obtain the essay topic from the instructor at the start of the course selection process.
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Topics in World Studies Through Film (Sem. II) |
LEVEL-1 |
GRADE 12 |
2.5 CREDITS |
This course examines a focused subject in world history and politics in detail, through examination of journal articles and primary source readings as well as through the interpretations of historic events as depicted in selected documentaries and feature films. Students will learn both the latest scholarship in the selected topic for the semester as well as techniques in media literacy and recognizing interpretation and bias both in print and in film. Students will be expected to produce a written three-to-five page critique for each documentary or feature film viewed, with an average of four to five films viewed during the semester. Spring - 2007 Topic: Modern Empire & Imperialism, 1800 - present.
Text: Carnes, Mark C. (ed.). Past Imperfect: History According to the Movies. New York: Henry Holt & Sons, 1995.
Guidelines: Admission to this course is by application ONLY. Students desiring to enroll in the course should have a minimum average of a B in junior Social Studies and English Level-1 courses or an A- average in Social Studies and English Level-2 courses. Students must submit a two-page entrance essay to the instructor one week prior to course selection deadline to help determine eligibility for the course. Students should obtain the essay topic from the instructor at the start of the course selection process
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Comments? Concerns? Questions? Please contact the History Webmaster at: fayled@kingphilip.org |
Last updated September 2 2006