History & Social Sciences

The focus of this course is on the major events, ideas, and trends in American history from 1763 through the Industrial Revolution. 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, Reconstruction, Industrial Revolution, and the westward expansion are topics that will be studied. This course is designed 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, and book reviews.

Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. Students should consult the school’s web site for updated summer reading lists.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of 80% in World Civilizations 8 Level-1 and English Level-1 in Grade 8 or achieved a minimum grade of 90% in World Civilizations 8 (Level-2).

This course is a thorough survey of American history from the end of the French and Indian War through the First World War. Some of the major topics include the American Revolution, Constitution, political changes, economic changes, slavery and causes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrial Revolution, westward expansion, imperialism, progressivism, and US involvement in World War I. 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. Varied homework assignments, projects, reports, essays, and regular quizzes and tests are part of the curriculum.

Assessment CD-ROM programs are used to support class, textbook, and research materials. Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. Students should consult the school’s web site for updated summer reading lists.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

This course is a thorough survey of American history from the westward expansion to the present. Some of the major topics include the Roaring Twenties and the Depression and New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and globalization. This course is designed 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 a formal research paper.

Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. Students should consult the school’s web site for updated summer reading lists.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of 80% in United States History 1 Honors or achieved a minimum grade of 90% in United States History 1.

The focus of this course is on the major events, ideas, and trends in American history since World War I. Some of the major topics include the Roaring Twenties, the Depression and New Deal, World War II, 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.

Participation in the summer reading program is a requirement for this course. Students should consult the school’s web site for updated summer reading lists.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

This course is intended for the student who is seriously interested in history. Through a thematic examination of content, perspective, and interpretation, students will study events and issues in world history from c.1650 to the present. Themes may include:

• Enlightenment and global revolutionary-era concepts.
• the challenges of industrialization, capitalism, and socialism/Marxism.
• scientific discoveries and cultural and political reform movements.
• nationalism and the challenges of pre-World War I nations.
• global imperialism & anti-colonialism.
• the causes and effects of the World Wars.
• the Russian Revolution & rise of communism.
• the rise of fascism & totalitarianism.
• decolonization and new pre-industrialized global political forces.
• the Cold War.
• post-Cold War events.
• contemporary globalization of world societies and institutions.

Textbook & primary source readings, documentary films, and lecture-discussions are employed for content learning and developing interpretation and analytical skills. Students engage in a variety of activities that can include critical thinking skills exercises, maps, debates, and timelines. Assessments include tests & quizzes, individual and team projects, research writings, and varied homework and classroom assignments

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guideline: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of B in United States History 2 Honors and English 10 Honors or achieved a minimum grade of A- in United States History 2 and English 10.

Students engage in a chronological study of the following eras in history from c.1650 to the present: the Enlightenment and the Age of Revolutions; the Industrial Revolution; 19th century scientific, cultural, and political reforms; nationalism and the challenges of pre-World War I nations; global imperialism; World War I; the Russian Revolution; the Great Depression and the rise of the dictators; World War II; the Cold War; post-Cold War events; and the globalization of today’s world.

Good reading and writing skills are critical and are reinforced in this course. Map skills, research skills, and note-taking skills are also developed. The course develops its objectives by means of varied primary and secondary source readings, lectures, note-taking, relevant films, projects, quizzes, tests, debates, and discussions.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

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 textbook, readings from news magazines like Newsweek, and analytical exercises from Advanced Placement preparation books. Homework quizzes, unit tests, Advanced Placement test preparation exercises, and small outside projects are the main source of grades.

NOTE: All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: 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. They also should have achieved a minimum grade of A- in Modern World History Honors and English 11 Honors or achieved a minimum grade of B- in Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement English 11.

Advanced Placement Psychology is an intensive, rigorous year-long course designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Psychology Examination. This college-level course will introduce students to the scientific and systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated within each of the major subfields of psychology. Students will also learn about ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students use a textbook, readings from scholarly journals and magazines, and analytical exercises from the Advanced Placement preparation books. Homework, quizzes, unit tests, Advanced Placement test preparation exercises, and outside projects are the main sources of grades. Students who are interested in taking this course should have above average reading ability, strong analytical capability, and a strong interest in the subject area. A conceptual background in the areas of statistics, anatomy and biology are recommended.

NOTE: All students enrolling in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Psychology Examination in May.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have completed Modern World History Honors with a minimum grade of A- and English 11 Honors with a minimum grade of A- or achieved a minimum grade of B- in Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement English 11.

This course studies Psychology in greater depth through lectures, reading assignments, psychological research, case studies, and current topics in the field. Learning activities include demonstrations, news articles, case studies, film and readings related to current issues in the mental health field. 46 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. Assessment is based on homework, tests, and special term projects.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of B in Modern World History Honors and English 11 Honors or achieved a minimum grade of A- in Modern World History and English 11.

This course is designed for qualified students with an avid interest in leadership, law, politics, political theory, and government. The curriculum will intensively investigate the following topics: The Constitutional foundation of government; the institutions of the federal government (Presidency, Congress, Supreme Court); political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, campaigns and elections; interest groups, the mass media; civil rights and civil liberties; and public policy. Extensive readings, class discussions, current events, and experiential activities form the basis of student work. In addition, a summer reading and/or writing assignment is required. This course is equivalent to a one-semester college introductory course in American Government.

NOTE: Students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics Examination in May.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of A- in Modern World History Honors and English 11 Honors or achieved a minimum grade of B- in Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement English 11.

Honors U.S. Government is a yearlong course in which students will pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government and the role of the citizen in the democratic process. Current issues related to the Constitution, individual rights, campaigns and elections, the branches of government, and domestic and foreign policy will be of particular focus. The goal of the course is for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of U.S. government and the political process and to explore their own political beliefs. Honors students will read a wide range of primary and secondary sources, participate in simulations, engage in debates and projects, and complete other assignments to address to course curriculum.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of B in English 10 Honors or English 11 Honors, or achieved a minimum grade of A- in English 10 or English 11.

Advanced Placement World History is a course for a select number of students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in history and who have an interest in World History. The course follows the national Advanced Placement curriculum that includes an intense study of World History topics from 1200CE to modern times.

Materials include a college level textbook, above grade level readings, and critical thinking activities. The Advanced Placement curriculum guide will be followed. Homework, tests, and outside projects will constitute the basis for grades.

Students will be expected to complete the required summer readings by the start of the academic year. Students should consult the school’s web site and the history department’s website for listed readings and for additional summer assignments.

NOTE: Students enrolling in this course will be expected to take the Advanced Placement World History Examination in May.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guideline: Students currently enrolled in Advanced Placement United States History 2 should have a minimum grade of B- in this course. Students who are currently enrolled in English 10 Honors with a minimum grade of A- may also take this course.

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 students’ rights, the courts, lawyers, juvenile justice, and the correctional system).

Relevant films, values clarification activities, guest speakers, simulations, mock trials, individual and group projects, and reports. Field trips to courts and a correctional institution may be available in the future. 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: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

This course will explore major trends in moral philosophy and apply prominent ethical theories to contemporary moral problems. Topics will include a study of the nature of morality, human interactions, suicide, human sexuality, abortion, capital punishment, physician assisted suicide, social media, gender, and a host of other issues that present ethical dilemmas in our modern lives.

Combining ethical theory with practical situations, this course will feature student-centered activities such as intensive class discussions, debates, written analysis, and examinations of case studies. Students will strengthen their critical reading and persuasive writing skills and will use those skills to practice crafting well-reasoned and fact-based oral arguments.

This course addresses the following expectations for student learning: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.

Guidelines: Students selecting this course should have achieved a minimum grade of B in English 10 Honors or English 11 Honors, or achieved a minimum grade of A- in English 10 or English 11. Students should be willing to engage in public speaking and debate.

Sociology examines 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 as well as addressing the social impact of current events. 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: ability to work independently and collaboratively to solve problems, think critically and create original products. Students will use technology to access, evaluate and effectively apply information.