Social Studies

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World History

AIMS: This course will review prior World History concepts taught in the Middle School. This course will focus on the 15th century to the present. This is a course designed to develop an understanding of the social, political, and economic institutions of both western and non-western cultures from the 15th century up to and including contemporary times. Students will work with a variety of educational tools including texts, primary sources, and research tools including CD-ROM and other technologies.

• Course Syllabus

Modern Society
(Required course for all 10th grade students)

AIMS: This course has been developed to provide sophomores with another integral step in our sequence of social studies offerings. It will also be vital in preparing sophomores to pass the OGT test in citizenship.
CONTENT: With the twentieth century historical focus, the course will be taught using a topical, rather than the usual chronological/survey approach. National/state standards will provide the basic structure for topical studies, including theoretical and practical government, comparative economics, physical and economic geography, and people in society (Sociology). The course will include a component on the development of strong critical thinking skills and in reading and writing.

• Course Syllabus

World Geography

AIMS: World geography focuses on the interaction of human beings throughout the world with their physical and cultural environments. The course emphasizes the role of geography in the shaping of the historic, economic and cultural development of the various regions of the world. The regional approach is used to study the world's nations. Class activities include research, map making, and reports.

Pre-Advanced Placement Modern Society

NOTE: This course is highly recommended for any student who intends to register for AP US History in the 11th grade and AP Government in the 12th grade.
AIMS: This course encourages the student to closely examine global, social, political, and economic issues using a contemporary historical context. The student will also be introduced to study skills necessary to any study within the social sciences and history disciplines. This course allows for a smooth transition into AP courses in American History and American Government.
CONTENT: This course will focus on twentieth century America and will be taught using a topical, rather than the usual chronological/survey approach. National/state standards will provide the basic structure for studies, including: theoretical and practical government, comparative economics, physical and economic geography, and people in society. The student will be exposed to conflicting viewpoints through research, lecture, readings, discussions, and projects.

• Course Syllabus

United States History

AIMS: U.S. History at the 11th grade level includes a brief review of events in the United States up through the Civil War. The primary emphasis, however, is on events since 1865 up to the present.

• Course Syllabus

Advanced Placement United States History

NOTE: May be taken in lieu of U.S. History. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement American History are expected to have maintained a "B" average in World History, and have the recommendation of the department.

AIMS: This course is designed for the advanced student who wishes to study United States history in detail, with the possibility of taking the Advanced Placement examination for college credit. The course will include a study of selected topics from the Colonial period to the present. A primary focus will include the historiography of these periods.

History of Psychology

(One Semester course--5 periods per week--1/2 credit)
Grades 11, 12

AIMS: This course traces the development of psychology as a social science. Because psychology deals with the study of individual behavior, students enrolled in this course should gain insight into a variety of areas such as thinking, memory, learning, emotions, motivation, human development, personality, sensation, and perception. The development of the field of psychology and its potential future are included.

• Course Syllabus

Sociology

AIMS: Sociology is the study of groups in society. Topics covered in this course deal with family relationships, crime, religion, minorities, social classes, and other potential and real social problems.

• Course Syllabus

Applied Economics

AIMS: This course is designed to give students a practical, working understanding of the American economic system. Supply and demand, financing a business, marketing, productivity, and other economic concepts are included. Through the use of business simulations and exercises, students are expected to apply their knowledge while improving critical thinking and decision-making skills.

United States Government

(One Semester course--5 periods per week--1/2 credit)
Grade 12

AIMS: The history of our government, its future, and the present dilemmas it faces form the core of this course. Specific topics include the formation of constitutional democracy, federalism, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, comparative systems, and other timely topics related to the political structure.

• Course Syllabus

Advanced Placement United States Government

(One Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 12

NOTE: May be taken in lieu of U.S. Government and Economics. Enrollment by recommendation of department.

AIMS: This course is designed for the advanced student who wishes to study government in detail, with the possibility of taking the Advanced Placement examination for college credit. The course will include a study of United States government as well as a study of economic theory and comparative economic systems.

• Course Syllabus

Social Studies Seminar: Issues and Answers

NOTE: Offered only the first semester.

AIMS: This course will focus on global social studies issues, and their underlying legal foundations. Students will be involved in examining conflicting viewpoints through research, discussion and debate, with a focus on perfecting written and oral communication. The second grading period will be devoted to preparing for mock trial.

Consumer Business/Economics

AIMS: This course is a study of what it takes to succeed as a consumer in today's world. Topics include consumer needs and problems, credit, buying skills, banking, investing, and much more!

Law

AIMS: This course is a study of the legal concepts and rules that are useful to us as citizens, consumers, workers, and members of the business community. Topics covered include crimes and torts, the legal environment, contracts, insurance, and current issues in law.