Social Studies

 

This course provides the background to the major themes running through world history; trade, world religions, and empires.   Settlement of North America as an extension of European colonization and the Reformation will be covered. Students in the Honors level course will be required to complete additional outside readings of primary and secondary sources, and will be expected to complete lengthier and more complicated writing assignments. Additionally, the honors course will develop the skills necessary to be successful in an AP history course.

 

Through this course students will be introduced to human and physical geography, economics, sociology, anthropology, history as well as a smattering of science, (we’ll be going easy on this for obvious reasons!) While exploring these topics, students will discover how they affect different regions and countries. More specifically, students will be able to:

 

 

This course explores the causes and effects of various revolutions; intellectual revolution of the Enlightenment, American, French, and Industrial Revolutions.  American Civil War and Imperialism will also be covered. Students in the Honors level course will be required to complete additional outside readings of primary and secondary sources, and will be expected to complete lengthier and more complicated writing assignments. Additionally, the honors course will develop the skills necessary to be successful in an AP history course.

 

In this course students will analyze the causes of America’s growing role in diplomatic relations through World War 1, including the global consequences of the aftermath.  Students study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive Movement and the New Deal and learn about the various factors that led to the Great Depression and entry into World War 2, both from an American and Global perspective.   Additionally, students look at the causes and course of the Cold War, important economic and political changes during the Cold War, including the Civil Rights movement, and recent events and trends that have shaped modern-day America and the world.  Finally, students analyze the development and goals of nationalist movements in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East, and evaluate how one of these movements and its leader brought about decolonization and independence in the second half of the 20th century.
Students in the Honors level course will read longer and more complex texts, and will be expected to complete lengthier and more complex writing assignments. 

(Grades, 10, 11,12)                 

AP World History develops greater understanding of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. It makes extensive use of primary and secondary source readings and stresses the development of communication skills for students planning to attend competitive four-year colleges and universities. A written examination on the summer reading will be administered prior to the beginning of class. Summer work may be required. Please note that students are required to take the AP Exam in May.

The main objective of this course is student involvement and concern about society as it relates to the student. Students will evaluate their active responsibility to be thoughtful, reflective and accepting young citizens. The following areas are investigated from a sociological point of view: social structure (groups, social interaction, deviance, and social control), individuals (adolescence), inequality, racism, poverty, institutions (such as family), and social change. Students will communicate using multiple modes of expression such as audiovisual media, readings, debates/discussions, and research methods. Students will study current events that tie to the above areas in order to see these aspects at work in real time. Class discussions will be an integral component  as it will provide students with an opportunity to use acquired knowledge, but also engage in civil debate.

This course will focus on a broad overview of psychology emphasizing social and developmental psychology. Students will be asked to explore questions such as: How do we learn through association and reinforcement? What influence do parents have on their children’s personality? How do peers influence our behaviors? What determines whether a person’s behavior is normal or abnormal? Students will work collaboratively to complete a school-wide research project using an experimental method. Students will also communicate their understanding of a chosen psychological disorder through the creation of a themed  product utilizing art and written expression.

Course Sequence: Completion of Ancient or Early Modern courses. 

Traditional history courses have more often than not focused on key events played out by men. This is “history which is seen through only a half opened window...” In an effort to expose you to the fully opened window and to foster citizenship in a global world, this course will include newer interpretations of history by focusing more on the contributions of women throughout the world and over time. Students will think critically about topics such as World Women’s Rights’ Movements, Women and Veiling, Cultural practices of women around the world, World Women and their fight for Peace and Medieval Women, to name just a few. College prep level courses will concentrate on the more important subject matter topics, include an increased number of critical thinking exercises (e.g. analysis of primary source documents, use of historical thinking skills, etc.) done cooperatively, and slightly fewer communication performances, such as essays and presentations. Honors level courses will have extra historical content, an increased number of individual critical thinking exercises (e.g. analysis of primary source documents, use of historical thinking skills, etc.), and more communication related individual performances, such as essays and presentations. This course, like other honors-level history courses, will develop the skills necessary to be successful in an AP history course.