Social Studies

Students are required to complete three credits of Social Studies courses, which includes World History and U.S. History.
421 World History Grade 9/10 1 Credit
This course traces the major political, economic, cultural, military, and political developments in western civilization from ancient times to the modern period. Areas of major concentration include Europe, England, and Russia. Cultural issues such as Greek art and western music are also included.
431 United States History Grade 10/11 1 Credit
This course is a general survey of the history of the United States from colonial times to the present. The emphasis will be placed on the period from 1865 to the present, focusing concentration on the emergence of the United States as a world power. Contemporary issues and current affairs will be discussed on a regular basis.
435 A.P. United States History Grade 11/12 1 Credit
The syllabus for this course is determined by the College Board. This college level course examines the major political, social and economic trends and events of American history from the Pre-Columbian Era to modern times. This reading and writing intensive course will prepare students to take the College Board’s AP US History exam. PREREQUISITES: “B” average in World History, department approval, and completion of a summer assignment.
441 United States Government Grade 1/12 1 Credit
This course examines the structure and the operation of our federal system; an in-depth study of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; the basis of our personal rights; and the governmental role in the protection of those rights. The course futher explores major political systems which are contrary to the American tradition, and explores the concept of democracy and how it is embodied in the Constitution and the tripartite division of power. The contrast between the American system and totalitarian regimes is also examined.
445 A.P. Government Grade 12 1 Credit
kes into account an in-depth analysis of the theoretical and practical aspects of the American political system. Also, there is a parallel study made of seven foreign governments (USSR, Russia, Communist China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, and Nigeria), so that students are prepared not only to take the College Board A.P. Exam in American Government but also the A.P. Exam in Comparative Government. PREREQUISITES: Minimun of a "B" average in World History and U.S. History, and the completion of a summer assignment.
446 A.P. European History Grade 12 1 Credit
The syllabus for this course is determined by the College Board. This is a college-level survey of western civilization from the thirteenth century to the modern era. Major intellectual revolutions, such as the Scientific Revolution and the Darwinian Revolution, are considered. An emphasis is placed on historical documents and their interpretation. This course prepares the students to take the AP exam in European History. PREREQUISITES: Minimum of a "B" average in World History and U.S. History, and the completion of a summer assignment.
450 The American Presidency Grade 11/12
.5 Credit
The American Presidency course is a one-semester course in which the student will learn about the history of this country’s highest political office. The student will examine presidential power, decision-making, the uses and abuses of power, and how presidential success and failure are determined by modern-day political scientists. PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of U.S. History.
456 Post World War II America Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
The objective of this course is to develop students' understanding of United States History from 1945 to the present-day by interweaving the social and cultural progress with other aspects of American History from the same time period. PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of U.S. History.
460 Introduction to Psychology Grade 11/12 1 Credit
This course is designed to increase students’ understanding of psychology as a social science. The biological bases of behavior and basic concepts of learning, cognition, development, motivation, personality, and other areas central to the study of psychology will be covered. Applications of psychology to everyday life will be discussed.
468 A.P. History of Art Grade 11/12 1 Credit
This Advanced Placement survey course begins with Paleolithic cave paintings and continues to the 20th Century. It stresses the study of Greek sculpture, Gothic architecture, Renaissance perspectives, the origins of Baroque, and the development of 20th Century painting, sculpture, and architecture. The approach to this course is by stylistic analysis and comparisons of various works of art. Upon completion, students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement History of Art exam. PREREQUISITES: Minimum of "B" average in both World and U.S. Histories, instructor approval, and completion of a summer assignment.
470 Introduction to Economics Grade 10/11/12 1 Credit
The course introduces students to principles, policies, and problem-solving in the world of economics. It will analyze theories and problems of micro and macro economics. It will also incorporate some business management theories. Students must have good algebraic skills for some economic models and graphs. PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Algebra I.
471 Gender/Ethnicity in America Grade 11/12 1 Credit
An elective in Sociology, this course will address the influence of gender and ethnicity on our experiences as Americans. This course will reflect on the questions, "How do gender and ethnicity influence our beliefs, methods of socialization, and identities?" "How do they both challenge and strengthen community in America in ways that may be more difficult in less diverse societies?" Students will examine the media, popular culture, and their own experiences in light of current research, memoir, and the work of various cultural critics.
472 History of American Music Grade 11/12 1 Credit
American History, although consisting of only a few centuries, is full of dynamic people and dramatic events. The History of American Music course will focus on the connection between music and the American culture. By studying the development of American music in a chronological fashion, students will better understand the events of American history and see the development and growth of the American culture. PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of U.S. History.
473 Political Economy Grade 11/12 1 Credit
This course studies the interaction of economics and politics, which creates public policy. The course will include basic micro and macroeconomic concepts in order to understand how public policies have intended and unintended costs and benefits. Using current events, students will examine the policy process including problem identification, policy formulation and the adoption process. Students will also explore the role of media and interest groups in the public policy process.