Social Studies Courses
Requirements: All students are required to take 3 years of Social Studies courses. (One year of World History and 2 years of US History.) All averages presented are unweighted, yearly averages unless otherwise noted.
World History
This course is a global study of civilizations from the antiquities to modern times, stressing the contributions of ancient societies to the development of modern political, economic, social and religious concepts. Current events are a regular feature in this course. This course uses all available technology. (Grade 9) (Course # 2101)
World History - Honors
This accelerated course in World History will have as its focus: a description and comparison of the major social, political, economic and cultural themes from the classical period to the present. By means of several techniques special emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking skills. Students will be responsible for research projects, supplementary readings, treatments of current events using all available technology. (Grade 9) (Course # 2102)
World History - High Honors
This accelerated course in World History will have as its focus: an analysis and evaluation of the major social, political, economic and cultural themes from the classical period to the present. By means of several techniques special emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking skills, and the use of primary sources. Students will be responsible for research assignments, supplementary readings, and treatments of current events using all available technology. (Grade 9) (Course # 2103)
Economics
This course will impart both theoretical and practical information in the subject area. A major concern will be increasing student understanding of how economics works, and the individual's role in the domestic and global economies and the relationship between politics and economics. A comprehensive project is required at the end of the semester and serves as a final exam grade. A comprehensive project and a final exam are required at the end of the semester. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 2211)
Macroeconomics - AP
This is a one semester course taught in the spring that is open to both eleventh and twelfth graders who took the Economics elective and scored over an eighty five percent for their cumulative grade. The course is rigorous and will require hard work, effort, and significant time studying outside the classroom. Many different topics will be taught including: international trade, aggregate supply and demand, reading and using economic indicators (CPI, GDP, and Gini Index), the pricing system, the banking system, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and finance. The course will also improve student’s critical thinking skills, their ability to read and interpret graphs, and their knowledge of finance and public policy. (Grade 11, 12) (Course # 2804)
United States History I
This is a survey course of early American History covering the period from European exploration to the Industrial Age. Emphasis is placed on the connection of the past to the present through daily homework, current events, and research assignments. (Grade 10) (Course # 2201)
United States History I – Honors
This is an honors level course in United States History. It is designed to provide an accelerated curriculum in American History stressing primary source material and research. Critical essays based on assigned outside readings and research papers are required. (Grade 10) (Course # 2202)
United States History I – High Honors
This is an advanced level course in United States History. It is designed to provide a college-level course in American History stressing primary source material and research skills necessary for analysis of the document-based questions that are taught at this level. Critical essays based on assigned outside readings and research papers are required regularly. Students in this course will be screened for enrollment in U.S. History II – Advanced Placement. (Grade 10) (Course # 2203)
United States History II
This course continues the study of the United States begun in U.S. History I. Emphasis is placed on the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries and our current issues. Students are responsible for daily homework, current events and research assignments. (Grade 11) (Course # 2301)
United States History II - Honors
This course continues the study of the United States begun in the sophomore year. Emphasis is placed on the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries and our current events. Honors students are responsible for research papers, supplementary readings, critical analysis essays, and pro and con treatments of current, events and culture lessons using all available technology. (Grade 11) (Course # 2302)
United States History II – Advanced Placement
This U. S. History course is designed to offer junior students who are capable of pursuing college-level studies in history the opportunity of working at an advanced level. Critical essays based on assigned outside readings, DBQs, and research/position papers are required regularly. (Grade 11) (Course # 2304)
Senior Electives
Psychology
This course introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. The focus of the course is grappling with an analysis of the individual in relationship to his or her environment (which includes both the physical world and social relationships). The goal of the course is to synthesize content in ways that are meaningful to the students-so that they can appreciate the interdependent relationship between mind and body, better understand themselves and others as complex beings, and become active participants in improving the human condition. Outside reading is required. A major project is required at the end of the semester and serves as a final exam grade. (Grade 12) (Course # 2401)
Sociology
The threat of terrorism in our world, the growing popularity of social media and the internet, the continued partisanship in our government, and the need for our local, state, and federal governments to make better economic decisions. All are examples of the latest trends and concerns of our society. In this course we will examine how our society has changed and how it will continue to change in the future. Some of the topics that will be discussed in this class are the history of Sociology, social interaction, criminal behavior, interracial relationships, gender inequality, and growing economic concerns. The course requires a major project at the end of the semester that will serve as the final exam. (Grade 12) (Course # 2411)
International Studies/Middle College Program
International Studies offers students an opportunity to learn about international issues through in-depth research, constructive dialogue and simulation. Students reconcile national interests with the needs of the international community, becoming immersed in an active learning process. By researching country backgrounds, students learn about the historical, religious and cultural institutions that influence a country’s perspective. Through the study of displaced people and territorial disputes, students develop an understanding and tolerance for other cultures as well as the connection between resource distribution and conflict. Comprehensive project assignments are required throughout the year. This course does include a midterm and a final exam. (Grade 12) (Course # 2702)
Government and Politics U.S.
Advanced Placement
This course is designed to offer senior students a college level survey of American government. Major emphasis is placed on political ideology, the evolution of democratic institutions and the political behavior of the American electorate. (Grade 12) (Course # 2404)