Department of Social Studies

World History 9113
Prerequisite: 9th Grade Requirement (Beginning w/ Class of 2011)
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course will focus on the study of global history beginning with the ancient civilizations of the world, including the Mediterranean civilizations, Asian civilizations, Africa, and the Americas. This will be followed by an in-depth look at societies during the Middle Ages, focusing on Europe as well as the spread of Islam. The course will conclude with a study of the modern world, beginning with the Renaissance and ending with the Cold War. Geography and map comprehension will be emphasized throughout the course.

Honors World History 9113H
Prerequisite: 9th Grade Placement Test
Credit: 1.0

Description: This year-long course will focus on an in-depth study of global history. The course will commence with the ancient civilizations of the world, including the Mediterranean civilizations, Asian civilizations, Africa, and the Americas. This study will continue with the societies of the Middle Ages, including Europe and the spread of Islam. The course will conclude with a study of the modern world, beginning with the Renaissance and ending with the Cold War. Students in this course will focus on the study of primary source documents and a more detailed study of world geography. In addition, research papers will be included in the course work.

U.S. History 9311
Prerequisite: 11th Grade Requirement
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This program is designed to introduce the student to American traditions and political, social, and economic history. It affords the opportunity to explore the United States from the Age of Exploration and Discovery through post-WWI. Although the major emphasis of this course is a chronological approach to the study of history, it examines more fully the roots of the pressing social, political, and economic issues of the present day. A particular focus in approach is the ability of the student to handle historical evidence, to generalize from specific facts, and the express one’s findings.

Honors U.S. History 9311H
Prerequisite: B average in Freshman History & Department Approval
Credit: 1.0

Description: This year-long course continues the honors program in preparing the student for advanced placement course. Students will combine the study of the regular US History course with 20th century of America. Emphasis will be placed on laying a firm foundation of the events and trends which make up our Nation's political, economic, and social past. Critical analysis and several research papers will be required. Students who select this course will be expected to select the Advanced Placement course the following year.

American Government  9410 (12th grade)  9411 (10th grade)
Prerequisite: 12th Grade Requirement (Ending w/ class of 2009)
           10th Grade Requirement (Beginning w/ class of 2010)
Credit: .5

Description:  This semester course will emphasize the evolution of the American Constitution. It will include all levels of government such as federal, state, and local and their organization, structure, and functions. Other topics will include: voting, citizenship, political parties, political philosophies, political systems, American foreign policy, and international law and organizations. Various disciplines such as economics, geography, and history will be used to develop a better perspective of the American political system.

Honors American Government 9410H
Prerequisite: Honors European History or Department Approval
Credit: .5

Description: This honors course will emphasize the evolution of the American Constitution. It will include all levels of the federal, state and local government as well as their organization, structure and functions. Other topics will include: voting, citizenship, political parties, and political philosophies. The overall goal will be for the students to develop a better perspective of the American political system.  In an honors course, it is the expectation that the students will be writing daily while using critical thinking, discussions and debates to enhance their learning.

20th Century US History 9400
Prerequisite: 12th Grade Requirement
Credit: .5
Note: Students taking an Advanced Placement course may have American Government/20th Century U.S. History waived.

Description: This one semester course is designed to introduce students to the political, economic, and social themes of 20th Century US History. This course will include the following topics: World War I, Jazz Age, Depression, First and Second New Deal, World War II, Korean War, Eisenhower Era, JFK, Vietnam, Nixon-Ford-Carter years, and the Reagan and Bush Administrations. This course will focus on critical thinking, writing, debate and current event seminars.

Honors 20th Century US History 9400H
Prerequisite: Honors US History or Department Approval
Credit: .5

Description: This honors program is designed to introduce students to the political, economic and social themes of 20th Century US History beginning with the 1930’s. This course will include the following topics: the First and Second New Deal; WWII; Korean War; Eisenhower Era; Civil Rights Era; JFK; Vietnam; Nixon-Ford-Carter years; and the Reagan and Bush Administrations. Since this is an honors course, critical thinking, writing, and discussion will be a large focus of the class.

Advanced Placement U.S. History 9501
Prerequisite: B average in Honors U. S. History or Department Approval.
Credit: 1.0
Note: Students taking an Advanced Placement course may have American Government/20th Century U.S. History waived.

Description: This year-long course is designed for talented and motivated students who seek the challenge of a college level course. The course strives to develop in the student a critical understanding of the major events, trends, and ideas that have shaped our nation. Excellent independent work habits, strong reading skills, and a genuine interest in the study of history are essential for success in this course. Demanding research projects and extensive readings are required. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement English Exam at the end of the course and are responsible for the fee charged by the College Board.

Advanced Placement European History 9502
Prerequisite: B average in Social Studies coursework or Department Approval
Credit: 1.0
Note: Students taking an Advanced Placement course may have American Government/20th Century U.S. History waived.

Description: This year-long course is designed for the talented and motivated students who seek the challenge of a college level course. The course is a comprehensive study of European History from the Renaissance to the present. The course examines the political, diplomatic, economic, social and cultural developments of Modern Europe. Excellent independent work habits and strong reading skills and a genuine interest in the study of history are essential for success in this course. Demanding research projects and extensive readings are required. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement English Exam at the end of the course and are responsible for the fee charged by the College Board.

Sociology 9430
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
Credit: .5

Description: Through this course, students will study human society and social behavior. Students will see how people relate to one another and influence each other's behavior. The goal is to see the connection between the larger world and their personal lives. Students will develop an understanding of the basic concepts of Sociology including culture, socialization, social stratification, and social change. The major topics that will be covered in this course include the Sociological Perspective, Culture, Socialization, Class Structure, Social Interaction, Adolescents in Society, Deviance, Racial & Ethnic Relations, Gender, The Family, Sociology of Education, and Sociology of Sport.

Psychology 9460
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
Credit: .5

Description: This one semester course provides students with an introduction to the field of psychology, the principles of human behavior and their application. A major emphasis is on developmental psychology. Consequently, it is concerned with the description and explanation of changes within the individual and within the social environment that can influence the mental, emotional, and behavioral processes of humans. The study of psychology enables students to develop a scientific approach to understanding themselves. Throughout the course, there is emphasis on group interaction and experimental studies.

Advanced Psychology 9461
Prerequisite: C in Psychology &/or Department Approval
Credit: .5

Description: This one semester elective is an expansion of the introductory course. In addition to expounding upon basic concepts covered in the introductory class, students will be introduced to basic therapeutic techniques of the major schools of Psychology. The course will also afford the opportunity for exploration of alternate fields of psychology, including play, multicultural, child, and forensics. Students will be expected to participate in group discussion and projects.

Women's Studies 9480
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
Credit: .5

Description: This is a one semester elective that will serve as an introduction to the field of women’s studies. Primary focus will be on the importance of gender in shaping the culture, society and influence of the United States. Students will also examine how males and females in other cultures are both similar and different to the women and men in the United States.