All students are required to take six semesters of social studies. By the end of sophomore year, all students must have completed Geography and Western Civilization. Juniors are required to enroll in US History or AP US History. Seniors must enroll in either first semester US Government and Politics or AP US Government and Politics. A second semester of social studies is also required. A full year of AP European History will satisfy the senior social studies requirement.
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Semester One |
Semester Two |
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Freshmen |
Geography
Ancient Africa, Asia and the Americas |
Geography
Ancient Africa, Asia and the Americas |
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Sophomores |
Geography
Western Civilization
Ancient Africa, Asia, and the Americas |
Geography
Western Civilization
Ancient Africa, Asia, and the Americas |
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Juniors |
United States History or AP US History |
United States History or AP US History |
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Seniors |
AP European History
AP US Government and Politics,
US Government and Politics |
AP European History
AP Comparative Government
AP Macroeconomics
Economics
Psychology |
Ancient Africa, Asia, and the Americas (S1) (S2)
Ancient Asia, Africa and the Americas is an elective course offered to complement the semester of Western Civilization for students desiring a more global approach to history. This survey course will examine the ancient and early modern development of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Topics will include the ancient civilizations of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the development of the Indian and Asian Empires, the development of civilizations in the Americas and the era of Exchange and Encounter. Current events will be incorporated throughout the course.
One semester, one credit elective, open to freshmen and sophomores.
Economics (S2)
This survey course covers macro- and microeconomic theory, and it is designed to prepare students for an intro-level college economics course. Students will study the fundamental concepts of economics and the national economy and their links to the global economy. Course work will include the study of "consumerism" , decision-making, various product markets, economic models and, the student’s role in the factors of production, and consumption. An ongoing analysis of current economic policies and trends is also a significant aspect of this course.
One semester, one credit, open to seniors.
Geography (S1) (S2)
The course is designed to expose the student to a wide variety of themes in geography. The areas that will be covered are: physical features of the earth, physical geology, maps and location (including countries and capitals), cultural geography, environmental issues, current events and topics in geography.
One semester, one credit, required of all sophomores. This requirement may be satisfied during the freshmen year.
Psychology (S2)
This course is a survey of the science of human behavior. Topics include psychology as a science, the psychology of learning, and biological influence on behavior, personality development, and abnormal psychology. Students will discover the many applications that psychology has on his or her life. The text material is supplemented by additional readings and the PBS series, Discovering Psychology, hosted by Philip Zimbardo.
One semester, one credit, open to seniors.
US Government and Politics (S1)
This course consists of a survey of political thought and experience in the United States. American government at local, state, and federal levels will be studied, with an emphasis placed upon the institutions of the federal government. Course topics include: Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States of America, political process, political philosophy, civil rights, the role of government, current events, and the duties of a United States citizen.
One semester, one credit, required of all seniors.
US History: Chronological Approach (YR)
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the problems of our evolving democracy and a realistic knowledge of our past through basic themes in U.S. history: revolution and new government, expansion, Civil War, industrialization, and wars. Within these themes, selected topics are dealt with: confederation, the Constitution, political parties, slavery, immigration, reform, the Depression, the New Deal, imperialism, alliances, the Cold War, and Vietnam. The content is presented in chronological order from the colonial period to the present.
Two semesters, two credits, required of all juniors.
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Western Civilization (S1) (S2)
This survey course will examine the development of Western Civilization from prehistoric times up until the Renaissance period. Topics will include the great ancient civilizations of Egypt, the Middle East, classical Greece, classical Rome, Middle Ages, the building of national monarchies, the Renaissance and Reformation.
One semester, one credit, required of all sophomores.
Social Studies Advanced Placement
Student registration in an Advanced Placement (AP) social studies course is based on academic record, teacher recommendations, and student motivation. AP courses are designed in conjunction with the curriculum expectations of the College Board's AP Program and also seek to prepare students to take the AP exams in May. Students may receive credit and/or AP standing at the college or university they plan to attend.
Students and parents must be aware that AP courses are quite rigorous and require a great deal of self-directed study and additional reading. Any student wishing to take an AP course in social studies must have maintained a minimum grade point average in all previous high school social studies courses. Please refer to course offering for specific grade requirement.
Advanced Placement US History (YR)
This course is designed for those students who have strong academic ability and an interest in the study of American history. The course is presented in chronological order from the colonial period to the present. Various topics and events will be examined with the emphasis being placed on in-depth analysis of cause and effect relationships. Students are expected to actively participate in debates, simulations, presentations, speeches, and other classroom activities. Special emphasis is placed on writing the essays required for the AP exam.
Prerequisite:”B”or higher in both Geography and Western Civilization. Juniors who have successfully completed the AP US History course are exempt from the grade prerequisite for senior AP social studies classes.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors. This course fulfills the junior social studies requirement.
Advanced Placement European History (YR)
Ever wonder why ideas, governments and societies are the way they are today or from where they came? AP European History seeks to investigate these concepts while exploring the political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, technological, and artistic trends of Europe. The course covers the following topics in a thematic and chronological manner: the Renaissance and Reformation, the Age of Absolutism, and Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the Age of Revolution and Reaction, the Age of Imperialism, World War I and the RUssion Revolution, the Rise of Totalitarism, Cold War Europe, and Europe Since 1945.
Prerequisite: “B+” or highter in prior year social studies course. Juniors who have successfully completed the AP US History course are exempt from the grade prerequisite for senior AP social studies classes.
Two semesters, two credits, may be taken to fulfill the senior social studies requirement, or in addition to one or two of the senior social studies electives. Students must enroll in both semesters.
AP US Government and Politics (S1)
This course combines both general concepts and specific institutions to develop an understanding of the government and political environment of the United States. Six areas of emphasis are covered in the course: constitutional underpinnings; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, special interest groups, and mass media, governmental institutions (including the three branches); public policy; and civil rights and civil liberties. This course will analyze both the theoretical and practical components of our political system and government structure.
Prerequisite: “B+” or higher in prior year social studies courses. Juniors who have successfully completed the AP US History course are exempt from the grade prerequisite for senior AP social studies classes.
One semester, one credit, may be taken to fulfill the senior government requirement. This course is a prerequisite for AP Comparative Government and Politics offered second semester. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in both courses.
Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics (S2)
Ever wonder what it is like to live in a theocracy or constitutional monarchy? Would you like to know the global meaning of political concepts? In this course, students will examine these issues and others as well as the general framework and politicking of the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria and Iran. In addition students will examine ides of freedom and equality, and the role of democratization, globalization and marketization within these countries as well as the political culture and role of society and their effects on political development.
Prerequisite: “B+” or higher in AP U.S. Government and Politics. Juniors who have successfully completed the AP US History course are exempt from the grade prerequisite for senior AP social studies classes.
One semester, one credit, may be taken to fulfill the senior social studies requirement.
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics (S2)
This macroeconomics course introduces students to fundamental economic concepts such as scarcity and opportunity costs. Other basic concepts that are explored include the functions performed by an economic system and the way the tools of supply and demand are used to analyze the workings of a free market economy. The course also introduces the concept of the business cyucle to give students an overview of economic fluctuations and to highlight the dynamics of unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. Coverage of these concepts provides students with the foundation for a thorough understanding of macroeconomic concepts and issues. As part of this course of study, students will explore and explain economics not only from a social science perspective, but also as a field related to social justice in a global society.
Prerequisite: “B+” or higher in prior year social studies courses. Juniors who have successfully completed the AP US History course are exempt from the grade prerequisite for senior AP social studies classes.
One semester, one credit, open to seniors.
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