Social Studies

Teaching Staff

The Social Studies program develops the basic knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for active participation in our democratic society. The successful completion of World History, US History I, and US History II are required for graduation. In addition to its other courses, the Social Studies Department offers a four-year program of honor and advanced placement courses. All such courses carry weighted grades and the Advanced Placement courts are geared specifically to help students who may wish to take the Advanced Placement Examination in American History.

Course Offerings

United States History I (5 credits)
This course covers the political, economic, social and cultural growth of our nation from the colonial period to 1900. Throughout the year current problems are related to past events. An emphasis is placed upon those themes in American Studies which have proven to be part of particular impact on contemporary American Life. Activities are utilized throughout this course to develop the students' reading, writing, thinking, and oral communication skills.

United States History II (5 credits)
As a continuation of United States History I this course begins with 1900 and continues chronologically to approximately our current period. Emphasis is placed on skill development.

Advanced Placement US History I & II (5 credits each)
These are special survey courses designed to challenge certain capable students beyond the level normally expected of high school sophomores and juniors. These courses are taught on a college level and members of the Advanced Placement United States History II course may elect to take the Advanced Placement Test given each year.

World History (5 credits)
This is a broad based social studies course not simply focusing on European history but also incorporating aspects of world history (including Africa, Latin America, and Asia), world geography, international relations and world cultures. Emphasis will be given to developing basic social studies skills in reading, writing, speaking and thinking. It is the required social studies course for ninth grade students.

World History Honors (5 credits)
This is a broad based social studies course focusing on European history, world geography, international relations and world cultures. The Honors course for ninth grade students will require more time for writing, research and outside assignments.

In addition to the required sequence, the following full-year elective is offered through the Social Studies Department. They may not be taken in lieu of the required courses

World Civilization Honors (5 credits)
The course will examine the development and characteristics of various civilizations past and present. The historic, economic, sociological, and anthropological characteristics of these cultures will be examined and related to societies of today. These include basic anthropology and its application toward the development of man and to several non-western cultures, third world development, and sociology and contemporary society. The course includes extensive and sometimes difficult reading and research and requires that the student be able to rely on their own abilities in reading and comprehension.

The following half-year electives are offered in pairs for five (5) credits. Under special circumstances a student may take a half-year course for two and one-half (2.5) credits, usually only during the second semester. Administrative approval is required. The courses may not be taken in lieu of the required courses.

Human Relations/Sociology (2.5 credits each)
Human Relations investigates the exciting, intriguing, and often controversial theories that deal with human behavior. Students will be exposed to fundamental principles regarding human conduct as found in the disciplines of psychology and social psychology. The viewpoints of Freud, Erikson and many other social theorists will be explored.

Sociology will build upon many of the ideas presented in the Human Relations course. The course will introduce the student to the social science of Sociology, which analyzes social institutions and the dynamics of group behavior. The class will also provide students with the opportunity to study major social problems found in contemporary America.

American Politics & Government/World Affairs (2.5 credits each)
The American Politics and Government course seeks to develop lasting interest in America's political culture and in its government. Students will get "hands on" experience in legislation, elections, executive decision-making, chiefly by simulations and alternative assessments. The course also considers topic such as the media, political parties, interest groups, and the military. The World Affairs course follows world developments. The emphasis in both courses is on student-centered learning.

Economics I/Economics II (2.5 credits each)
This course is organized on a semester basis and introduces the student to the study of the broad flow of goods, services, money and government influences throughout the economy. It emphasizes the concept that economic decisions are determined on the basis of individual and collective values. Students will be introduced to the issues of taxes, inflation, unemployment, as well as the many facets of the role played by the federal government and Federal Reserve. The course will extend into the international arena and examine economics from a global perspective. A section of personal finance will enable the student to make more reasonable personal economic choices.

Law I/Law II (2.5 credits each)
Law is organized on a semester basis and is designed to aid students in developing a personal understanding of human rights and their own responsibility for the protection and extension of legal rights. Students will reflect upon the need for law and develop a working knowledge of how the law impacts their lives, as well as the lives of others. The first semester will provide an overview of the legal system and concentrate on topics in civil law such as negligence, contracts, and consumer rights. The essence of the second semester will be the study of criminal law. Criminal courts, categories of crime, trial procedures and Constitutional protections are among the many areas to be studied in the second semester.