SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 9 HONORS
GRADE 9 1 CREDIT COURSE #2010
This course is a study of world history, geography, and cultures. The focus is on the rise and achievements of ancient civilizations, the growth of major belief systems, and the emergence of the modern world. Emphasis is placed on the history and geography of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, India, China, Japan, Russia, and Europe. The study of different peoples and their environments helps students develop a new perspective on their own customs, beliefs, values, and history. In addition, the major themes of world history will be closely examined. The influence of trade and cultural diffusion on the rise and fall of civilizations, the role of belief systems in human interaction, and the causes and effects of international conflict receive special attention. Extensive concentration is placed on the preparation of formal papers and essays, oral communication skills, the interpretation of historical documents and materials, and hands-on projects intended to foster understanding. This course is part of a two-year study of world history continuing in Advanced Placement World History, and culminating with the Global History Regents and the Advanced Placement World History Exam at the end of the sophomore year. Enrollment in AP World History in tenth grade is contingent upon academic performance, teacher recommendation, and approval of the History Department chairperson.
WORLD HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 9 REGENTS
GRADE 9 1 CREDIT COURSE #2011
This course is a study of world history, geography, and cultures. The focus is on the rise and achievements of ancient civilizations, the growth of major belief systems, and the emergence of the modern world. Special emphasis is placed on the history and geography of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, India, China, Japan, Russia, and Europe. The study of different peoples and their environments helps students develop a new perspective on their own customs, beliefs, values, and history. Extensive concentration will be placed on the fostering of written and oral communication skills. This course is part of a two-year study of world history continuing in World History and Geography 10, and will culminate in the New York State Regents Exam in Global History and Geography.
AP WORLD HISTORY 10
GRADE 10 1 CREDIT COURSE #2025
Prerequisite: 90% Cumulative
Social Studies GPA in 9th Grade,
Department Chairperson Approval
This course allows our students to study a challenging curriculum covering the key themes and crucial turning points of world history. This tenth grade component covers world history from 9000 B.C. - present day. It deals with the rise of civilizations, major belief systems, the rise and fall of empires, the growth of trade, the development of economic systems, the interaction between regions, the rise of Europe and the emergence of globalization. This class celebrates the wide scope and diversity of world history while finding points of commonality between cultures and civilizations. Special emphasis will be placed on essay and paper writing, interpretation of historical source materials, analysis of historical data, and hands-on projects and activities. Tenth grade students will take the New York State Regents in Global History and Geography in June as well as the AP exam in May.
WORLD HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 10 REGENTS
GRADE 10 1 CREDIT COURSE #2021
This course is a continuation of World History and Geography 9. World History 10 focuses on the major developments and trends in modern world history. Special emphasis is placed on the political and economic revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries, European interactions with Asia and Africa, the First World War, the rise and fall of international communism, World War II, and the postwar world. This study will give students insight into the forces and influences that have shaped our 21st century world. Students will develop and improve skills in formal writing, oral communications, reading comprehension, and primary source interpretation. At the conclusion of this course student achievement will be assessed with a New York State Regents Exam in Global History and Geography.
UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT REGENTS
GRADE 11 1 CREDIT COURSE #2031
This is a chronologically organized course in United States history. Emphasis is placed on European colonization, American independence, and the drafting and implementation of the United States Constitution. The emergence of a modern, industrial United States and the growth of America as a world power are also given special attention. Students will use and expand skills in formal writing, reading and primary source comprehension, and debating and oral communication. Hands-on projects will also be used to foster greater understanding and comprehension of American history. The core objective of the course is for students to gain a greater appreciation of our system of government and its institutions. This is a one year course that culminates with the New York State Regents in United States History and Government.
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY AND
GOVERNMENT
GRADE 11 1 CREDIT COURSE #2035
Prerequisite: 93% cumulative Social Studies GPA,
93% on Midterm exam in 10th grade
and Department Chairperson Approval
In this college level course, students will examine the history of our country from the time of its original inhabitants up through present day issues that impact the United States. Students will be introduced to the major themes of United States history. The course will provide an in-depth look at the political, social, and economic aspects of our nation's development. An emphasis will be placed on the role of democracy in our country and how that role has changed throughout our history. Students will use historical documents and modern scholarship to synthesize formal writing assignments and projects. This will provide a strong background for collegiate level essays and papers. The course culminates with an Advanced Placement Exam in which students can earn college credit and will offer students a firm foundation in United States history and the methods of historical analysis. Eleventh grade students will also take the New York State Regents in United States History and Government in June.
The following are offered as a one-year
sequence courses
GRADE 12 COURSE #2041GE
GOVERNMENT ½ CREDIT
An analysis of the American Government from philosophical and practical viewpoints. Emphasis will be placed on participatory democracy and a study of the role of law in American society. Included in the study is the role played by various levels of government.
Community Service:
Students will be required to volunteer twenty hours of community service to organizations of the student's choice, pending the approval of the Department. It is recommended that seniors volunteer their services to an organization independent of the school.
ECONOMICS ½ CREDIT
A macro-economics approach to the American Economic system. A sampling of the subjects to be analyzed will be the role played by labor, management, the stock market, the consumer, advertising, the government, and banking in the American Economy. A comparison will also be made between capitalism, communism, and socialism.
GRADE 12 COURSE #2141PS
PSYCHOLOGY ½ CREDIT
This introductory course will give students a strong background in the basic principles of psychology. The course topics cover the origins of the study of psychology and the emergence of the major schools of psychology. Students will examine the mental processes behind memory, learning, perception, intelligence, emotions and emotional development, personality development, and psychological disorders. After this one semester course students will be exposed to the main ideas of this social science and give them a foundation for future study.
SOCIOLOGY ½ CREDIT
This one-semester introductory course exposes students to the study of human beings in society. Students will examine the origins of sociology in the 19th century, including the major theorists, and its ongoing study of human interactions, group decision-making, and the similarities and differences between various world societies. The course will examine the process of socialization through a look at the role of "agents of socialization." An overview of American society will also be covered in this course including American values, social classes, and the issue of poverty in our society. This course will give students a background for future study of this social science.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
GRADE 12 1 CREDIT COURSE #2045
Prerequisite: 93% cumulative Social Studies GPA,
93% on Global Studies Regents exam
and Department Chairperson Approval
In this college level course, students will examine the emergence of modern Europe, from its origins in the Middle Ages to the late 20th century movement towards European integration. Special emphasis is placed on the emergence of the sovereign state and the patterns of interstate conflict from 1450 to 1945. The economic, social, and intellectual development of Europe will also be analyzed, particularly the division of Christianity during the Protestant Reformation, the emergence of modern science, industrialization and effects, and the struggle of minorities and the oppressed for recognition of their political rights. Students will use historical documents and modern scholarship to synthesize formal writing assignments and projects. This will provide a strong background for collegiate level essays and papers. The course culminates with an Advanced Placement Exam in which students can earn college credit and will offer students a firm foundation in European history and the methods of historical analysis.