Soc. Studies Course Descriptions

Social Studies Department
Updated for 09-10

This course is designed to expose students to selected features of ancient and medieval life as well as exploring in detail the political, economic and intellectual developments from the beginnings of civilization to World War I.  Extensive outside supplementary readings, oral presentations and discussions will be required.

This course is designed to expose the student to selected features of ancient medieval life and society; and to study the social, political, economic and intellectual developments from the beginnings of civilization to the French Revolution.  It places special emphasis on issues that will illuminate contemporary problems, and seeks to aid the student to develop into an independent thinker and a reasonable citizen.  Students will be expected to join discussions and to express their opinions in writing.  A variety of educational techniques will supplement the reading, and periodically the students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the subject by creative projects both individually and in conjunction with group assignments.

This survey course designed to expose the student to selected features of ancient medieval life and society; and to study the social, political, economic and intellectual developments from the beginnings of civilization to the French Revolution.  It places special emphasis on issues that will illuminate contemporary problems, and seeks to aid the student to develop into an independent thinker and a reasonable citizen.

This course covers an in depth analysis of the major civilizations of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.  It emphasizes relevant factual knowledge used in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence.  This course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage.  Particular attention will be given to supplementary readings and the successful completion of a research paper.  Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Test.

Per-requisite:  One credit in Honors European Culture Studies or Honors/AP US History with a B+ or better and Departmental Approval.

This Honors course will challenge the student to be "interactive" and "think" about the cultures of India, China, Japan and Africa.  Through hands-on activities, interesting readings, fun class discussions, debates and comparisons, the student will better understand and accept the customs, values and ways of life of the Asian-African worlds.  Presentations, a written current event paper, and a field trip are required.

Pre-requisite:  B or better in European Culture-Honors or A or better in European Culture-Accelerated or Department approval.  This course is strongly recommended and required as a background for Honors U.S. History or A.P. U.S. History.

This course will provide the student with knowledge and experience of Asian, Indian Subcontintent and Africa South of the Sahara.  Through films, readings, projects and papers, the student will work through a comparison of Asian and African value systems with his/her own and thus acquire an operative appreciation of the concept of the global community.

This survey course will provide the student with knowledge and experience of Asian, Indian Subcontintent and Africa South of the Sahara.  Through films, readings, projects and papers, the student will work through a comparison of Asian and African value systems with his/her own and thus acquire an operative appreciation of the concept of the global community.

Pre-requisite:  Admission by Department approval. 

Emphasis will be on significant developments in the total American experience and students will be analyzing and evaluating these developments.  They will be expected to work towards a personal stance with respect to values and issues in contemporary America.  To do this, students will participate in a wide range of educational activities such as readings, discussions, independent research papers.

Pre-requisite:  One credit in the most recent Honors-History course with a B or better, or one credit in the most recent Accelerated History course with an A or better, or Department approval.

American History is designed to examine the political, social, economic and intellectual development of our nation from its European origins to a place of world leadership in this century.  Students will be asked to reflect upon choices which our country has made in light of possible options available at that time.  Emphasis will be placed in the major historical events of the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries.  The students will develop an open-minded approach to the trends of history as well as the necessity for factual information he/she will use to support interpretation.  Multiple supplementary readings are required and all students must submit an acceptable research paper in order to receive credit for the course.

This is an advanced level course that challenges high school students to complete the equivalent of an introductory college course.  The course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples.  The class will also attempt to bring familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics.  Much of the course is lecture based and advanced writing skills are necessary.  Current world issues are studied in the second half of the course through the use of a news magazine.  All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination.

Pre-requisite:  One credit in U.S. History-Advanced Placement with a B- or better and department approval or one credit in U.S. History-Honors with a B+ or better and department approval.

This course is designed to offer students an opportunity to study about government: federal, state and local.  The laws of such governments are studied in relationship to the political and economic system of capitalism, socialism, and communism.  With the understanding of such concepts, students will have greater depth of comprehension when studying current world issues, such as:  nuclear war, terrorism, overpopulation and depleting resources.  Basic textbooks, a news magazine and related readings supplement this program.  Students are required to have a speaker for second semester.

This course is concerned with the study of human behavior.  The topics discussed are personality, motivation, emotions, mental health, and social behavior.  It is directed toward developing the students' awareness of psychology as being the mechanics of everyday living.  There will be outside supplementary readings and projects.

This course will provide an understanding of practical law (criminal, civil, and individual's rights) which will be of use to students in their everyday lives.  An analysis of case law will provide the opportunity for the student to improve analytical skills and promote critical thinking.  The course will expose the student to the many vocational possibilities which exist within the legal system.  The student will be required to submit a research paper and make supplementary readings.

This course will examine the physical and human aspects of Latin America, the Middle East, Australia, and Micronesia.  Emphasis will be placed on Geographic skills, concepts, social and cultural differences and the relationship of past events to present realities.

This course is about recent and ongoing conflicts that are happening in the world around us.  It is important as you approach college to understand the conflicts and events currently shaping your world.  Some topics that will be covered are Genocide in Darfur, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and conflicts in the Middle East (ex. Palestine and Israel and Iraq) among other current events.

(Same as first semester.)