A total of four (4) Social Studies credits are required for graduation.  Within those four credits, students must successfully complete a U.S. History Course.

The purpose of this course is to have the students analyze the American story from 1789 to Present day. Students will cover key concepts starting with our foundations of government, establishment of diplomatic relations, Industrialization and Innovation, moving towards the Civil War, Prosperity to Depression, WWII, Cold War, and finally heading into the 21st century. The students will use a variety of methods to learn the main idea of each era. The development and usage of charts and graphs to visually display data and to make comparisons will aid the students' understanding of past history to the present. Students will also learn to create and use maps illustrating their knowledge of the expanding geography of the United States. Lessons are reinforced with book and magazine reports. Course work will facilitate the use of technology for research, composition and presentation purposes. Through varied experiences, students should realize the roles that cause and effect have played throughout our history. 

Grade 9

1.00 Credit

Level 2

Course # 1413

Pre-AP US History is an accelerated, combined U.S. I and II course, going from 1789 to Present day. Students will cover key concepts starting with our foundations of government, establishment of diplomatic relations, Industrialization and Innovation, moving towards the Civil War, Prosperity to Depression, WWII, Cold War, and finally heading into the 21st century.  The course is in preparation for AP U.S. History, which means there will be an emphasis on writing, reading, and document analysis.  It will introduce new historical thinking skills such as synthesis, periodization, and contextualization.  These are skills needed in order to be successful on the AP U.S exam.  

Grades10-12

.50 Credits

Level 1

Course # 1461

This course is designed for any student interested in global conflicts throughout history. The student will be exposed to United States involvement in wars since the start of the 20th Century.  Students will take part in classroom discussions and video analysis. Students will be required to write a research paper and give an oral presentation using primary source material found outside of the classroom for selected topics.  Coursework will facilitate the use of technology for research, composition and presentation purposes. During the semester, the students will be exposed to the concepts of primary source material, cause and effect, along with practicing critical thinking skills. Students must have a journal to keep class writings. Students will complete media driven research projects and presentations in addition to objection chapter tests.

Grades 10-12

.50 Credits

Level 1

Course # 1471

This course is the study of the principles and ideals of the American representative form of government. Its purpose is to provide students with a strong understanding of the Constitution and to instill in them a duty and obligation to exercise intelligently their voting privileges. Historical examples of the importance of the rule of law, and of the sources, purpose, and functions of law will be examined. The learning format of the course include daily reading, lectures, and note-taking utilizing educational texts, study guides, visual aids. Additional reading, writing, and independent, as well as cooperative activities will be an integral part of the course. As a result students will gain a practical understanding of how the government influences all our lives.

This course is intended for students who have a sincere interest in the study of the behavior of individuals and institutions as they engage in the production, exchange, and consumption of goods and services in the United States. Students will experience how technology helps reshape the economy, how to manage resources, prepare for the workforce, make wise investments, and be informed about public policy. Students will be able to function more effectively in college and the workforce with knowledge about the characteristics of economic systems, how markets establish prices, how scarcity and choice affect resources, the global nature of economic interdependence and how work and earnings impact productivity. The learning format of the course include daily reading, lectures, and note-taking utilizing educational texts, study guides, visual aids. Additional reading, writing, and independent, as well as cooperative activities will be an integral part of the course. As a result, students will gain a practical understanding of how economy influences all our lives.

This course offers students an engaging introduction to the essential topics in psychology. Throughout this study of human behavior and the mind, you will gain insight into the history of the field of psychology, as well as explore current theories and issues in areas such as cognition, motivation, and wellness. The learning format for the course include daily reading, lectures, and note-taking utilizing educational texts, study guides, visual aids, as well as activities which will help students gain a practical understanding of human behavior.

Sociology remains relevant as a topic because it explains how societies change. The course takes a scientific look at people as social beings and explores their behavior in groups and their relationships to social institutions. Topics studied include:  culture, values and norms, roles and relationships, family, education, poverty, crime and discrimination. The learning format for the course include daily reading, lectures, and note-taking utilizing educational texts, study guides, visual aids, as well as activities which will help students gain a practical understanding of societal behaviors.

Grades 10-12

.50 Credits

Level 1

Course # 1475

This course emphasizes reading comprehension, critical thinking, problem solving, oral expression, and media literacy (Media Bias) in a social studies setting.  The curriculum for this course will not focus on specific facts and dates, but rather a project based evaluation.  The class will offer ideal opportunities to become informed citizens and lifelong news readers.  Students will focus on such areas of study as national events, state events, local events, and foreign events.

The purpose of AP United States Government is to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement exam. Topics such as functions of government, institutions of government, political behavior, and civic behavior will be explored in detail. The student will be responsible for completing a wide variety of critical reviews of scholarly works. Research-based participation in discussion is an important part of this class. The student will also be asked to take part in debates and simulations throughout the year. Emphasis will be placed on primary source materials and the evaluation of those materials.  Course work will facilitate the use of technology for research, composition and presentation purposes. The course involves students to complete a summer project. Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.

AP Psychology is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.  While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology.  Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.  Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.

 

AP US History focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical narrative) and the development of students’ abilities to think conceptually about US history from approximately 1491 to the present.  Seven themes of equal importance- American and National Identity; Migration and Settlement; Politics and Power; Work, Exchange, and Technology; America in the World; Geography and the Environment; and Culture and Society – provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course.  These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places.  Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.