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Social Studies
Course Descriptions
World Studies 1 - year - 9
This survey course tracks the developments of civilization throughout the world from prehistorical times
through the 1700s. Students trace the similarities and differences in the development of major world civilizations as impacted by their physical, political, and economics.
Honors World Studies 1 - year - 9
Prerequisite: Performance in the Entrance Exam
This demanding course mirrors the curriculum of the World Studies 1 course. However the material will be covered at a more in-depth and extensive level.
World Studies 2 - year - 10
Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Studies 1.
This survey course continues the study of world history from the 1700s to contemporary times. The growth of
African,
Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian civilizations is interwoven with that of Europe, giving the student a fully global history.
Honors World Studies 2 - year - 10
Prerequisite: An "A" in World Studies 1 and the recommendation of the teacher.
This demanding course mirrors the curriculum of the World Studies 2 course. However, students will be expected to also demonstrate mastery of selected outside readings through both essay and oral exposition and analysis.
United States History - year - 11
Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Studies 2.
This survey course covers the American experience from colonization through the present. Students study the ideals upon which this country was founded and examine the political realities which often conflict with those ideals. Students should develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence to support those conclusions.
Honors United States History - year - 11
Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors World Studies 2 or an "A" in World Studies 2 and the recommendation of the teacher.
The Honors course in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to
deal critically with the problems and material in United States history. The course prepares students for intermediate and advanced
college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses.
AP United States History - year - 11
Prerequisite: An "A" in Honors World Studies 2 and the recommendation of the teacher.
The Advanced Placement course in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge
necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The course prepares students for intermediate
and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students
learn to assess historical materials - their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance - and
to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Students need to argue clearly and concisely as this
course requires writing essays in preparation for the advanced placement exam. All students must sit for the Advanced Placement
Exam in United States History offered in May.
American Government - semester - 12 (Linked with Economics.)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of United States History.
This course develops student knowledge of American government, emphasizing the Constitution, the amendments, and the
rights/responsibilities of citizens. Students receive a background in the institutions, decisions, and laws that govern America in the 21st century.
Economics - semester - 12 (Linked with American Government.)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of United States History.
Economics is primarily studied from the free enterprise perspective. Students receive a thorough grounding in economic theory, as well as practical examples of entrepreneurship in society. Students will study the role of the government in the economy and the impact of governmental decision-making. Additional course materials cover personal financial readiness in the 21st century.
Honors American Government - semester - 12 (Linked with Honors Economics.)
Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors United States History or an "A" in United States History and the recommendation of the teacher.
This course develops student knowledge of American government, emphasizing the Constitution, the amendments, and the rights/responsibilities of citizens. Students receive a background in the institutions, decisions, and laws that govern America in the 21st century.
Honors Economics - semester - 12 (Linked with Honors American Government.)
Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors United States History or an "A" in United States History and the recommendation of the teacher.
Economics is primarily studied from the free enterprise perspective. Students receive a thorough grounding in economic theory, as well as practical examples of entrepreneurship in society. Students will study the role of the government in the economy and the impact of governmental decision-making. Additional course materials cover personal financial readiness in the 21st century.
AP American Government/ Politics - semester - 12 (Linked with AP Economics.)
Prerequisite: An A or B in AP United States History or an "A" in Honors United States History and the recommendation of the teacher.
The AP American Government and Politics course prepares students for the College Board exam. This is a college level course which emphasizes the roles and functions of the federal government. Students will study the evolution of the national powers to include Supreme Court case law, federal budget development, and the roles of special interest groups.
All students must sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in American Government and Politics offered in May.
AP Economics - semester - 12 (Linked with AP American Government.)
Prerequisite: An A or B in AP United States History or an "A" in Honors United States History and the recommendation of the teacher.
The Advanced Placement course in Economics emphasizes the principles of macroeconomics and their application to the American economic system. The course places demands on students equivalent to introductory college-level courses. All students must sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in Macroeconomics offered in May.
International Relations - semester - 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of United States History and recommendation of the teacher.
Students will examine the impact of political interaction on the world scale. Emphasis is on understanding the current relations of the U.S. in a multi-polar world. Students will survey the Cold War and the rise of nations in the second half of the 20th century. Current issues, such as drugs, terrorism, regional security, and economic treaties will be analyzed.
Honors International Relations - semester - 12
Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors or AP United States History or an A in United States History and recommendation of the teacher.
This honors level course focuses on the nature of diplomacy. Emphasis is on the decision making process in the foreign policy arena. Students will develop an understanding of the subject through case studies on Haiti, the Cuba Missile Crisis, US relations with Central America, and a sub-course in the dynamics of international terrorism (Case studies included.) Additionally, the class will study the roles and functions of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States.
Introduction to Psychology - semester - 11 - 12
Introduction to Psychology involves the study of the basic foundations and applications of psychology. Areas of study include: biology and behavior, perception, learning, emotions, personality, abnormal behavior and maintaining mental health.
Honors Logic: Critical Thinking - semester - 11 - 12
Prerequisite: A 3.5 or better grade point average (GPA).
The course will teach students the fundamentals of logical thought and reasoning, including linear and lateral thinking, use of analogy, techniques of analysis and synthesis, Boolean algebra, and formal logic.
Honors Introduction to Philosophy - semester - 11 - 12
Prerequisite: A 3.5 or better grade point average (GPA).
This course introduces students to the great Western thinkers, from Plato and the Greeks, through the 20th century existentialists. This survey of thought leads naturally to the study of philosophy itself. Where do the ideals of truth, justice, freedom, equality, rights, etc. fit into the domain of politics? Are they a consequence or a cause? What is right and wrong? Contemplation of these larger philosophical issues provides a framework for reasoned consideration of unanswerable questions while, at the same time, develops the critical reading and analysis skills necessary for college.
Forensics 1 year 10 11
Forensics 2 - year - 11 12 (For those who have taken Forensics 1)
Forensics 3 year 12 (For those who have taken Forensics 1 & 2)
Prerequisite: Instructors permission.
These year-long courses center on the preparation and delivery of individual forensic presentations as well as debates on current issues. Students will be involved in extensive reading and research, preparation and presentation of materials, and individual and group evaluation of debatable topics. Students will be required to participate in competitive events outside the normal school day.
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