Social Studies Department

REQUIRED:        4 Years - Global History and Geography I
                              Global History and Geography II
                              US History and Government
                              Economics/Participatory Government

GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY I - Grade 9
This course is a chronological survey of world history and geography.  It covers the rise of culture from the dawn of civilization to the end of the 19th Century.  The course includes an introduction of the following skills:  notetaking, outlining, library and computer activities, critical thinking, with an emphasis on historical terms, essay writing, and geography.
             PREREQUISITE:   None

GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY II - Grade 10
This course continues the work completed in Global History and Geography I.  It covers a chronological survey of world history in the 20th Century.  The skills learned in freshman year will be reinforced with emphasis on the components of the New York State Regents examination:  multiple-choice questions, thematic essay, and the document-based essay.  At the completion of this course, students will take a State examination.  All students will take the Global History and Geography Regents.
         PREREQUISITE:  Global History and Geography I

UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT - Grade 11
A history and government of the United States from the perspective of the Constitution encompassing the Colonial Period to the present, with a focus on the period after 1865; continued emphasis on terms, essay skills, and geography.
         PREREQUISITE:   Global History and Geography I and Global History and Geography II

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN HISTORY - Grade 11
The Advanced Placement Program is a cooperative education endeavor with the College Entrance Examination Board. A course in Advanced Placement United States History and Government is designed for students who have shown through their written and oral abilities that they are capable of using their creative skills, understanding social studies terminology, and are willing and able to work independently. Many colleges will grant credit and appropriate placement to students who do well in the examination. This special examination will be given in May, and a fee is required by the College Entrance Board.
         PREREQUISITE:  95% average in Global History II Regents and the approval of the department chairperson.
           FEE:                       Approximately $82 for testing

PARTICIPATORY GOVERNMENT - Grade 12 (one semester) - Required for High School Diploma
Government by definition is the exercise of authority over a group of people. This course will involve the ACTIVE role of the people, American citizens, as they exercise their rights and carry out their responsibilities in today’s world.  Students will be encouraged to analyze problems and see what role citizens have in resolving them.
         PREREQUISITE:  Social Studies 9, 10, 11

ECONOMICS - Grade 12 (one semester) - Required for High School Diploma
Economics is defined as the science of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. This course in economics is sponsored by Junior Achievement and is a three-part course intended to enhance each individual’s knowledge of economics, give each one “hands-on” experience with the day to day working of business and make each one a better and more concerned consumer.
         PREREQUISITE:  Social Studies 9, 10, 11

SOCIOLOGY - Grade 12 (full year)
This course concerns crucial areas of concern in America today. It is an overall view of problems present in society. This general survey includes the following: crime, violence, and discrimination and concerns of the family (aging, death and dying). The general causes of poverty will be included, along with a study of the American social classes. This type of course is helpful to individuals who plan to become teachers, writers, or researchers, administrative nurses, and social work careers.
         PREREQUISITE:  None

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - Grade 12 (full year)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the general principles of psychology. The course will consist of an examination of the contributions made by major theorists in the field of psychology. The course will also attempt to assist the student in the area of personal introspection and self-discovery by studying various behavior patterns and the causes/forces behind them. Several contemporary videos will be viewed to further support and explain specific topics presented in the core subject matter.
         PREREQUISITE:  None

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY – Grade 12
The Advanced Placement Program is a cooperative education endeavor with the College Entrance Examination Board.  A course in Advanced Placement Psychology is designed for students who have shown through their written and oral abilities that they are capable of using their creative skills, understanding the more complex principles of psychology, and are willing and able to work independently.  Many colleges will grant credit and appropriate placement to students who do well in the examination.  This special examination will be given in May, and a fee is required by the College Entrance Board.
        PREREQUISITE:  Open to a limited number of seniors with the approval of the social studies department chairperson.
        FEE:                        Approximately $82 for testing