Social Studies
The Social Studies Department has designed courses that will help you become a well-informed citizen, knowledgeable about America’s heritage and capable of participating in American life. Students are required to earn four credits in social studies in high school and to pass Regents exams in grades 10 and 11. To do so, they must successfully complete:
Grade 9: Global History & Geography 1
Grade 10: Global History & Geography 2 or AP World History
Grade 11: US History or AP US History
Grade 12: Economics, AP Macroeconomics, and Participation in Government or AP US Government and Politics
Students will learn to be effective lifelong learners, to appreciate their own culture and the cultures of others. They will develop learning and communication skills and they will use the knowledge and skills needed to be effective citizens. NOTE: To enroll in AP/CHS history and economics courses, students must meet department selection criteria.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 1
Grade 9 1 year 1 credit (Distance Learning)
The course is a comprehensive study of global history up to 1750. It will be taught in a chrono-topical manner and will include such themes as diversity, interdependence, scarcity, geography and economic and political systems. Major emphasis is on concepts, key trends, attitudes and skills. Students take a departmental exam, but earn credit toward a Regents diploma.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 2
Grade 10 1 year 1 credit
The globe is studied in chrono-topical fashion. Students will begin with the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, study global trends in the 19th Century and explore developments in the 20th Century. Students will develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Western and Eastern heritages and their impact on their lives, while improving their learning skills.
AP WORLD HISTORY: MODERN
Grade 10 1 year 1 credit
This college-level course studies the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c.1200 CE to the present. Students will analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments. There is a fee for taking the AP examination, which is a required part of the course. To enroll in AP history courses, students must meet department selection criteria. The Social Studies Department strongly recommends students have earned an overall grade of at least 93% in their current social Studies and English courses. Summer work is also a requirement of this course.
US HISTORY & GOVERNMENT
Grade 11 1 year 1 credit
U.S. History deals with fundamental political, economic, social and cultural concepts and understandings within a chronological framework with special emphasis on modern America. This organization allows students to explore interrelationships among peoples, events, ideas, etc., as well as learn the valuable lessons of history and the social sciences.
AP US HISTORY
Grade 11 1 year 1 credit
6 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This is a traditional course in American History, but with a greater emphasis on historical interpretation and development of individual writing skills. Upon successful completion of the AP examination, students will be eligible for college credit and/or placement. There is a fee for taking the AP examination, which is a required part of the course. The Social Studies Department strongly recommends students have earned an overall grade of at least 93% in their current social studies and English courses.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT
Grade 12 ½ year ½ credit
This one-semester course emphasizes the interactions among citizens and government at all levels. The knowledge, understanding and skills needed for effective citizenship will be developed and enhanced through readings, discussions, speakers, videos, field trips and research based on current issues.
ECONOMICS
Grade 12 ½ year ½ credit
In this course students learn basic economic concepts and skills to equip them for economic decision making. The course focuses on concepts affecting the development of the United States economy. It involves acquainting students with other economic systems as well as with domestic and international challenges occurring in today’s global economy. Through a variety of activities, students learn to apply economic analysis tools to personal, community and national economic issues they face today.
AP MACROECONOMICS
Grade 12 ½ year ½ credit
This in-depth, half-year, college-level introductory course is reading, writing and graph-creation intensive. Students will study the economy as a whole functioning unit, as opposed to looking at individual entrepreneurs and their decision making (micro-economics). Topics that will be covered are measuring economic performance, national income and price determination, the financial sector of the economy, inflation, unemployment, government stabilization policies, economic growth, productivity and international trade. There is a possibility for college credit depending on a student’s score on the AP Macroeconomics exam, for which a fee is charged. This course also fulfills the Economics graduation requirement. The Social Studies Department strongly recommends students have earned an overall grade of at least 93% in their current social studies and English courses.
AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Grade 12 ½ year ½ credit
3 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This course introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. Students will study general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and analyze specific topics, including: Constitutional Underpinnings; Political Beliefs and Behaviors; Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media; Institutions of National Government; Public Policy; and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. An integral part of the course includes analysis and interpretation of basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics, and the development of connections and application of relevant theories and concepts. There is a fee for taking the AP exam, which is a requirement of the course. This course fulfills the Participation in Government graduation requirement. The Social Studies Department strongly recommends students have earned an overall grade of at least 93% in their current social studies and English courses.
Social Studies Electives
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Grades 10, 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
Students are invited to explore the founding of the United States from its colonial experience through the American Revolution to the early republic period including the War of 1812, America’s second war for independence. The American Revolution is a political, economic, social, and military history of the United States, 1763-1815. The study of period history is combined with skills development providing the study and mastery of essential skills for the college student. This course provides the student with opportunities to focus on specific interests of the American Revolution through seminar discussions, research, presentations, book and film reviews, and field trips.
HISTORY OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE
Grades 10, 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
This course will examine the history of agriculture, local and national agricultural production, our food system, animal welfare, as well as a host of other areas surrounding this important topic. This course will include a few local and regional site visits, as well as some active hands-on participation.
TOPICS IN US MILITARY HISTORY
Grades 10, 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
This is a military history of the United States where students will receive an overview of key American conflicts exploring cause and effect, technology, tactics, strategy, campaigns, and key players. Topics include but are not limited to: Barbary Wars; War of 1812; Mexican War; Civil War; Native American Wars; Spanish-American War; World War I; World War II; Korean War; Vietnam War; Cold War Military Operations; Persian Gulf War, 1990-91; and the War on Terror. This is a student interest driven elective course where there are opportunities for in-depth topic exploration based on the students’ particular interests through seminar discussions, research, presentations, book and film reviews, guest speakers, and field trips.
CRIMINOLOGY
Grades 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
Criminology is an introduction to criminal justice. Topics that will be covered are the nature of crime, law and criminal justice, police and law enforcement, courts and adjudication, corrections and the nature of the juvenile justice system. Relevant topics for today will be stressed through the use of current materials, guest speakers and field trips. A career unit will also be explored.
PSYCHOLOGY
Grades 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
This course will explore human behavior using scientific techniques developed by social scientists. Students will study learning, motivation and intelligence, as well as the development of the human personality. Readings, discussions and research will be stressed.
SOCIOLOGY
Grades 10, 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
Sociology is the scientific study of human relationships, social structure, norms, and institutions. In class students will study sociological theories, social norms, cultural differences, and much more. This course is project based. Students will create surveys, experiments, and presentations as a way to investigate and present new understandings of society and how it functions.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Grades 11, 12 1 year 1 credit
3 CHS credits offered through SCCC
In this full-year course students will study European chronology, major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present. They will develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, as well as the ability to analyze historical evidence and express historical understanding in writing. Major themes to be addressed include intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social and economic history. Students will take the AP European History exam, for which a fee is charged. The Social Studies Department strongly recommends students have earned an overall average of 93% in their current social studies and English courses.
SPORTS IN AMERICAN CULTURE & SOCIETY
Grades 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
This course will give students an opportunity to investigate issues related to American sports that are part of our larger culture and society. The course will provide the backdrop of American history to some of the biggest eras and events of American sports from the late 19th century through the present day. Students will look at athletes, sports and sporting events not simply from the competitive or athletic perspective, but rather how those athletes and events illustrate the attitudes of American society and the larger issues facing the country throughout its history (social issues, economics, politics and legal issues, etc.)
DEEP DIG INTO THE DECADES: THE 60’s, 70’s and 80’s REVEALED
Grades 11, 12 ½ year ½ credit
This semester course will examine the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s in America. It will concentrate on how events and ideas shaped American culture today. From the Vietnam War, to the advance of Rock ‘n Roll along with the Counter Culture of the late 60’s, the bell bottom and disco fads of the 70’s, as well as the materialism and consumerism of the 80’s. This course will dig into the interesting social, economic and political aspects of these important decades and examine how they reflect on you today. Tie Dye Shirts, Vinyl records, 8 track and Cassette Tapes, Rotary Dial Phones, CB Radios, Pet Rocks, Video Games, Classic Automobiles, Sporting Events, Iconic Entertainment on Television and in Theatres will all have a part in this Historical Dig. “Can you dig it, man?” – “Got It!”