Course Offerings
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP Semester
This course
explores themes in contemporary global affairs. For each theme, students
will be exposed to, and participate in researching, various case
studies. The course will give students the opportunity to conduct their
own research and make presentations, partake in debates, and contribute
their thoughts in discussions. It will also ask students to be
decision-makers on tough global affairs; not only will they learn what
has happened, or what is happening, but they will also be asked to
answer questions such as "What would you do in this situaiton?" or "As
an American, what is your responsibility in responding to this issue?"
This course aims to contribute to the development of responsibile
American and global citizens, who recognize that it is their
responsibility to pay attention to world affairs and make educated
decisions.
WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY Full Year
This
course examines major turning points in the shaping of the modern
world, from the late 18th Century to the present. Close attention is
paid to the source of the ideas by which we judge ourselves as a
political system and a society. Students will analyze history in terms
of issues that have engaged Western society continuously. Through this
study, students will develop a respect for the human dignity of all
people and understanding of different cultures and ways of life.
Students will be exposed to differing perspectives on issues and events
in order to develop the critical thinking skills needed to be an
informed citizen in the contemporary world. In addition, a major
component of the course is physical and place-name geography, so that
students can develop a sense of where major physical features of the
earth are located and how those features impact the development of
civilizations.
WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY HONORS Full Year
Utilizing
a regional approach to studying the world, this course examines the
geography, history and culture of each of the major areas of the world
in turn. After an introductory unit on geography and the world today, we
will examine the following regions: Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia,
East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. The purpose of
this approach is to allow the student to develop a deeper, lasting
knowledge of the geography, history and culture of each region such that
they will also be better able to understand the events going on in
these areas today.
UNITED STATES HISTORY: COLONIAL AMERICA TO CIVIL WAR Semester
This
is a survey course, examining the social, geographical, political and
economical development of early American history from the discovery of
the Americas through the conclusion of the Civil War. Student will
comprehend concepts dealing with exploration, colonialism, revolution,
constitutionalism, nationalism, expansion and sectionalism. In addition,
the student will examine how these concepts shaped the development of
modern America. Writing, map-interpretation, reading, critical thinking
and primary source analysis will be emphasized.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY Full Year
AP
European History focuses on the chronological study of European history
from approximately 1450 (the High Renaissance) to the present. The
study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural,
economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental
role in shaping the world in which they live. In addition to providing a
basic narrative of events and movements, AP European History aims to
develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern
European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence and
historical interpretations and an ability to express historical
understanding in writing.
UNITED STATES HISTORY Full Year
Course
Content: This course examines major turning points in American history
in the 20th Century as they reflect continuity and change from the
nation's beginnings. Special attention is given to the framing of the
Constitution as background for understanding the contemporary
constitutional issues raised throughout this course. Students will
conduct research of both primary and secondary sources in order to write
a paper on social problems that have occurred during the 20th Century.
Students will develop skills in comprehending, analyzing and evaluating
main ideas, as well as making historical interpretations and perceiving
historical relationships.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY Full Year
Course
Content: This challenging course is a chronological survey of American
history, with emphasis placed upon developing analytical skills and
historical research. Students are introduced to the skills of
recognizing historical themes and interpretation. Writing and reading
comprehension skills, as well as oral class participation are stressed
to a greater extent than in other US History courses. Special emphasis
is placed on interpreting original source material. Students are
expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Semester
This
course is an integrated treatment of national, state and local
government. The fundamental principles and basic functions of government
in a democratic society are studied. Subject matter covered includes
study of political beliefs and behavior, institutions and policy-making
and the Constitutional basis of the American government. Special
attention is paid to the development of the principles of the
Constitution and application of these principles to American life.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Semester
The
Advanced Placement Program is intended for qualified students who wish
to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to a one semester
college introductory course in American Government & Politics. This
course is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics
and government in the United States. The class involves both the study
of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis
of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various
institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up the American
political reality. The major topics of study are: 1) constitutional
underpinnings of American government; 2) political beliefs and
behaviors; 3) political parties and interest groups; 4) institutions and
policy processes of national government; 5) civil rights and civil
liberties.
ECONOMICS Semester
This is a survey
course, which will present an introductory overview of both
macroeconomic and microeconomic principles. This course is divided
primarily into four components: (1) the philosophical grounding of the
discipline via the works of Smith and Marx, (2) an introduction to basic
macroeconomic concepts, (3) an introduction to basic microeconomic
concepts and (4) a glimpse at the international economy. Investigations
will include the principles of free market thought, key economists and
their respective contributions to the discipline, personal economic
decisions, public sector decisions, the laws of supply and demand,
market equilibrium, the various business models, different types of
market set-ups, general economic trends (the “big three” of inflation,
unemployment and GDP) and an examination of the structure and function
of the Federal Reserve System. Additionally, barring enough time, the
conclusion of the course will entail a brief overview of special topics
in economics including the economics of crime, the economics of
religion, the economics of gender, the politics of economics,
globalization and the rich/poor divide.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MACROECONOMICS Semester
This
Macroeconomics course covers the “aggregates” of the economy; its
purpose is to analyze the “big picture” of the economy as a whole.
Particular areas of emphasis include basic economic concepts,
measurement of economic performance, short run and long run aggregate
supply and demand, the examination of national income and price-level
determination and the ability of students to recognize and evaluate
economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization
policies, economic growth and international economics.
ELECTIVES
BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY Semester
This
course is a survey in psychology with an emphasis on developing an
understanding of hte historical, clinical and developmental processes in
this social science. Students will conduct experiments and complete
surveys to enhance their ability to solve problems in a social context.
PSYCHOLOGY 2 Semester
This
course provides students with the opportunity to investigate current
issues in psychology. Areas of study will include personality, stress,
mental illness and the effects of social influences on behavior.
Research projects as well as group investigations will be incorporated
into the course work. Students will have the opportunity to analyze
contemporary events from the perspective of social psychology.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY Semester
The
AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the
systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of
human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the
psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of
the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics
and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES Semester
This
one semester course focuses on the social dynamics of stereotyping and
discrimination, using two case studies as the basis for student
exploration. Through the study of the Eugenics Movement and the rise of
race science in America and the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany’s
Weimar Republic and the Holocaust, students will learn about the frailty
of democracy to better understand their roles and responsibilities as
citizens. By studying the choices that individuals made in history,
students will understand that this history was not inevitable and that
individuals always have choices to either strengthen democracy or
undermine it.
CASE STUDIES IN HUMAN RIGHTS Semester
This
one semester social studies elective open to both juniors and seniors
will examine genocide and other acts of collective violence in the 20th
and 21st centuries. The case studies will include the Armenian genocide
during WWI, the killing fields of Cambodia, Apartheid in South Africa,
religious conflict in Northern Ireland, genocide in Rwanda and the
continuing genocide in the Darfur region in Sudan. Although the history
of each conflict will be taught, the emphasis of this course will focus
on two essential questions: What obligations does the world community
and particularly the United States, have in aiding and intervening in
acts of collective violence and genocide and How do societies begin to
repair and reconcile after acts of collective violence and/or genocide?
The class will also contain a detailed analysis of the response of the
United States to each individual case study.
HISTORY AND POLITICS OF THE OLYMPICS Semester
This
course will examine the politics that have affected significant Olympic
Games throughout history. Starting with the Ancient Olympics and the
foundations established there, the students will explore the invention
of the modern Olympics in 1896, Berlin 1932, Mexico City 1968, Munich
1972, the boycotts in 1980 and 1984 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Students will analyze the importance of international politics and how
the Olympics have worked to bring nations together, while also being
directly impacted by strife between specific nations.
CONTEMPORARY WORLD PROBLEMS Semester
This
course focuses on the development of Third World countries - mainly the
Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America - and their relationship
with the United States. There is also some time spent on the development
and change in the Third World over the past fifty years.
COLONIZATION AND DECOLONIZATION:CASE STUDIES IN AFRICA & ASIA Semester
This
course explores the concepts of colonization and decolonization, with a
specific focus on their application to African and Asian history since
approximately 1800. This course begins with an overview of these themes –
defining the terms, discussing motives for colonization and factors
leading to decolonization and identifying the regions of the world that
have been involved on either side of this history. After developing the
course concepts, students will focus on the history of colonization and
decolonization in Africa and Asia. The timeline of the course will
extend also to modern day, as students examine the legacy of
decolonization and the current state of affairs in Africa and Asia. In
addition to teaching historical concepts and providing a narrative of
events, this course aims to develop the ability to analyze historical
evidence, debate controversial topics in history and express historical
understanding in writing.
LEADERSHIP Semester *
This
course presents basic leadership education to students who are
interested in developing their skills in this area. Class topics include
goal setting, self-esteem, leadership theories, effective communication
skills, meeting and organizational skills, time management,
decision-making, current social issues and models and problem solving.
Students will have the opportunity to become involved in events and
activities where they can apply the skills they are learning.
* This class will meet during zero-period (7:00 A.M.) two mornings a week during the semester.