Social Studies

Utilizing a regional approach to studying the world, this course examines the geography, history, and culture of each of the major areas of the globe in turn. After an introductory unit on geography and the world today, we will examine the following regions: Africa; South Asia; Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania; 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.

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.

This is a survey course, examining the social, geographical, political, and economical development of early American history. Students will grasp concepts dealing with colonialism, war and revolution, constitutionalism, nationalism, expansion, and sectionalism. Writing, map-interpretation, reading and critical thinking skills will be emphasized.

This course involves a closer look at behavioral differences within our society. Research projects, investigations, and experimentation all help the student to interpret, analyze, and make critical and practical connections to understand those similarities and differences. Topics will include: analysis of childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging, death and dying, gender similarities and differences, personality theory and assessment, mental health and behavioral challenges which will include schizophrenia, OCD, and Multiple Affective Disorder.

This is a survey course, which will present an overview of both microeconomic and macroeconomic principles. Investigations will include personal economic decisions, public sector decisions, the structuring of American businesses, the labor market, the distribution of income and the effect of money and banking on the American economy.

This 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.

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 evident and historical interpretation, and an ability to express historical understanding in writing.

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.

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 develop skills in comprehending, analyzing, and evaluating main ideas, as well as making historical interpretations and perceiving historical relationships.

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.

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.

This course will examine important topics to American society from a public policy point of view. The course will take on a consistent set of ongoing problem areas. Students will respond to current events which affect domestic policy at the national, state and local level.

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.

This course will present the history of Arab civilization from pre-Islamic times to the present day. Emphasis will be placed on the historical development of the Arab peoples and the contributions of the Arab civilizations to the world. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between the Arab world and the West, and how this historical relationship has affected world events and perceptions in the twentieth century.

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.

This course is designed to investigate the role the U.S. has played in the history and sociopolitical development of Latin America, including the nations of the Caribbean, with an emphasis on the modern era. The students will understand the historical context of the U.S. action in the post-WWII period. The course will be organized chronologically, using the presidential administrations as the foundation. 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.

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.

This course 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 Darfour 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.

This course will give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places special emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth and international economics.

This course is a survey in social science with an emphasis upon developing a student's understanding of the historical, clinical and developmental processes in psychology. Students will conduct experiments and complete surveys to enhance their ability to solve problems in a social context. The exposure to literature and theories will build a strong foundation for future course work.

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.

This course is an introduction to economics, which presents an overview of economic thought. The course will focus on microeconomics, and includes the study of the laws of supply and demand, competitive markets, comparative economic systems and economic current events. Economics 1 is structured to include reading, writing, discussion and research.

Economics 2 concentrates on the study of macroeconomics. Topics studied include: gross national product, economic growth, inflation, the Federal Reserve Board, interest rates and income distribution. Close attention will be paid to current events in our own economic system and to the changes occurring throughout the world. The course is structured to include reading, writing, discussion and research.

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.