Social Department Department

Seventh grade Social Studies is a continuation of the geography program begun in sixth grade. Students will study the physical and cultural geography of regions in the Eastern Hemisphere including North Africa and Southwest Asia; East and Southeast Asia; Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica; Europe; and Russia. Current events topics and online projects will be incorporated where appropriate.

Eighth grade US History begins with the 13 British colonies in North America and the French and Indian War, and proceeds next to the American Revolution. This course traces the formation of the United States, the creation of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and follows the history of our new nation. Emphasis is placed upon the variety of influences that have contributed to U.S. society. This course concludes with the Civil War and its consequences and is the foundation for the study of the modern United States in the eleventh grade.e.

Western World is a survey course that spans the over 5,000 year history of Western civilization. Many of the same forces that shape our own lives today have been just as relevant to humans throughout history. From the origins of civilization itself in ancient Mesopotamia to current issues in today’s European nations, the course looks at selected periods in European history from a chronological and thematic perspective. Special attention is given to the religions, art, literature, and technology of each period as well as current events. A final exam will be given.

Credit: 1

World Cultures is a course of study that aims to introduce and familiarize students with important global regions. With globalization and an increasing need for global partnership, it is imperative that students gain an understanding of the world around us and become responsible, educated global citizens. The course will begin with an introduction to Cultural Anthropology so that students can develop the lexicon necessary for the systematic study of societies. After a brief review of world geography, students will begin an extensive study of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Sub Continent and China. Each regional study will include a look into religion, history, social/ cultural patterns, economics, geography, and current events. A midterm and final exam will be given.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Students are admitted to this program based upon a combination of the following: 90% or above in 9th grade Western World, a PSSA English score of 1100 or higher, and teacher recommendation.

Description:

This course will focus on the same content as World Cultures, but at a more accelerated and advanced pace with higher expectations for students’ effort. Students will delve deeper into source analysis, research, and writing. In addition to the course content, students will be reading novels outside of class to enhance their understanding and analysis of each region’s culture. The course is designed to equip students with the skills they will need for the Honors or AP U.S. History courses that are available to them in their 11^th grade year.  Prerequisites: 90% in Western World, a PSSA score of 1100 or higher, a score greater than 80% on a district-created PSSA-based writing assessment, and teacher recommendation

1 Credit

United States History in 11th grade is a full-year study of American history from the Civil War to the modern era. We will examine the social, political, and economic aspects of American life by reading and analyzing various primary and secondary source readings as well as audiovisual sources. This class will involve research and writing as you delve into the study of U.S. history and draw connections to current events. The goal of this course is to develop historical literacy skills and become adept at interpreting and understanding historical events.  A final exam will be given.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Students are admitted to this program based upon a combination of the following: 90% or above in 10th grade World Cultures, or 85% in Honors World Cultures, a score of 560 or above on the PSAT EBRW section, a score of 80% on a district-created PSSA-based writing assessment, and teacher recommendation.

Honors United States History has the same scope as U.S. History II—the social, political, and economic history of the 20th century—but with an increased level of intellectual rigor and higher expectations for students’ effort and commitment. A strong interest in history is necessary to thrive in this course. Honors U.S. History makes use of many of the materials and methods of AP U.S. History but with a wider range of enriching activities and outside readings. This is a rigorous course for a motivated student; there will be no retesting. There is an ongoing effort to relate history to current events, and a major research project is an important requirement of the course. A final exam will be given.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Students are admitted to this program based upon a combination of the following: 95% or above in 10th grade World Cultures AND English II, or 92% or above in Honors World Cultures AND Honors English II, a score of 580 or above on the PSAT EBRW section, a score of 92% on a district-created PSSA-based writing assessment, and teacher recommendation.

Course Description: Advanced Placement United States History, our most rigorous history course, is a fast-paced, comprehensive study of the entire scope of American history for motivated students with a strong interest in the subject. The course is designed to prepare students to sit for the AP US History exam in early May, and a satisfactory score can earn credits toward students’ courses of study in college. Students will be required to complete a rigorous and extensive array of reading and writing assignments throughout the year and to master the use of both secondary and primary sources. There is a high expectation of active class participation. There will be no retesting. Students who take the AP exam are exempted from a final exam. Students will conduct a major research project after the AP exam.

Credit: 1

This one semester course begins with an introduction to government in its various forms and is followed by a series of units that focus on the government of the United States. Students will become familiar with the United States Constitution and its major concepts. In-depth units investigate federalism, civil liberties, and equality before the law and politics. All aspects of the study are related to the events of the day as students are required to read a “newsweekly” throughout the study.

Credit: .5

*Every senior must complete one government and one economics course to fulfill their one credit social studies requirement.

Prerequisite: Students who have received a grade of “C” or higher in the Honors/AP United States History courses are approved for the Honors Government/Economics program. United States History students will be considered for Honors Government/Economics if they had an average of 90% or higher in the eleventh grade course combined with a score of 570 or above on the EBRW section on the PSAT taken in the junior year.

This one semester course begins with the study of comparative government before concentrating on the government of the United States. Units focus on civil liberties, elections and politics, constitutional law, etc. An AP government text is used and students are required to read a “newsweekly.” An extensive research paper and an oral presentation are required at the end of the course.

Credit: .5

This one semester course provides students with a foundation in the principles of economics. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic models are used as the student views the market economy through the eyes of an economist. In-depth units focus on both fiscal and monetary policy, providing the student with the necessary background to intelligently follow the events of the day. Through a unit on business organizations, students are familiarized with the rudiments of the equities market. Students are required to read a “newsweekly” throughout the course.

Credit: .5

*Every senior must complete one government and one economics course to fulfill their one credit social studies requirement.

Prerequisite: Students who have received a grade of “C” or higher in the Honors/AP United States History courses are approved for the Honors Government/Economics program. United States History students will be considered for Honors Government/Economics if they had an average of 90% or higher in the eleventh grade course combined with a score of 570 or above on the EBRW section on the PSAT taken in the junior year.

This one semester course provides students with the foundations of a college-level study in economics. Beginning with a unit on economic reasoning, students go on to investigate the basics of both microeconomic and macroeconomics. In-depth units investigate both monetary and fiscal policy against the backdrop of current economic developments. Through a study of business organizations, students investigate the workings of the equity markets. Outside readings include Freakonomics (Levitt and Dubner) and a “newsweekly.”

Credit: .5

In Psychology students apply knowledge of their own lives to the study of human behavior and mental processes at the introductory level. Psychological perspectives and research, sensation and perception, personality, psychological disorders, states of consciousness and learning are among the high-interest topics of study. There is an emphasis on both personal reflection and current research in the field of psychology, and the course is an excellent foundation for all students, whether or not they choose to pursue future study. This course is open to students in 9th–12th grades and does not include a final examination.

Credit: .5

Sociology is a course designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, principles, and methods central to the study of human society. Fundamental sociological topics such as culture, socialization, social stratification, and social change will be investigated. We will also use sociological theory to analyze socioeconomic, gender, and racial inequality as well as contemporary societal responses to these issues. In our exploration of groups and formal organizations, we will examine the role of social conformity and “groupthink” in shaping human decision-making. You will be introduced to three different foundational sociological perspectives in this course in order to effectively analyze and evaluate human behavior and social phenomena. This course aims to enhance your sociological imagination through discussion, class activities, film analysis, and group projects.

Sociology is open to 9th-12th graders.

Credit: .5

International Relations is a one-semester study of world politics, a field of study that seeks to understand how the peoples and countries of the world get along. This course covers topics such as war, immigration, human rights, terrorism, the challenge of nuclear weapons, and the role of the U.S. in world affairs. In exploring these topics, we will draw from Brown University’s Choices curriculum (designed for high school students) as well as additional readings, resources, and current events articles and videos. Specific topics may rotate from year-to-year based on world events, but typically include U.S.-China relations, the history of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, and recent or active military conflicts, such as the role of the United States in the Russo-Ukrainian War. International Relations is open to 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th graders.

Credit: .5