GRADE |
Courses |
9 |
World Civilizations I |
10 |
AP World History |
World Civilizations II |
Writing the Research Paper |
11 |
AP U.S. History |
U.S History |
Trimester Courses |
1 2 |
Trimester Courses |
Courses Required for Grades 9 and 10
World Civilizations: This is a two-year sequence for grades nine and ten. The course involves an integrated study of the non-western and European worlds from prehistoric times to the present. Students are exposed to similarities and contrasts in the development of societies in terms of geography, social organization, economics, political institutions, religion and cultural expression. Through this course, students should begin to perceive the world as a unified whole as well as to develop a better understanding of, and sensitivity to, uniqueness in cultures. In grade 9 students study world history from antiquity to 1450; in grade 10, they study world history from the 15th century to the present. In addition to learning the historical narrative, students are taught to think historically, to develop research skills, and to communicate effectively in writing. In grade 10, the Advanced Placement World History course is offered to those students who have demonstrated both mastery of the World Civilizations I content and skills and the ability to work at a higher level with the goal of taking the AP exam in May of their sophomore year.
Writing the Research Paper: This course will teach the student an effective process for researching, writing and presenting a formal research paper. The process taught will be adaptable to any academic discipline, not just history. The topics to be covered include: selecting a topic, establishing a bibliography, using the resources of the library, making notes, creating an outline, and composing the paper. Every student must complete this one trimester course by the end of the tenth grade year.
Courses Required for Grade 11
U.S. History
The major issues and personalities of American history will be examined. The social, political and economic history of the developing nation are surveyed in order to help the student acquire a general background of our culture and to investigate the evolution of the American democracy. The major themes of American History (the Puritan ethic, Jefferson versus Hamilton, Federalism, Manifest Destiny, capitalism, the Turner Thesis, etc.) will be emphasized through primary sources, with special attention being paid to the Constitution.
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Advanced Placement U.S. History
This course is an in depth study of United States History that has as its goals the development of more mature thinking and writing skills, the development of intellectual responsibility in anticipation of college, and preparation for the Advanced Placement exam. Political, economic, and social history are examined through primary and secondary sources in an attempt to understand the principal themes of the American experience. Students are expected to grasp concepts, make judgments, draw analogies, and express competent opinions after examining varying interpretations. Expository and research writing are emphasized. Because it is an advanced course, it will be conducted on a college level. As in any college course, the student bears the responsibility for completing and understanding all the material. Students are expected to accept and exhibit greater individual responsibility for their work than is normally expected
History Trimester Courses (11 & 12th Grades)
Psychology: Psychology is a survey level course which introduces students to the theories and concepts of psychology. The course relates these concepts to everyday life and to current issues in the field of psychology. Because students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of the subject, emphasis is placed on learning the vocabulary of this discipline. Discussion and projects are emphasized more than tests, and guest speakers are invited to give lectures on their areas of expertise. Some of the areas covered are: developmental psychology, learning, communication, emotions, personality, group behavior, motivation, psychological disorders, and psychotherapy.
Law: This course provides practical background knowledge in the areas of constitutional, criminal, civil, and juvenile law through case studies and outside readings. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as protected by the law, and to provide insight into some of the major problems of the law today. The course will also give each student a working knowledge of the legal system in the context of issues important to them.
Economics: This course is an introduction to basic economic concepts and vocabulary, to the use of graphs and models for expressing economic statistics and principles, and to contemporary economic issues. This survey will help students understand how societies choose to solve the basic economic problem of survival and to allocate labor, resources, and capital for this purpose. Students will be asked to do research on economic issues. If offered, the students will participate in a stock market simulation game.
Anthropology: This course is an introduction to the study of anthropology. The main focus of the course will be the study of societies that do not possess the conveniences of modern suburbia. Traditional societies that will be studied include the Bushmen of the Kalahari, New Guinea tribesmen, Mongolians, and Amazonian Indians. These traditional societies will be studied in terms of their social, economic and cultural roots. In addition to the textual material, the course will use videos and study traditional oral histories. If time permits, students will read a published book by their instructor which focuses on the Sherpa people of the Himalayas.
The Civil War: This course will examine the American Civil War beginning with the origins of the conflict. A chronological study of the military campaigns, major battles, key people, and military strategies of both the Union and Confederacy will be a focus of the course. Related political, social, and economic issues will also be examined. Topics will include naval war, soldier life, women’s roles, the impact of technology, emancipation of slaves, contributions of black troops, espionage, and the legacy of this event in American History. Student progress will be assessed through daily reading quizzes, classroom participation, unit tests, formal essays, reports and presentations, and a trimester exam.
Global Studies: Global Studies is a one trimester course that examines selected topics challenging the international community in the modern age. Using Foreign Policy’s Great Decisions’ Program and supplemental materials, students will study how the United States and the United Nations affect critical international issues and conflicts the global community must contend with today. The study of these issues will create a forum for discussion and debate and a new level of activism on the part of students as they research possible solutions.
Human Ecology: Human Ecology is a discussion-based course that focuses on understanding two phases of human development: adolescence and young adulthood. Using the developmental psychology of Erik Erickson as a springboard for understanding these two important life phases, students then go on to read works such as Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, and Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Offered trimesters 1 and 2
