World History II, 5.00 cr.

220 – honors

222 – college prep

World History II continues the study of world events from the seventh-grade curriculum. World Cultures, geography, and major political events will be studied from the Renaissance to the present day. The program will focus on major events occurring over the past 200 years in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the historical significance of each topic and its impact on today’s world, practice and master specific study skills, complete a research project, and demonstrate competence in primary source analysis in order to foster the skills needed to be an active citizen.

Economics, 2.5 cr.

287 – honors

288 – college prep (Elective Course – students will take this in addition to World History II)

This semester long course begins with an introduction to economic concepts and a comparison of different types of economic systems throughout the world. Students will learn the foundations of both microeconomics and macroeconomics, with units focusing on the laws of demand and supply, market structures, labor, business organization, financial markets, the role of government, and the international economy. The course places an emphasis on individual decision-making and students will engage in simulations that reflect markets and trade, entrepreneurship, and investment through the Stock Market Game. Discussions and projects will be woven throughout the course, as well as a study of the current state of the economy. Economics will also provide students with the practical knowledge and skills that will help them to prepare for a possible career in business or economics.

U.S. History I, 5.00 cr.

230 – honors

United States History I honors is designed to introduce students to the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems in United States History. Students will learn to assess historical evidence and interpret historical scholarship. This course is meant to prepare students for their role as U.S. citizens and for possible placement into AP US History in their junior year. Students are expected to complete a research paper. The course will begin with the American Revolution and continue through the Progressive Era. Students may choose to move on to the AP United States History or honors US History II in their junior year.

U.S. History I, 5.00 cr.

232 – college prep

The United States History I content and the experience will be the same as that for U.S. History I Honors. Some units or parts of units will be approached using different methods depending on the skills which need to be addressed. There is significant emphasis placed on the skills needed to be an active citizen, such as the research and writing process, media literacy, primary source analysis, and document-based questions.

Economics, 2.5 cr.

287 – honors

288 – college prep

(Elective Course – students will take this in addition to US History I)

This semester long course begins with an introduction to economic concepts and a comparison of different types of economic systems throughout the world. Students will learn the foundations of both microeconomics and macroeconomics, with units focusing on the laws of demand and supply, market structures, labor, business organization, financial markets, the role of government, and the international economy. The course places an emphasis on individual decision-making and students will engage in simulations that reflect markets and trade, entrepreneurship, and investment through the Stock Market Game. Discussions and projects will be woven throughout the course, as well as a study of the current state of the economy. Economics will also provide students with the practical knowledge and skills that will help them to prepare for a possible career in business or economics.

Advanced Placement European History, 5.00 cr.

245

There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.

This is an Advanced Placement course designed to provide college-level work to highly qualified senior students. The course is a concentrated study of European History and its impact on the rest of the world from the Renaissance to the 2000s. AP European History explores various social, political, economic, religious, intellectual, and cultural themes. Students will work from a college-level textbook, supplementary reading materials, documents, and scholarly articles. Throughout the year, students will be responsible for presentations discussing the humanities (art, literature, and music) of different periods such as: Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic. A chief goal of this course is to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement College Board exam in European History, which they must take in order to earn AP credit on their transcripts. Due to the various connections between the World History II Honors course and the AP European History course, sophomores who achieve the Advanced Placement prerequisites in World History II may enroll in this class concurrently with US History I.

• Advanced Placement European History, 5.00 cr.

  245

  There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.

  This is an Advanced Placement course designed to provide college-level work to highly qualified senior students. The course is a concentrated study of European History and its impact on the rest of the world from the Renaissance to the 2000s. AP European History explores various social, political, economic, religious, intellectual, and cultural themes. Students will work from a college-level textbook, supplementary reading materials, documents, and scholarly articles. Throughout the year, students will be responsible for presentations discussing the humanities (art, literature, and music) of different periods such as: Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic. A chief goal of this course is to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement College Board exam in European History, which they must take in order to earn AP credit on their transcripts. Due to the various connections between the World History II Honors course and the AP European History course, sophomores who achieve the Advanced Placement prerequisites in World History II may enroll in this class concurrently with US History I.

  European History, 5.00 cr.

  243 - honors

  Honors European History will introduce students to the social, political, intellectual, religious, economic and technological developments that have been significant in shaping our world today. The course will analyze the history of Europe from the Renaissance through the 2000s. The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the chronology and principal themes in modern European history, to analyze historical evidence and interpretation, and to express historical understanding in writing and speaking. 

  Advanced Placement Psychology, 5.00 cr.

  255

  There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.

  Students will partake in a rigorous course of study in psychological content and concepts to prepare them for the College Board Advanced Placement exam. The purpose of this course is to study the history, theories, and contemporary perspectives of psychology. Students will work from a college level text book, supplementary reading materials, and primary documents. Through labs, case studies, and readings students will explore a diverse list of topics including, the body and mind, human development, learning and cognition, personality, emotion and health. The goal of the curriculum is for students to understand their own motivations, the behavior of others, and to think critically about popular psychological trends. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam to earn AP credit on their transcripts.

  Psychology, 5.00 cr.

  250 – honors

  252 – college prep

  The purpose of this course is to study the history, theories, and contemporary perspectives of psychology. Through labs, case studies, and readings students will explore a diverse list of topics including, the body and mind, human development, learning and recognition, personality, emotion and health. The goal of the curriculum is to provide students with a knowledge base from which to better understand their own motivations, the behavior of others, and to think critically about popular psychological trends. Readings are assigned from both the course text and current research. Whenever possible, learning is experiential: students construct and administer tests, surveys, and interviews; they conduct both observational and control group experiments; and they create role play situations. Evaluation is based upon unit exams, research, collaborative projects, and multi-dimensional assignments.

  Advanced Placement US Government and Politics, 5.00 cr.

  265

  There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.

  This is an Advanced Placement course designed to provide rigorous college-level work to highly qualified senior students. AP US Government and Politics emphasizes concentrated study on the foundations, historical development and current workings of American political system. Students will work from a college-level textbook, supplementary reading materials, and primary documents. Unit exams and detailed projects compose much of the grade. This course is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It will include both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. Topics that may be included are constitutional underpinnings of the United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups and mass media, institutions of national government, public policy, civil rights and civil liberties. Although there is no prerequisite for this course, students should familiarize themselves with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. A chief goal of this course is to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement College Board exam in United States Government and Politics. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam to earn AP credit on their transcripts. 

  US Government and Politics, 5.00 cr.

  238 - honors

  Students taking US Government and Politics for honors credit will follow the same curriculum as the AP Government students. This course is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It will include both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. Topics that may be included are constitutional underpinnings of the United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups and mass media, institutions of national government, public policy, civil rights and civil liberties. Although there is no prerequisite for this course, students should familiarize themselves with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics.

  Introduction to Law, 5.00 cr.

  240 – honors

  242 – college prep

  This course explores the cases and concepts that are the foundation of the American judicial system. Students will focus on what are considered the basic rights and liberties of American citizens such as the rights of the accused, civil rights, and civil liberties, as well as civil and criminal law. Emphasis is placed on constitutional law, contemporary legal issues, and school law. Students will examine important cases and evaluate these cases in the context of their times. Students are expected to participate in classroom activities, as well as complete projects and reports.

  Sociology through World Events, 5.00 cr.

  284 - honors

  286 - college prep

  The course’s major emphasis is an analytical examination of sociology and human behavior through historical and contemporary world events. Major emphasis is placed on a holistic analysis of the events leading up to, including, and following the Holocaust. Students will use contemporary sociological theories to explain discrimination, racism, and genocide as they apply to historical and contemporary world events. By using the Holocaust and other events as case studies, students will be able to contemplate profound ethical questions about the consequences of our actions and our beliefs, which help them make connections between history and the moral choices we make every day. An important aspect of the course is analysis and discussion of issues as they are presented in primary source documents, short stories, films, documentaries, and readings. The course is a seminar; student learning will be assessed through reflective journal writing, small projects, presentations, and class participation.

  International Relations, 5.00 cr.

  275 – honors

  276 – college prep

  This course will emphasize US relations with China, the Middle East, Mexico, Russia, other nations and international organizations starting from the 20th century but with an emphasis on current events. Through quest speakers, films, documentaries, and readings, students will gain an understanding of the social, political, and economic factors that influence international relations. Students will engage in simulations, research, debate, and discussion to enhance their academic skills, and they will also be provided opportunities to explore careers and college programs in fields such a government and politics. Students will be assessed on the basis of written reflection, group projects, research assignments, presentations, and class participation.

  Sports and Society, 5.00 cr.

  253 – honors

  254 – college prep

  This interdisciplinary course explores some of the major themes in modern society through the lens of sports. While much of the course will focus on North American sport, we will take a global perspective when appropriate. It is important to note that the course will not focus on play on the field, but will examine the larger societal trends that develop as a result of these actions. A portion of the class will be seminar-based with students forming opinions and arguments surrounding discussion topics including violence, gender, race, social class, politics and religion. We will also spend time in class in an exploratory setting with students experimenting in a number of fields including broadcasting, journalism, laboratory research, etc. This course will not be lecture intensive, with much of the material being derived from textbook readings, scholarly articles and other media sources. Student learning will be assessed through reflective journal writing, essay and research paper writing, small projects, presentations, and class participation.

  Senior Internship, 0 cr.

  249 – honors

  Offered in Spring, this course will be run as a seminar for seniors who are in good academic standing and who are interested in exploring alternative educational experiences for the end of their senior year. The seniors who successfully fulfill the requirements of the course will spend the fourth term using the last four to six weeks of the academic year in a project of their design. The project itself may focus on the world of work or may be purely an educational experience of their choosing. Students will be responsible for attending weekly seminar meetings in preparation for their senior project. They will also need to work in conjunction with two mentors, one from inside the school and one in the community; these advisors will assist them in the completion of their final project. Students will present their findings to the school community at the end of the field placement.