World History
Grade 9
1 social studies credit
In world history, students learn historical and geographical content from the Greek and Roman Times to the present. This course includes the historical development of people, places, and environments. Students interpret patterns of behavior that contribute to cultural understanding. Students compare civilizations and evaluate their contributions to societies and their impact on western civilization. The study of origins, traditions, customs and beliefs is essential to the standards. Chronological events and geographic influences on history are explored. Students use maps, tests, charts, other resources, and technology to construct data and interpret information.
Honors World History
Grade 9
1 social studies credit
This rigorous course is designed for those students who plan on taking the Advanced Placement United States History class in the future and for those who plan on attending college after high school. Students selecting this option will sign a contract that will require summer work (to be completed by the first day of school) and the expectation that their academic performance meets the standards set forth by the instructor. This course will require a great deal of reading, researching, analyzing, writing, and presenting course material both individually and in small groups. World History covers historical and geographical content from the Greek and Roman Times to the present, including the historical development of people, places, and environments. Students interpret patterns of behavior that contribute to cultural understanding. Students compare civilizations and evaluate their contributions to societies and their impact on Western Civilization. The study of origins, traditions, customs, and beliefs is essential. Chronological events and geographic influences on history are explored. Students use maps, texts, charts, other resources, and technology to construct data and interpret information.
Civics and Economics
Grade 10
1 social studies credit
This course is a one year requirement for all sophomores. For one semester the students will learn about civics (how government works at the local, state and national levels; which will include the rights and responsibilities of American citizens.) For the other semester students will learn about economics (to include the concepts of production, distribution, consumption, supply and demand and the impact of globalism). Students will be required to pass a project that will serve as a final assessment for that particular class at the end of each semester before credit is given. This course is designed for those students who plan to attend a two year college, military service or the world of work after high school. There is no summer work or contract for this course. Students will be required to do a fair share of reading, researching, analyzing, writing and presenting course material both individually and in small groups.
Honors Civics and Economics
Grade 10
1 social studies credit
This course is a one year requirement for all sophomores. For one semester the students will learn about civics (how government works at the local, state and national levels; which will include the rights and responsibilities of American citizens.) For the other semester students will learn about economics (to include the concepts of production, distribution, consumption, supply and demand and the impact of globalism). Students will be required to pass a project that will serve as a final assessment for that particular class at the end of each semester before credit is given.
This rigorous course is designed for those students who plan on taking the Advanced Placement United States History course in the future and for those who plan on attending college after high school. Students selecting this course will sign a contract that will require summer work and reading (to be completed by the first day of school) and the expectation that their academic performance meets the standards set forth by the instructor. This class will require a great deal of reading, researching, analyzing, writing and presenting course material both individually and in small groups as well.
United States History
Grade 11
1 social studies (US history) credit
This course will cover the social, political, and economic developments of the United States in the years since Reconstruction. We will analyze America’s position in the world today as it has developed during the last century. Special attention will be given to refining the students’ abilities to express themselves orally and in writing.
Honors United States History
Grade 11
1 social studies (US history) credit
This course is a prerequisite for AP United States History. This class will cover Pre-Columbian societies to industrialization. Emphasis will be placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. This is a challenging course that will prepare students for the level of work required in an Advanced Placement course. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study are necessary to succeed.
AP United States History
Grade 12
1 social studies (US history) credit
This is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a freshman college course and can earn students college credit. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study are necessary to succeed. Emphasis will be placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. Students will need to sign a contract and commit to the completion of summer work before they take this course. It will continue where Honors United States History ended, including an in-depth study of post-Reconstruction America through the present day. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring.
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Honors United States History
British History
Grade 12
1 social studies credit
This course is designed to complement the senior academic and AP English courses in British literature. We well trace the earliest history of the British Isles as it relates to Beowulf, then continue to evaluate the political and social developments of the Middle Ages looking particularly at Chaucer’s times. From the Middle Ages we will go on to the Renaissance and Shakespeare by studying the influence of the Tudors on the modern history of England as it lead to the Age of Reason. Finally, we will take an in depth look at the Victorian Era as it is reflected in the literature of the times. Combined projects with English will be an integral part of this class.
Holocaust
Grades 11-12
.5 elective credit
This elective will study the impact of intolerance and hatred on society with a particular emphasis on the Nazi Holocaust. Students will complete a case study on a 20th century genocide as a final project and will discuss our responsibility to see that it never happens again.
Great Debates of the Modern World
Grades 11-12
.5 elective credit
This elective course will focus on events that are occurring around us on the local, state, national and international level. The study of current events will include reading, research, writing, artistic expression, and oral debate. The course will focus on the following topics: terrorism, immigration, global trade, environmentalism, the United Nations, gender and race in the media, public opinion and American politics, genocide, and nuclear technology.
History vs. Hollywood
Grades 11-12
.5 elective credit
In this course students will watch a variety of films based on events in US History and will compare the historical significance and accuracy of the films with the actual events. Students will analyze the films for their symbolism and will discuss the filmmakers’ techniques. Students will do a significant amount of reading, research, and writing in order to adequately analyze the films.
