WORLD HISTORY
(Full Year)
Required Grade 9
Prerequisite: None
World History is required of all freshmen. This course will examine the human journey from the Fall of Rome to factors leading to the world wars. Students will examine the past to help understand what is happening in the present. The evolution of philosophies, political systems, and economic theories will be examined; along with the development of nation states.
WORLD HISTORY: HONORS
(Full Year)
Required Grade 9
Prerequisite: 90th percentile on special placement exam.
In addition to the same content material as the required World History class, Honors World History…
U.S. HISTORY
(Full Year)
Required Grade 10
Prerequisite: World Geography
American History traces the philosophical, political, economic and social development of the United States from Colonial times to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Students study the evolution of the American democratic system as the United States attempts to fulfill the vision presented in these documents.
U.S. HISTORY: HONORS
(Full Year)
Required Grade 10
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation.
In addition to the same content material as the required American History class, this American History Honors class requires students to discuss readings from a supplementary text, The Social Fabric. These readings present alternate viewpoints on various historical events. Also, each semester students prepare a group or individual project. The emphasis in this course is on higher order thinking skills, in-depth analysis, critical thinking and deeper understanding of historical events and perspectives. Class project or History Day project is required.
U.S. GOVERNMENT
(Semester)
Required Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: American History
This survey course is designed to introduce students to the origin and nature of government in general and to the specific development of the American form of government. It traces America's historical roots from a governmental perspective and stresses the fundamental civil rights uniquely protected in our system. Students examine the three branches of government as well as the features of checks and balances and separation of powers. A short survey of state and local governments and the corresponding concept of federalism are also included.
AP GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
(Full Year)
Elective Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This course covers six areas - Constitutional Underpinnings, Political Beliefs and Behaviors, Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media, Institutions (Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, Courts), Public Policy, and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
SOCIOLOGY (Semester)
Elective Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: None
Main focus of the class will be an introduction of sociology. Students will learn how society operates. Students will learn how society and individuals influence each other, and how society and groups influence each other.
PSYCHOLOGY (Semester)
Elective Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation.
This course introduces students to the study of human behavior and mental processes. The course covers learning and cognitive processes, the connections between mind and body, age development, personality theories, and psychological breakdown.
MODERN U.S. HISTORY
(Semester)
Elective Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: American History or Honors American History
This course will cover the history of the United States from 1945 to the present with emphasis on foreign policy. It presents an in-depth analysis of the development of modern American foreign and domestic issues
JUSTICE & LAW
(Semester)
Elective
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is a law-related education class. An engaging class, Justice & Law uses interactive methods to give students a practical understanding of law and our legal system. Justice & Law focuses on legal issues relevant to students’ lives and develops knowledge and skills essential in our law-oriented society.
ECONOMICS & PERSONAL FINANCE
(Semester)
Elective
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: None
Economic theory, policy, and history are examined with major emphasis placed on macroeconomics and microeconomics. The Personal Finance aspect of the course is designed to help students understand the impact of individual choices on occupational goals and future earning potential.