Social Science Department
COURSES OFFERED
WORLD HISTORY/CULTURE/GEOGRAPHY
This course is designed to prepare students for college. It includes a social, political, economic, and cultural survey of humanity from 1500 AD to the present. The student will be encouraged to develop an understanding of humanity’s ties to the past and how they influence present and future life, and to broaden cultural horizons.
AP WORLD HISTORY
This is a college level course. Students will explore the history of the human world and develop a greater understanding of the evolution of major societies throughout history. Along with important facts, students will learn critical thinking skills that are essential and prudent to analyze primary sources and Documented-Based Essay Questions (DBQ). Moreover, the AP World History course is organized around five themes that will be used as a frame of reference in helping students comprehend the various time periods of the history of the world. Some colleges accept a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP exam as college credit in this subject area. All students are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the course.
US HISTORY
This course is designed to begin with the present cultural heritage and trace these back to their origin in the past. Using a concept approach, emphasis will be placed on the political, social, economic, and judicial development of our nation with particular attention to the 20th century. The heritage study will include art, music, entertainment and the changes in the American scene as viewed by everyday Americans of the past.
ECONOMICS
This semester long course is required senior year. This course is designed to introduce students to basic economic concepts, comparative economic systems, elements of economic systems, elemental economic growth and change, and consumer skills.
ECONOMICS HONORS
This semester long course is paired with AP US Government during senior year. This course is designed to look at basic economic concepts, comparative economic systems, elements of economic systems, elemental economic growth and change, and consumer skills on a deeper level.
US GOVERNMENT
This semester long course is required senior year. It will give students a better understanding of the institutions of American government. They will analyze the life and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the current state of the three branches of government. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the federal, states and local governments.
AP US GOVERNMENT
This is an intensive semester long course in college level U.S. Government. This course is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the U.S. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up the American political reality. It includes such topics as the constitutional basis of American government; political beliefs, and institutions and policy processes of national government and civil rights. Some colleges accept a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP exam as college credit in this subject area. All students are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the course.
PSYCHOLOGY
This elective course is designed to give students an overview of fundamental personality theory as it relates to them in today’s environment. The course also includes an in-depth look at values clarification concepts, the theory of environment vs. heredity, and an extensive study of several theories in the domain of emotions and stress.
AP PSYCHOLOGY
This is an intensive course in college-level Psychology. This course is designed to give students an overview of fundamental personality theory as it relates to them in today’s environment. The course also includes an in-depth look at values clarification concepts, the concepts of environment vs. heredity, and an extensive study of several theories inthe domain of emotions and stress. Included is also an examination of the development of love and its relationship to self-esteem. Some colleges accept a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP exam as college credit in this subject area. All students are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the course.
SOCIOLOGY
An elective course centered on the behavior of people in groups. Topics included are socialization, institutions, social interaction, social change, collective behavior, and competition in society. Activities include library research, group activities and simulations.