All students are required to take four years of Social Studies. Courses in Social Studies are constructed to assure that students will gain understanding of the political, economic, geographic, and social forces which have shaped the history and development of America, as well as the other nations and regions of the world. Emphasis is on the analysis of data to develop concepts, understandings, and skills in the social sciences. Students will be expected to communicate information clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY I - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 9) - Global History and Geography I begins with the Paleolithic Era and the development of the first civilizations, continues with an examination of classical societies, and traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact. The course emphasizes the key themes of interactions over time, shifts in political power, and the role of belief systems. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical thinking, all of the Social Studies Practices and Standards, as designated by the New York State Framework, are included in the study of Global History and Geography I. The course ends with a final exam.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY IH - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 9) - Global History and Geography IH is based upon the social studies standards; history, geography, economic and civics/government, and is the first half of the Advanced Placement World History course. Students will investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes, and develop and use the AP Historical Reasoning Skills and AP Disciplinary Practices employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places encompassing the five major geographical regions of the globe. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement World History course that is offered in 10th grade. This course ends in a final exam.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY II - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 10) - Global History and Geography II provides a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. The last three Key Ideas focus on global issues, applying a more thematic approach. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical thinking, all of the Social Studies Practices and standards as designated by the New York State Framework are included in the study of Global History and Geography II. This course ends with the Global History and Geography II Regents Exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY: MODERN - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 10) - The AP World History: Modern course is a college-level course in which students investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and develop and use the same AP Historical Reasoning Skills and AP Disciplinary Practices employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places encompassing the five major geographical regions of the globe. All students will take the AP World History: Modern exam and the Global History and Geography II Regents Exam at the end of grade 10.
SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING APPLICATIONS: GLOBAL HISTORY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 10) - This course is intended to provide additional academic support for identified students to develop their writing skills required for success on the Global History and Geography Regents exam. This second semester class complements the required tenth grade course in Global History and Geography. Students are identified based on final "S" grades and final exam grades in ninth grade Global History and Geography, and the first two marking period grades of tenth grade.
UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 11) - This course studies U.S. History and Government. It stresses an understanding of enduring Constitutional issues that have impacted our political, economic, and social history. This course ends with a U.S. History and Government Regents exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 11) - This course focuses on the development of AP Historical Reasoning Skills and AP Disciplinary Practices to develop students' abilities to think conceptually about United States history from approximately 1491 to the present (divided into nine different time periods). Seven themes provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These areas of inquiry require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among historical developments in different times and places. All students will take the AP United States History exam and the United States History & Government Regents exam at the end of grade 11.
SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING APPLICATIONS: UNITED STATES HISTORY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 11) - This course is intended to provide additional academic support for identified students to develop their writing skills required for success on the U.S. History and Government Regents exam. This second semester class complements the required 11th grade course in U.S. History and Government. Students are identified based on final "S" grades and Regents grades in 10th grade Global History and Geography.
Grade 12: All 12th grade students must take either Participation in Government and Economics, Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics and Economic Theory H, or Advanced Placement Macroeconomics and Government Theory H, or Advanced Placement Microeconomics and Government Theory H.
ECONOMICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course introduces students to principles and theories that are the foundation of our economic system. Students will study the interrelationships of economics, business, and finance in our regional, national, and global economies. In addition, students will learn the importance of entrepreneurship and will be introduced to personal financial planning. This course ends in a final exam.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course will create an active and involved citizen who will have hands-on experience in all levels of government. Students will be encouraged to make connections between the structure of the governmental process and the role of the citizen in influencing this process. Activities will be planned that help to emphasize the complex forces which influence public policy. This course will end with an evaluation of the students' participation in the political process. Community service is a requirement of this course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course provides students with a nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they complete a political science research or applied civics project. This course provides an alternative approach to the new twelfth-year required government curriculum with an enriched program. It is expected that students will conclude this course with the AP US Government and Politics exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MACROECONOMICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Placing particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, it develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. This course provides an alternative approach to the new twelfth-year required economics curriculum with an enriched program. It is expected that students will conclude this course with the AP Macroeconomics exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MICROECONOMICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course provides an alternative approach to the new twelfth-year required economics curriculum with an enriched program. It is expected that students will conclude this course with the AP Microeconomics exam.
ECONOMIC THEORY H - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course will challenge students to grasp the theories of economics and their application to the economic system of our country. Students will take an active role in exploring the relationship of politics and economics as they interact in the larger national and international areas. Specific areas covered will include monetary and fiscal policy, supply and demand, the stock market, and the banking system, among others.
GOVERNMENT THEORY H - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This challenging course will provide students with an overview of the unique identity and character of United States government and politics. Students will gain an understanding of the trends, events, and policies influencing the development of American government from 1787 to the present. Students will be encouraged to make connections between the structure of the governmental process and the roll of the citizen in influencing this process. Students will analyze, evaluate, and debate the enduring constitutional issues in relationship to economic trends and policies.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
FOUNDATIONS OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM (CRIMINOLOGY 1) - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This is an introductory course that will explore basic aspects of the criminal justice system including the need for law, arrest process rights, and due process through trial. The course is designed to encourage active student participation through cooperative learning, peer teaching, oral presentations, role playing, and participation in a mock trial. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
CRIMINAL LAW (CRIMINOLOGY 2) - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the origin and function of criminal law in New York State. The focus will be on review of major offenses in common law and modern penal law, as well as a discussion of defense arguments. The course is designed to encourage active student participation through cooperative learning, peer teaching, oral presentations, and role playing. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
PSYCHOLOGY 1 - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - The basic direction of this introductory course is to help students develop some insight into human actions and feelings through the study of common life experiences. Role playing, simulations, case studies, and cooperative learning are among the teaching techniques used. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
PSYCHOLOGY 2 - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course begins with an investigation of the theories of human emotions, motivation, and personality development. Students will be introduced to a variety of psychological testing instruments utilized by professionals. Additional units of instruction will focus on the nature of stress and stress management techniques, behavior disorders and their treatment, and the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam. Prerequisite: Psychology 1.
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: A SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCE: - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - The basis of this course is to teach leadership skills while building self-esteem, social skills, and confidence. The course will consist of a curriculum that incorporates five major areas: communication, group process, managerial skills, self-awareness, and human relations. This elective will encompass many of our district initiatives such as Service Learning, Character Education, Civic Education, and School and Community Engagement.
SPORTS IN AMERICAN CULTURE - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - Students analyze the role sports play in American life, the development of sports in America, as well as an in-depth investigation of contemporary issues in the world of sports are offered. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
COLLEGE SOCIOLOGY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course investigates groups and their structure in human society. Students identify the main forces that hold groups together, with special focus on culture, religion, education, the family, society, and the individual. This course may require projects and/or a final exam. This course may be offered for college credit through St. John's University. http://www.stjohns.edu/admission/high school-scholars-program
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND THE UNITED NATIONS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This is a study of the international political system with a focus on the United Nations. Topics to be studied include the Millennium Development Goals, international security, human rights, disarmament, economic sanctions, globalization, and disputes over collective security.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course requires a commitment by the student to complete extensive college-level reading and writing assignments. In addition to examining the social, political, and economic history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present, students will also investigate and analyze historical events from a global perspective, Students will employ the AP Historical Reasoning Skills and the AP Disciplinary Practices. It is expected that all students will take the AP European History exam in May.
REFLECTING AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH THE ARTS - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - Reflecting American History through the Arts is a full-year course that will use creative, hands-on projects to provide an in-depth look at topics in American History, Students will be engaged in individual and group projects, and will present research and assignments to classmates. Projects may reflect specific time periods and themes or may allow students to choose a topic of interest from American History. The class will include field trips and the use of films, music, and art. The class and teacher may also choose to become involved in competitions such as National History Day, the NYS Archives Competition, and/or The History Channel's Save Our History Program.
GREAT DECISIONS: AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course will focus on the development of American foreign policy, past, and present. Emphasis will be placed on 20th century American foreign policy and its influence on current American foreign policy decisions at the dawn of the 21st century. An analysis of the current role of the United States in international affairs will be explored in depth. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
IN SEARCH OF HISTORY, UNCOVERING THE PAST - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course will provide students with the necessary tools to conduct historical research in American History. Students will master the fundamental skills in historical research including critical thinking, problem solving, reading comprehension, and oral and written communication skills. During the course of study, students may develop individual and/or group projects for the National History Day Competition.
VOICES FROM THE PAST: A STUDY OF GENOCIDE IN HISTORY - (Year Course, 1/2 Unit English, 1/2 Unit Social Studies, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This interdisciplinary course will focus on the Holocaust, and other past and present examples of genocide. Students will use literature, first person narratives, and historical accounts in order to understand the causes of genocide, the rise of hate crimes, and most importantly, way to prevent "man's inhumanity to man" now and in the future. Students will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and governments. This one-period, yearlong course is a Social Studies and English elective, and is also listed under English.
US HISTORY: 1945 - PRESENT - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course focuses on modern United States History. From the start of the Cold War to today's war against terrorism, students will come to understand specific events and decisions from a national and global perspective that have shaped our lives today. The course encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills, and includes an examination of the role of the media in shaping public opinion. It is the goal of this course to make recent history come alive in a clear, coherent, and meaningful way.
CULTURAL STUDIES - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12)
This course will provide an opportunity for students to explore basic concepts of cultural studies: for instance, power, identity, ideology, and representation. It will enable students to experience and appreciate the significance of culture in their lives, from both a global and local perspective. Through discussion, research and writing, class members will investigate the varied dimensions of culture and learn to understand them in their broader social, ethical, and political contexts. The course will aim to build empathy through exposure to other cultures while providing awareness of other cultural perspectives. This course may be taken for college credit through Long Island University.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY I - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 9) - Global History and Geography I begins with the Paleolithic Era and the development of the first civilizations, continues with an examination of classical societies, and traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact. The course emphasizes the key themes of interactions over time, shifts in political power, and the role of belief systems. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical thinking, all of the Social Studies Practices and Standards, as designated by the New York State Framework, are included in the study of Global History and Geography I. The course ends with a final exam.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY IH - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 9) - Global History and Geography IH is based upon the social studies standards; history, geography, economic and civics/government, and is the first half of the Advanced Placement World History course. Students will investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes, and develop and use the AP Historical Reasoning Skills and AP Disciplinary Practices employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places encompassing the five major geographical regions of the globe. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement World History course that is offered in 10th grade. This course ends in a final exam.
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY II - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 10) - Global History and Geography II provides a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. The last three Key Ideas focus on global issues, applying a more thematic approach. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical thinking, all of the Social Studies Practices and standards as designated by the New York State Framework are included in the study of Global History and Geography II. This course ends with the Global History and Geography II Regents Exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY: MODERN - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 10) - The AP World History: Modern course is a college-level course in which students investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and develop and use the same AP Historical Reasoning Skills and AP Disciplinary Practices employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places encompassing the five major geographical regions of the globe. All students will take the AP World History: Modern exam and the Global History and Geography II Regents Exam at the end of grade 10.
SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING APPLICATIONS: GLOBAL HISTORY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 10) - This course is intended to provide additional academic support for identified students to develop their writing skills required for success on the Global History and Geography Regents exam. This second semester class complements the required tenth grade course in Global History and Geography. Students are identified based on final "S" grades and final exam grades in ninth grade Global History and Geography, and the first two marking period grades of tenth grade.
UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 11) - This course studies U.S. History and Government. It stresses an understanding of enduring Constitutional issues that have impacted our political, economic, and social history. This course ends with a U.S. History and Government Regents exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grade 11) - This course focuses on the development of AP Historical Reasoning Skills and AP Disciplinary Practices to develop students' abilities to think conceptually about United States history from approximately 1491 to the present (divided into nine different time periods). Seven themes provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These areas of inquiry require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among historical developments in different times and places. All students will take the AP United States History exam and the United States History & Government Regents exam at the end of grade 11.
SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING APPLICATIONS: UNITED STATES HISTORY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 11) - This course is intended to provide additional academic support for identified students to develop their writing skills required for success on the U.S. History and Government Regents exam. This second semester class complements the required 11th grade course in U.S. History and Government. Students are identified based on final "S" grades and Regents grades in 10th grade Global History and Geography.
Grade 12: All 12th grade students must take either Participation in Government and Economics, Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics and Economic Theory H, or Advanced Placement Macroeconomics and Government Theory H, or Advanced Placement Microeconomics and Government Theory H.
ECONOMICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course introduces students to principles and theories that are the foundation of our economic system. Students will study the interrelationships of economics, business, and finance in our regional, national, and global economies. In addition, students will learn the importance of entrepreneurship and will be introduced to personal financial planning. This course ends in a final exam.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course will create an active and involved citizen who will have hands-on experience in all levels of government. Students will be encouraged to make connections between the structure of the governmental process and the role of the citizen in influencing this process. Activities will be planned that help to emphasize the complex forces which influence public policy. This course will end with an evaluation of the students' participation in the political process. Community service is a requirement of this course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course provides students with a nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they complete a political science research or applied civics project. This course provides an alternative approach to the new twelfth-year required government curriculum with an enriched program. It is expected that students will conclude this course with the AP US Government and Politics exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MACROECONOMICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Placing particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, it develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. This course provides an alternative approach to the new twelfth-year required economics curriculum with an enriched program. It is expected that students will conclude this course with the AP Macroeconomics exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MICROECONOMICS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course provides an alternative approach to the new twelfth-year required economics curriculum with an enriched program. It is expected that students will conclude this course with the AP Microeconomics exam.
ECONOMIC THEORY H - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This course will challenge students to grasp the theories of economics and their application to the economic system of our country. Students will take an active role in exploring the relationship of politics and economics as they interact in the larger national and international areas. Specific areas covered will include monetary and fiscal policy, supply and demand, the stock market, and the banking system, among others.
GOVERNMENT THEORY H - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grade 12) - This challenging course will provide students with an overview of the unique identity and character of United States government and politics. Students will gain an understanding of the trends, events, and policies influencing the development of American government from 1787 to the present. Students will be encouraged to make connections between the structure of the governmental process and the roll of the citizen in influencing this process. Students will analyze, evaluate, and debate the enduring constitutional issues in relationship to economic trends and policies.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
FOUNDATIONS OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM (CRIMINOLOGY 1) - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This is an introductory course that will explore basic aspects of the criminal justice system including the need for law, arrest process rights, and due process through trial. The course is designed to encourage active student participation through cooperative learning, peer teaching, oral presentations, role playing, and participation in a mock trial. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
CRIMINAL LAW (CRIMINOLOGY 2) - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the origin and function of criminal law in New York State. The focus will be on review of major offenses in common law and modern penal law, as well as a discussion of defense arguments. The course is designed to encourage active student participation through cooperative learning, peer teaching, oral presentations, and role playing. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
PSYCHOLOGY 1 - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - The basic direction of this introductory course is to help students develop some insight into human actions and feelings through the study of common life experiences. Role playing, simulations, case studies, and cooperative learning are among the teaching techniques used. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
PSYCHOLOGY 2 - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course begins with an investigation of the theories of human emotions, motivation, and personality development. Students will be introduced to a variety of psychological testing instruments utilized by professionals. Additional units of instruction will focus on the nature of stress and stress management techniques, behavior disorders and their treatment, and the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam. Prerequisite: Psychology 1.
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: A SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCE: - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - The basis of this course is to teach leadership skills while building self-esteem, social skills, and confidence. The course will consist of a curriculum that incorporates five major areas: communication, group process, managerial skills, self-awareness, and human relations. This elective will encompass many of our district initiatives such as Service Learning, Character Education, Civic Education, and School and Community Engagement.
SPORTS IN AMERICAN CULTURE - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - Students analyze the role sports play in American life, the development of sports in America, as well as an in-depth investigation of contemporary issues in the world of sports are offered. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
COLLEGE SOCIOLOGY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course investigates groups and their structure in human society. Students identify the main forces that hold groups together, with special focus on culture, religion, education, the family, society, and the individual. This course may require projects and/or a final exam. This course may be offered for college credit through St. John's University. http://www.stjohns.edu/admission/high school-scholars-program
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND THE UNITED NATIONS - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This is a study of the international political system with a focus on the United Nations. Topics to be studied include the Millennium Development Goals, international security, human rights, disarmament, economic sanctions, globalization, and disputes over collective security.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course requires a commitment by the student to complete extensive college-level reading and writing assignments. In addition to examining the social, political, and economic history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present, students will also investigate and analyze historical events from a global perspective, Students will employ the AP Historical Reasoning Skills and the AP Disciplinary Practices. It is expected that all students will take the AP European History exam in May.
REFLECTING AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH THE ARTS - (Year Course, 1 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - Reflecting American History through the Arts is a full-year course that will use creative, hands-on projects to provide an in-depth look at topics in American History, Students will be engaged in individual and group projects, and will present research and assignments to classmates. Projects may reflect specific time periods and themes or may allow students to choose a topic of interest from American History. The class will include field trips and the use of films, music, and art. The class and teacher may also choose to become involved in competitions such as National History Day, the NYS Archives Competition, and/or The History Channel's Save Our History Program.
GREAT DECISIONS: AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course will focus on the development of American foreign policy, past, and present. Emphasis will be placed on 20th century American foreign policy and its influence on current American foreign policy decisions at the dawn of the 21st century. An analysis of the current role of the United States in international affairs will be explored in depth. This course may require written projects and/or a final exam.
IN SEARCH OF HISTORY, UNCOVERING THE PAST - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course will provide students with the necessary tools to conduct historical research in American History. Students will master the fundamental skills in historical research including critical thinking, problem solving, reading comprehension, and oral and written communication skills. During the course of study, students may develop individual and/or group projects for the National History Day Competition.
VOICES FROM THE PAST: A STUDY OF GENOCIDE IN HISTORY - (Year Course, 1/2 Unit English, 1/2 Unit Social Studies, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This interdisciplinary course will focus on the Holocaust, and other past and present examples of genocide. Students will use literature, first person narratives, and historical accounts in order to understand the causes of genocide, the rise of hate crimes, and most importantly, way to prevent "man's inhumanity to man" now and in the future. Students will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and governments. This one-period, yearlong course is a Social Studies and English elective, and is also listed under English.
US HISTORY: 1945 - PRESENT - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12) - This course focuses on modern United States History. From the start of the Cold War to today's war against terrorism, students will come to understand specific events and decisions from a national and global perspective that have shaped our lives today. The course encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills, and includes an examination of the role of the media in shaping public opinion. It is the goal of this course to make recent history come alive in a clear, coherent, and meaningful way.
CULTURAL STUDIES - (Semester Course, 1/2 Unit, Grades 10, 11, 12)
This course will provide an opportunity for students to explore basic concepts of cultural studies: for instance, power, identity, ideology, and representation. It will enable students to experience and appreciate the significance of culture in their lives, from both a global and local perspective. Through discussion, research and writing, class members will investigate the varied dimensions of culture and learn to understand them in their broader social, ethical, and political contexts. The course will aim to build empathy through exposure to other cultures while providing awareness of other cultural perspectives. This course may be taken for college credit through Long Island University.