901  World Studies

Grade 9 - 10: Full Year

Students survey significant elements of both Eastern and Western Civilization. Students study global history from prehistory to Modern times. They analyze patterns of civilization and develop chronological cross-references between cultures. (1 credit)

954  Honors World Studies

Grade 9 - 10: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

Students study global history from prehistory to the modern era. Students analyze cultural patterns through the extensive use of primary source materials. Students also interact with each other through group work, panels, and seminars and participate in activities which require them to use the higher cognitive skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (1 credit)

918  Women in United States History

Grade 12: 1st Semester

Prerequisite: United States History or Advanced Placement United States History

Students survey the struggle and accomplishments of women from colonial times to the present. Students experience the struggles faced by women through the use of primary sources and interactive activities. Students explore the historiography of modern women historians. (1/2 credit)

922 Latin American Studies

Grade 10-12: 1st Semester

Prerequisite: World Studies or Honors World Studies

Students study the geography, culture, and history of Central and South America and attempt to predict the future of these nations. (1/2 credit)

921 Asian Studies

Grade 10-12: 2nd Semester

Prerequisite: World Studies or Honors World Studies

Students trace the social, economic, and political development of the Asian continent. During the first quarter of the course, students analyze the influence of geography on regional development and receive a historical overview of the major countries in the continent. During the second quarter, students investigate the post-World War II development in major Asian nations. (1/2 credit)

924 Middle Eastern Studies

Grade 10-12: 2nd Semester

Prerequisite: World Studies or Honors World Studies

Students trace the social, economic, and political development of the Middle East. In the first quarter, students examine geographical and historical influence on the development of this region. During the second quarter, students investigate the post-World War II developments of the Middle East. (1/2 credit)

925  African Studies (Offered in 2009-2010)

Grade 10-12: 2nd Semester

Prerequisite: World Studies or Honors World Studies

Students trace the social, economic, religious, and political development of the African continent. In the first quarter, students examine the geographical and historical influences on the development of Africa. During the second quarter, students study Africa’s post-World War II developments and its current issues.(1/2 credit)

912 U.S. History

Grade 11: Full Year

Students engage in a chronological historical survey of the United States from the early colonial period to the 1990s. Students define the American Experience by integrating their study of United States History with that of English III: American Literature. They write reflections on these integrations in journals written in conjunction with their American Literature class. They develop advanced geography skills, debate critical issues, analyze primary source material, and research and write about historical events. (1 credit)

The Honors U.S. History course is a survey of American history that covers the political, diplomatic, military, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from European discovery of North America to the present time. The course is rigorous and designed so that students analyze and interpret history through the use of primary sources. Students are introduced to a wide variety of works by historians to help them analyze and interpret history from various points of view. To succeed in the course students need to demonstrate outstanding reading and writing skills. The Honors U.S. History course fulfills the United States History requirement. (1 credit)

 

991 Advanced Placement U.S. History

Grade 11: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

A.P. U.S. History is the equivalent of a college-level United States history course and could yield college credit depending on the student's final score on the official A.P. examination and the requirements of individual colleges. All students taking the course must take the external advanced placement examination in the spring.

The students analyze and interpret history through the use of primary sources, by writing document-based questions, and by reading interpretations of scholars in the field. They develop and write their own logical historical theses and support them with conceptual points and factual arguments. Students define the American Experience by integrating their study of United States History with that of English III: American Literature. They write reflections on these integrations in journals written in conjunction with their American Literature class. This course is offered in lieu of an honors course for U.S. History and fulfills the United States History requirement. (1 credit)

936 U.S. Government: Principles and Structure

Grade 11-12: 1st and 2nd Semester

With an emphasis on current political issues, students examine the structure of United States federal, state, and local governments. They simulate Congress as they pass their own bills, interview state and local officials, and engage in classroom debate on selected problems facing U.S. democratic institutions and society. (1/2 credit)

934 U.S. Government: Economic Applications

Grade 11-12: 1st and 2nd Semester

Students study the economic choices they confront daily through a combination of practical problems, scientific analysis, and political philosophy. In addition, students analyze related topics, including money, markets, business cycles, savings, various forms of investments, and the stock market. Students also learn how to read the business section of the newspaper, particularly The Wall Street Journal. (1/2 credit)

059 Advanced Placement Art History

Grade 12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals or Departmental Approval

A.P. Art History is the equivalent of a college-level course and could yield college credit depending on the student's final score on the official A.P. examination and the requirements of individual colleges. All students taking the course must take the external advanced placement examination in the spring.

Advanced Placement Art History is a college-level course in the history of Western Art offering the student a college-level curriculum in the high-school environment. Students examine in depth the history of Western Art from Cave Painting and Stone Age sculptures to the late twentieth century, as well as the Art of Asia, Africa, South and Central America as it relates to Art of the Western World. (1 credit)   

992 Advanced Placement U.S. Government

Grade 12: Full Year

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

A.P. U.S. Government is the equivalent of a college-level United States Government course and could yield college credit depending on the student's final score on the official A.P. examination and the requirements of individual colleges. All students taking the course must take the external advanced placement examination in the spring.

Students use a variety of primary and secondary sources to enhance their basic understanding of the structure and function of federal, state and local governments. They read and digest factual information independently, allowing class time to develop higher-level thinking and writing skills and to communicate their ideas clearly to others. Students also analyze and draw conclusions on recurring themes in order to understand the relevance of these themes today. (1 credit)