SOCIAL STUDIES

College Credit Options and Honors Courses

GRADE 9 – GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY HONORS

1 Unit 1 Year

This course is designed to prepare students for higher-level social studies courses. The curriculum
is the same as the Grade 9 Global History and Geography course, with emphasis placed on critical
thinking and writing skills.

GRADE 10 – *AP WORLD HISTORY

1 Unit 1 Year

Students taking the AP course must take the AP examination.
AP World History investigates 1,200 BCE to the present using a student-centered approach to
learning. Students develop and use the same skills, practices and methods employed by historians.
AP World History requires students to grapple with others’ ideas as they formulate their own
perspectives on history. Students looking to enroll in AP World are expected to complete readings
and view lectures outside of class in preparation for classroom discussions, collaborative learning
activities, as well as project-based learning.
Successful completion of this college-level course will prepare students to take the AP World
History Exam and possibly earn 6 college credits. There is a non-refundable AP exam fee.

GRADE 11 – *AP U.S. HISTORY

1 Unit 1 Year

Students taking the AP course must take the AP examination.
This course is offered to juniors and seniors who are serious about American history. Upon
successful completion of this course, students may earn college credit for U.S. History and will also
fulfill the New York State U.S. History and Government requirement. This course is taught at the
college level and students will need to take both the AP U.S. History exam and the New York state
U.S. History and Government Regents Examination. There is a non-refundable AP exam fee.

GRADE 12 – *AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS / HONORS ECONOMICS

1 Unit 1 Year

Students taking the AP course must take the AP examination.
This course is for students who desire the most rigorous challenge. This course concentrates on national government. It deals with the structure and functioning of each branch of the federal government, constitutional and political theory, political behavior including individuals, interest groups and political parties and the federal bureaucracy. Additionally, this course will cover the mandated economics standards required for graduation. Topics will include supply and demand, market structures, government oversight of the economy, as well as topics related
to entrepreneurship and consumer economics. Since students will be receiving an honors designation for the economics portion of this course, they will be expected to read extensively, do more individual study and examine topics at a greater depth. Strong independent reading and writing skills are expected. There is a non-refundable AP exam fee.

Core Courses

GRADES 9 AND 10: GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

1 Unit 1 Year (Per grade level)

The program for grades 9 and 10 is a two-year Global History course organized around major areas of the world. Grade 9 includes units from pre-history through the age of Absolutism. The grade 10 coursework focuses on units from the Enlightenment through present day. Global History is a chronological course. Each unit is aligned with the New York state standards, with emphasis on historical setting, the dynamics of change, cultural differences, economic development and global relations. Students will take the Global History and Geography Regents Examination, which is based on material from 10th grade.

GRADE 11: UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

1 Unit 1 Year

This course is a chronologically organized course in United States history. The emphasis in this course is on
the United States as an industrial nation. Constitutional and legal issues are developed as well as issues of
international involvement. The course concludes with the U.S. History and Government Regents Examination.

GRADE 12: PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT & ECONOMICS

1 Unit 1 Year

This course emphasizes the interaction between citizens and government at all levels: local, state and federal.
The development of student participation in the process of government is encouraged. With regards to
economics, the curriculum includes the basic economic concepts and understandings that all persons need to
function effectively and intelligently as citizens and participants in the economy of the United States and the
world. The course concludes with a mandatory final project.

Elective Courses

*AP PSYCHOLOGY

1 Unit 1 Year

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 11-12
Students taking the AP course must take the AP examination.
The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior and social psychology. Throughout the course, students will employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. At the completion of the course, students are required to take the AP Psychology exam.
Successful completion of the exam is necessary for college credit. There is a non-refundable AP exam fee.

PSYCHOLOGY

1/2 Unit 1 Semester

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12
This course will run every other year and will be offered next in 2022-23.
This course will focus on developmental (lifespan) psychology, personality development and application of theories to everyday life. Students will explore issues pertaining to mental health, as well as the causes and treatments of mental disorders. Students will gain a better understanding of their behavior, knowledge about how psychologists study human and animal behavior and practical applications for enriching their lives.

CHILD PSYCHOLOGY

1/2 Unit 1 Semester

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12
This course will focus on the growth and development of children between birth and the age of 17, and it includes theories on parenting styles. Students will look beyond the obvious, and they will examine scientific findings and analyze that are crucial to human development. Based on their research, students will apply techniques and strategies, in a variety of environments, to encourage the healthy development of all children. Information will be presented through projects, discussions, videos, class activities, guest speakers and field trips.

DISINFORMATION, MISINFORMATION AND FAKE NEWS: MEDIA ETHICS & CURRENT EVENTS

1/2 Unit 1 Semester

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12
In this day and age, the media plays a pivotal role in our lives. This new course examines current events through the lens of various media outlets (mainstream, “liberal/conservative” social, etc.) and the impact of that coverage and how it shapes our world view. The course will be largely student driven. Grades will be determined by student participation (discussion, reflections, surveys and projects).

PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY

1/2 Unit 1 Semester

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12
Performance Psychology is a course dedicated to unlocking the full potential of students as they perform (dance, music, high-stakes tests, athletics, etc.). Application of psychological principles will be identified, studied and then applied individually to each performing student. Emphasis will be placed on the student applying content to their respective worlds to better facilitate optimal involvement, performance and enjoyment in performing and preparing for performance. The overarching goal will be to teach students the mental skills necessary in order to consistently
perform while striving to reach their full potential.