Social Studies
T
he Social Studies Department works to develop students into responsible and well-informed citizens, able to face the challenges of college and life. Required courses include two years of study in history and one year of study in United States government and economics. These courses engage students in analysis and critical thinking of historical issues, civic responsibilities, the economy and current events. This department offers the motivated student a choice and a challenge with honors and AP courses. In addition to the required curricula, students may elect courses in geography, philosophy and ethics, and/ or psychology and sociology. All social studies course work includes reading, writing, collaboration, the use of technology and interactive student discussion.
WORLD HISTORY 231
Students will study the development of global cultures from the beginnings of civilization, with the majority of the course focused on the post-classical era (600 AD) to the present. The application of course themes will allow students to address cause and effect relationships, to identify changes and continuities in history, and compare and contrast global societies. The thematic approach will include a study of the interaction between humans and their environment, development and interaction of cultures, development of nation states, expansion and conflict among civilizations, interaction of economic systems, and the development and transformation of social structures.
WORLD HISTORY HONORS 230
PREREQUISITES: English 1 or English 1 Honors and BK honors criteria
The course is designed for the student interested in the how and why of history. Beginning with the foundations of civilization, the course investigates how societies formed and changed; how nations developed; how people interacted with their natural environment; how science and technology took shape; how religious values formed and how they affected civilization; and how the arts have been an ever-changing expression of beauty. The student will develop the ability to identify the cause and effect of historical development, use and interpret maps, and learn how to produce research papers.
AP WORLD HISTORY 229
PREREQUISITES: English 1 Honors and BK honors criteria
AP World History is a college-level course designed to develop a greater understanding of the global interconnectedness of the growth and development of humanity. The objective of this course is to offer students an approach that will guide them through the steps that historians would take to understand worldwide historical events. Students will study societies in Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania and comprehend the change and continuity of these societies over time. They will also engage in analyzing worldwide events by historical periods and analyze the processes and causes involved in these continuities and changes. Course work will include substantial reading and writing elements as well as yearlong preparation for the AP Exam. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam.
UNITED STATES HISTORY 211
Students will study the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian period to present day. The first semester is dedicated to U.S. history prior to 1877 and the second semester to topics from 1877 to present. Through this course of study, students will complete reading and writing assignments, including formal writing assignments. Furthermore, students will develop the skills necessary to interpret primary and secondary source materials, understand cause and effect, interpret maps, charts and data, as well as relate current events to historical events. 14
