Social Studies

SOCIAL STUDIES

5100 World History (9)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course delves into the convictions, technologies, wisdom and the leadership of such civilizations as China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The influence of the world’s major religions and governments is analyzed throughout the course as it traces the rise of the Islamic Empire and the decline of Western Europe. The transformation of medieval Europe is investigated through Europe’s contact with the non-western world, the achievements of the Renaissance and the turmoil of the Reformation. The desired outcome of this course is that students develop relevant, enduring understandings of current world issues and relate them to their historical, political, economic, geographical and cultural contexts. As students examine the historical roots of significant events and ideas they encounter the contributions and patterns of civilizations of the past and societies around the world. (NCAA)

5110 Honors World History (9)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This accelerated and challenging course focuses on the convictions, technologies, wisdom and the leadership of such civilizations as China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The influence of the world’s major religions and governments is analyzed throughout the course as it traces the rise of the Islamic Empire and the decline of Western Europe. The transformation of medieval Europe is investigated through Europe’s contact with the non-western world, the achievements of the Renaissance and the turmoil of the Reformation. The desired outcome of this course is that students develop relevant, enduring understandings of current world issues and relate them to their historical, political, economic, geographical and cultural contexts. Placement by the Department using the following criteria: 7th and 8th grade Social Studies grades, standardized test scores, placement test scores, writing sample, placement in Honors English 1. (NCAA)

5200 U.S. History 1 (10)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course will help students develop a deeper understanding of modern-day America by evaluating the origins of the United States from exploration through industrialization. Students will be required to use critical and analytical skills through research, writing, technology, and oral and project-based assessment. (NCAA)

5210 Honors/Pre-AP U.S. History 1 (10)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This accelerated and challenging course covers American history from the PreColumbian era through the Gilded Age. Students should expect extensive reading and writing assignments to help them acquire content knowledge, provide a foundation for college readiness, and prepare them for success in Advanced Placement courses. This course is highly recommended for students who wish to take AP US History in the future. Placement will be determined based upon course performance shown in World History or Honors World History, including evidence of mastery of course assignments targeting critical thinking, critical reading, and research and writing skills, as well as consideration of final exam grade, final course grade and teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

5300 United States History 2 (11) 5 Credits 80 minutes, 1 Semester

This course examines the political, social, and economic forces which have shaped the United States from the Age of Industrialization to the present. Critical thinking and writing, analyzing historical and literary information and advanced research skills are required. (NCAA)

5310 Honors U.S. History 2 (11)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course provides a challenging analysis of the events, conflicts, issues and themes of American history from modern industrialization to the present. Analytical and factual knowledge will be necessary to deal critically with topics enabling students to assess historical information and interpret its reliability. Extensive writing, including a formal research paper will be required. Placement will be determined based upon course performance shown in U.S. History I or Honors/Pre-AP U.S. History I, including evidence of mastery of course assignments targeting critical thinking, critical reading, and research and writing skills, as well as consideration of final exam grade, final course grade, and teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

5320 AP U.S. History 2 (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This college level course examines U.S. History from the 1870’s through the Cold War primarily through discussion and analysis. Extensive reading and research assignments prepare the students to take the Advanced Placement History exam for possible college credit. Placement will be determined based upon course performance shown in U.S. History I or Honors/Pre-AP U.S. History I, including evidence of mastery of course assignments targeting critical thinking, critical reading, and research and writing skills, as well as consideration of final exam grade, final course grade, and teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

5325 AP U.S. History Seminar (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This second semester course will complete and supplement the AP U.S. History curriculum. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP History test. It is required for all students who intend to take the AP U.S. History test in May. Prerequisite: AP US History 2 with a minimum grade of 78.

5400 Economics (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

Modern day economic systems are studied to prepare students for college-level economic courses and for understanding how the world economy operates and affects our lives. Topics in both “macro” and “micro” economics are covered including understanding economics in the US Private and Public sectors, global and national systems, as well as demand and cost theories and an introduction to the Stock Market. Emphasis is placed on application of economic theories to present day conditions and problems. (NCAA)

5410 AP Microeconomics (11, 12) 5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This college-level course has been approved for college credit under Seton Hall University’s Project Acceleration. AP Microeconomics is a rigorous yet rewarding examination of the fundamental principles which govern economic activities at the business and individual portion of the circular flow of economic activity. Students will learn to think like economists, to

question, to evaluate marginal costs and marginal benefits, and to explore the many ways one’s actions will cause secondary actions. Students taking the course will spend time examining the theory of consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and the behavior of profit maximizing firms under various market structures. In addition to preparing students for the AP examination in Microeconomics, a major emphasis of this course will be on the development of critical thinking skills and the applications of economic principles and methodologies in problem solving. The course is intended to meet the needs of a variety of students, from those intending to pursue college work in business and seeking a firm foundation in theory, to those who ultimately want to understand the forces of Supply and Demand. A cumulative minimum GPA of 88 is required. (NCAA)

5420 AP European History (10, 11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This college-level course is an extensive examination of the political, cultural, social and economic forces which have shaped Europe from 1450 to the present. The course is designed to provide the student with an in- depth analysis of the principal themes in modern European history. Prerequisite: 80 or higher in Honors World History, AP U.S. History 1, Honors U.S. History 1, AP U.S. History 2, or Honors U.S. History 2; 87 or higher in World History, U.S. History 1 or U.S. History 2. Acceptance is contingent upon a writing sample. (NCAA)

5425 AP European History Seminar (10, 11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This second semester course will complete and supplement the AP European History curriculum. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP test. It is required for all students who intend to take the AP European History test in May. Prerequisite: 75 or higher in AP European History. (NCAA)

5430 Psychology/Sociology (11, 12) 5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course links two social sciences and will acquaint students with similarities and differences between them. Topics to be examined will include personality, conditioning, motivation as well as deviant behavior, status and roles, subcultures and cultural change. The major project for this course will be an analytical paper in which students apply concepts learned in class to an assigned novel. Therefore, proficiency in writing and good analytical skills are essential. Oral participation also constitutes a significant part of the grade in this course. Students may not take this course after taking AP Psychology. (NCAA)

5440 AP Psychology (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This is a college-level course that introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Prerequisites: An overall minimum GPA of 88. Priority will be given by the teacher to students enrolled in AP Psychology Seminar. (NCAA)

5445 AP Psychology Seminar (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This second semester course will complete and supplement the AP Psychology curriculum. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP test. It is required for all students who intend to take the AP Psychology test in May. Prerequisite: AP Psychology. (NCAA)

5450 AP U.S. Government & Politics (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This college-level course has been approved for college credit under Seton Hall University’s Project Acceleration. It provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States, including the roles of citizens and the media. Students enrolling in this course will be expected to also enroll in the seminar portion unless enrollment without the seminar is approved by the teacher. Prerequisite: An overall minimum GPA of 88. (NCAA)

5455 AP U.S. Government & Politics Seminar (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This second semester course will complete and supplement the AP U.S. Government & Politics curriculum. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP test. Completion of AP U.S. Government & Politics is a prerequisite to enrolling in the seminar. (NCAA)

5510 Genocide in Modern History (11, 12)

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

Studying the evolution of genocide illustrates for students that genocide can develop from prejudice and hatred in even the most enlightened society, if people are willing to stand by and say nothing. To that end, this course seeks to engage students in analyzing the history of genocide from the 17th century to present day. This elective explores theories of human behavior as they impact on the issues of hate, racism, prejudice and discrimination. Students are led through a chronological study of “man’s inhumanity to man.” The topics studied include, but were not limited to, the United States’ policy towards the Native Americans, the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the Rwandan Genocide and ethnic cleansing of Bosnia. Students learn by reading primary source materials, viewing reenactments and/or the actual events, and meeting survivors, with emphasis placed on discussing their reactions with teachers, witnesses and peers. (NCAA)

5520 Human Geography: Cultural Landscapes (11, 12)

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course seeks to introduce students to how the patterns and processes that have shaped human culture have developed, and how human behavior has shaped and reshaped the world we live in. Cultural Landscapes: Human Geography looks at the influence of the environment on human behavior and the influence of human behavior on the environment. The goal is to create students who are more geographically literate, and who have an appreciation for the factors that influence human behaviors on a global level, allowing for more effective global citizenship. Topics of discussion will include immigration patterns, climate change and environmental use, and geopolitical struggles. (NCAA)