SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Students at FRA are required to complete three units of social studies for graduation. Extensive reading of both primary and secondary sources and strong expository and argumentative writing skills are integral for all social studies classes. Students will utilize online and print resources available through the FRA library to accelerate the research process and improve writing and material comprehension. Students must complete one full credit of world history and one full credit of United States history. Students may then choose from a wide variety of advanced electives to complete their last full unit of study. These advanced electives allow students to select interesting and engaging collegiate-style courses that suit their interests and academic needs. They also allow for greater flexibility in scheduling electives across all curricular areas in the FRA academic program. SOCIAL STUDIES SURVEY COURSES These courses are designed to give students an overview of historical events and themes in both world and American history, as well as to establish foundational skills for advanced coursework in social studies in the junior and senior years. AP Human Geography, available for 9th grade students, fulfills the world history requirement. World History I: Ancient World History I (H): Ancient U.S. History: 1877 – Present
SOCIAL STUDIES AP COURSES Advanced Placement courses in social studies are offered in grades 9-12. The goal of AP courses in the social studies department is to provide a rigorous course of study for students seeking to engage in college-level coursework, with many entry points along the way to allow maximum student access to Advanced Placement courses. AP Human Geography AP World History: Modern AP U.S. History AP European History AP Art History AP U.S. Government & Politics* ADVANCED SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES Students need to fulfill at least one full credit of advanced social studies electives between their junior and senior years. Advanced social studies electives are academically rigorous courses that allow students to go deeper into specific topics than a standard survey course allows. Students will employ critical thinking, writing, and research skills to delve into advanced topics in American history, world history, and other social sciences. American Government Sociology: Survey of American Social Issues African American History Conflict in the Middle East: A History of the Palestinian – Israeli Conflict Ancient Mediterranean History, Literature, and Art (Not offered in 2021-22) The Holocaust: Meanings & Implications Economics Psychology Academic Program Guide | 28
