Social Studies

Grade 9
Required
Full Year
Prerequisites: none

This course surveys the history of the West through the examination of major themes, events, individuals, concepts, and controversies that helped mold the development of humanity in the Western world. The course takes a humanities-based approach to European civilization through use of supplementary primary and secondary source documents. Major themes covered include the classical world, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment, Industrialization, Nationalism, World Wars One and Two, the Great Depression, Totalitarianism, and the Cold War. Students are introduced to basic principles of historical inquiry and research: refining reading and note taking skills; developing critical thinking and writing abilities, and strengthening listening, oral expression, and test-taking skills. The course is also a point of departure for exploration into closely related disciplines of study, such as music, art, literature, and architecture, reflecting the humanities-based approach to this subject.

Grade 10
Required
Full Year
Prerequisites: none

This course is an interdisciplinary and comparative study of South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa from the earliest civilizations to the present. Students examine culture and history, as well as how these regions have been altered during the past four centuries by the “culture of modernity.” Students compare and contrast each civilization and its history at key stages of its development. Students also systematically link new knowledge to material covered in the freshman World Civilizations I (Western Civilization) course by drawing connections between historical & cultural information and contemporary global issues such as immigration and human rights. Students read texts that emphasize types of historical evidence, along with the problems of conflicting interpretation and bias-- two skill areas that go beyond memorization. The first semester examines India and China, and the second semester examines the Middle East and Africa. To make the course as relevant as possible, students examine the history of each region up through the most current and pressing issues that influence these regions today.

Grade 11
Required
Full Year
Prerequisites: none

This course is a survey of American history that examines all of the major periods and events from the colonial era to the great challenges of the new millennium. Specific focus is given to the struggle for independence and the creation of the Constitution; westward expansion and its consequences; the causes and legacies of the Civil War; industrialization, social and economic reforms of the early 20th century; the World Wars and the challenges of the Cold War; and the struggles for racial justice and the impacts of racism on American society. The course uses assigned short and long papers, in-class debates and discussions, and other activities that allow students to explore and to think critically about the rich and complex history of our country. Whenever possible, students also analyze supplemental materials, short articles, essays, film excerpts, podcasts, and images that serve as portals to the past. In the end, students emerge with a better appreciation for the complex and sometimes challenging history of the United States, as well as a yearning to continue the study of our national experience.

Grade 11
Elective to U.S. History
Full Year
Prerequisites: Students are required to have a minimum "B" average in their sophomore World Civilizations II course AND the recommendation of their World Civilization II teacher.

This is a college-level course that is specifically designed to prepare students for the AP College Board exam in US History. All coursework has been selected to analyze content and hone historical thinking skills that the College Board requires for the exam. It surveys major themes in United States history from 1491 to 2008 that include problems of nationalism, economic challenges, cultural diversity, and the perspectives of social groups. Along with formulating historical arguments in writing, the class uses simulation games and in-class activities that stress character-acting to analyze historical context and point of view. Topics include the American colonies, the politics of the early Republic, the chattel slave system, the effects of the Civil War, problems of industrialization, the rise of 20th Century modernism, the significance of identity politics, the role of US foreign policy in the world, and the critical role of race and racism in the American experience. Readings are a combination of primary and secondary sources that encourage students to develop “historical thinking skills” like contextualization, synthesis of widely disparate periods, and the ability to critically analyze primary source documents evaluate historiographical arguments for content and value.

Grade 12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Students are required to have a minimum "B" average in their junior United States History course AND the recommendation of their US History teacher.

AP World History is a comprehensive study of the development of civilizations and societies in nine historical units from approximately 1200 CE to the present.  It is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university history course. This course uses key concepts and connecting themes to cover the vast majority of content, as opposed to memorizing every fact, personality, and event in history.  This approach allows students to master the patterns and themes employed in the study of history.  It also allows students to focus on key skills such as analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. This course mainly covers world history from 1200 CE forward, but quite a bit of the foundational history and cultural practices of each civilization will be covered throughout the course.

Grade 12
Elective
One semester
Prerequisites: none

This seminar course is an exploration of the powerful influence gender and race have on the lives of Americans both past and present. Utilizing a wide variety of media including texts, primary source documents, films, and videos, we examine the influence that gender and race have had on the development of American society and the ways in which gender and race continue to shape Americans through what they read, the media they use, products they buy, and their lived experiences—not to mention how they inform our understanding of contemporary events. This discussion-based seminar gives students an opportunity to explore gender and race independently, and their intersectionality in such things as the workplace, legal system, schools, sports, ethnicity, religion, and class. Assessments include written reviews, short answer prompts, and reflection pieces. By design, this course is grounded in the study of race and gender and conducted in a manner that supports inquiry and civil discourse. Ultimately, this course focuses on how to think about gender and race, not what to think. Authentic engagement is encouraged through active listening and class participation.  By the end of the term, students can expect to have a much better grasp of the impact that gender and race have on human societies and find themselves much more aware of the pervasive influence gender and race have on their own lives.

Elective
One semester
Prerequisites: none

Through the simple act of waking up in the morning and living life, people undoubtedly encounter thousands of companies a day. That can be through an obvious transaction, like going to work or shopping, or through less obvious activities, like sleeping, walking the dog, or engaging in personal hygiene. Companies make good products and disappointing ones. They affect our lives positively and negatively. Their decisions can create billions of dollars in wealth or result in the complete collapse of a company or industry.

Introduction to Business Administration will help students start to make sense of this world, why companies make certain decisions, and how those decisions lead to outcomes for both the business and the world.  The class will provide a high-level overview of business strategy and the functions of business used to carry out that strategy. The material will primarily cover the functions of finance and marketing, with shorter overviews of operations, research and development, human resources, and sales. The class will also cover business ethics, strategic case studies, and conversations about current topics in business from local and national news sources.

Grades 10-12
Elective
2nd Semester
Prerequisites: Sophomores require department approval

This course is a semester elective class that introduces students to major theoretical concepts and major approaches to the study of sociology. Topics include the sociological imagination, social structures and social institutions, culture, socialization, deviance, social class, race and ethnicity, and gender and work. Varied assessments include topic and reading tests, quizzes, film and documentary responses, collaborative presentations, debates, and essays. Core skills include developing a base knowledge of the discipline of Sociology, developing skills in critical reading and critical analysis, broadening empathy and cultural awareness, as well as developing skills in communication. 

Grades 10-12
Elective
One Semester
Prerequisites: Sophomores require department approval

This class introduces students to major theories of international relations (IR) and their application to numerous key topics within the field. These topics include IR stakeholders; the changing nature of warfare; security at the personal, national and global levels; terrorism & globalization; human security; human rights; and humanitarian intervention in world politics; as well as structures & processes of international bodies such as the United Nations, international law and the role of transnational actors and organizations. Textbook readings are supplemented by numerous case studies which illustrate real-world applicability. Additionally, audio and video recordings, as well as selected feature and documentary films illuminate each unit.

Grades 11-12
Elective
One Semester
Prerequisites: none

This course is a one-semester elective class designed to challenge students to think critically about various historical and cultural realities created by the American governmental system. Included in the course is a survey of American political history, institutions, rights, and liberties, as well as historical case studies in foreign and domestic policy that enable us to better understand what contributes to the essence and intensity of United States politics. Knowledge of this system is vital for US citizens to become active members in a representative democracy and crucial for anyone living in this country who seeks justice for all of its people. Readings include primary documents, political speeches, documentary films, editorials, and journal articles. Assessments include essays and group work along with participation in debate-centered seminars.

Grades 11-12
Elective
1st Semester
Prerequisites: none

This course examines the basic laws of supply & demand, elasticity, consumer utility, the functioning of the firm and the role of government, production costs, graphing profit-maximizing firms, externalities, public goods, and taxes. If students perform well on the Advanced Placement exam, they could receive college credit.

Grades 11-12
Elective
2nd Semester
Prerequisites: Registration for this course is open first to juniors and seniors. Sophomores currently taking advanced math courses or who earned an "A" in their freshman math course may register if there are available spots after juniors and seniors have registered.

This course examines the fundamental concepts related to systems within a single macroeconomy, including economic growth & the business cycle, GDP, inflation, unemployment, money & banking, and how to graph aggregate demand and aggregate supply curves. Students are also required to analyze the past usage of fiscal and monetary policy by the US government and become familiar with the philosophical underpinnings of macro theory in the form of the Keynes-Hayek debate. Assessments include tests, graphing work, analysis of tables and data, in-class simulation games, and projects that in the past have included writing scripts for plays about bank panics, a family budget assignment, and a scholarly presentation of an economic theory of the student's choosing. Though not required, students may take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course to earn college credit. (Students who enroll in Macroeconomics without taking Microeconomics may be asked to complete some readings prior to the start of class.)

Grades 11-12
Elective
One Semester
Prerequisites: none

This class is a discussion-based, interdisciplinary course that studies contemporary issues for the purpose of understanding why individuals and groups make moral choices. Identities are inextricably connected to these choices and inform how people see themselves and the world around them. The issue of justice is inextricably linked to our entire study. Students are challenged in this class to critically analyze and evaluate the historical and cultural processes involved in making ethical decisions by composing several critical and analytical essays in addition to in-class debate. As students explore the values espoused by different people, they gain a clearer picture of the world in which they live and develop their abilities to make informed and responsible decisions for their own lives.