Social Studies Mission Statement

Social studies is the study of political, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects of societies in the past, and in the present. It is also, the integrated study of the social studies and humanities to encourage civic responsibility, and to provide a framework for lifelong participation in the community.

A democracy requires educated citizens who can make informed decisions. Social studies helps students understand and participate in the democratic process. As our society becomes more culturally diverse and we live in a more interdependent world the social studies provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the past necessary for coping with the present and planning for the future. It helps explain their relationship to other people, and to social and political institutions.

Our purpose is that students not only learn information but also how to learn so that they can continue to seek the knowledge that will allow them to reach their full potential and be productive members of society.

LeRae Kinney
Department Chairperson
(CP US History II, US History II, CP American Gov. & Court)

Fran Barter (Sociology)	Jennifer Bourassa (Psychology)
Zachary Powers (AP US History I, AP US History II, US History I)	Mark White (CP World Studies, Psychology)
James York (CP US History I, US History I)

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY I (1 Credit)                                                Grade 10

This course is the first of a two-year sequence that will help students cultivate the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in U.S. History.  AP US History prepares students for intermediate college courses by offering them the opportunity to develop college-level study skills. This writing-intensive course will also introduce the Document Based Question to students and help them develop strategies for historical analysis and application. The course will begin with the 13^th century American Continent and end with an introduction to the Vietnam War era.

 

Students who, in the course of their sophomore year, wish to transfer into CP US History I must do so by the end of the first semester of their sophomore year.  Otherwise, they are required to take AP US History II.

 

A first-year student who plans to take AP US History I during his/her sophomore year must complete the prerequisite summer assignment involving Native American culture at the time of European colonization.  The work is to be picked up by the student prior to leaving for summer vacation and completed by their first day of school following summer break.  Any student who fails to complete the prerequisite assignment satisfactorily will be assigned to CP US History I before the end of the ten-day add/drop period.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY  II (1 Credit)                                          Grade 11

Prerequisite:  AP US History I

This course is the second of a two-year sequence that will cultivate the analytic skills and factual knowledge prepares students for advanced college courses by offering them an opportunity to weigh and judge interpretations presented in historical scholarship.  As in the previous year, the course will be writing-intensive; it continues from AP US History I and takes students from the Vietnam War era to the present during the first quarter of the year.  With the knowledge of US History necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment, students will hone the skills necessary to effectively complete Document Based Questions.  The course will center on preparing students for the AP US History exam, providing them the opportunity to earn college credits in May.

 

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND THE COURT SYSTEM (1 Credit)           Grade 11 &  12

This course is designed to give student a basic understanding of the American legal system and due process.  There is a strong emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the Constitution from a practical perspective.  Both criminal and civil law are studied, and legal obligations of contracts as well as family law are addressed.  Other topics include capital punishment, OUI, effects of big business, and current events.

 

CP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (1 Credit)                       Grade 11 & 12

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the development and operation of all phases of federal, state, and local government.  There is strong emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the Constitution through a historical perspective.  The course also includes a study on political behavior.  Other topics include criminology, capital punishment, due process, and effects on big business.  This course also examines current issues and the United States’ positions in world affairs.

 

 

CP U.S. HISTORY I (1 Credit)                                                                           Grade 10

This course is designed for the college preparatory student and is a survey of past historical events.  The first quarter focuses on the major documents developed by the founding fathers.  This is followed by the expansion and industrialization periods of American history and continues through World War I, the Twenties and the Great Depression.  Assignments will include outside readings as well as individual and group projects.  Current events are incorporated when they relate to the curriculum.

 

CP U.S. HISTORY II (1 Credit)                                                                     Grade 11

CP U.S. History is designed for the college preparatory student and is a survey of past historical events.  The first quarter will focus on the study of historical concepts important to the understanding of the growth of the United States and its role in today’s world.  A more in-depth study will focus on twentieth century America and current world problems beginning with World War II.  Assignments include outside readings as well as individual and group projects.

 

CP WORLD STUDIES (1 Credit)                                                                                  Grade 9

This college preparatory course is designed to give students an understanding of the variety of human cultures and physical environments on earth.  Students gain a deeper understanding of geography.  The five themes of location, place, people-environment/relationships, movement, and region will be studied.  Students will evaluate and analyze information as they master geography skills and concepts.  This course will include a historical perspective of the five themes of geography and include individual, research-based assignments.  This course will help students understand the challenges of providing for people and preserving the planet.

 

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY (1 Credit)                                           Grade  11 & 12

Students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of geography and will explore various regions and their cultures.  The scope of the course is broad, focusing on studies of local and global regions.  Beyond the textbook, the curriculum includes the use of film, Internet, guest speakers, and other activities.

 

HONORS WORLD STUDIES (1Credit)                                                            Grade 9

Honors World Studies begins with the development of the earliest civilizations.  It follows the path of civilization through Africa, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia, China and the Pacific Rim.  Students are expected to complete two research projects during the course.  Written essays will be an important part of student evaluation.  Students are expected to have strengths in writing and independent thinking.

 

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (1/2 Credit)                                 Grades 11 & 12

Psychology is the study of human behavior and behavioral patterns.  It deals with the nature and causes of human behavior.  In this course, emphasis is given to actions, traits, attitudes, thoughts, and mental states of individuals and groups of people. 

 

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (1/2 Credit)                                    Grades 11 & 12

This course studies people and their behavior in groups.  Various social problems such as poverty, minorities, and problems of mass society are also addressed.  The course analyzes why humans act the way they do in a variety of situations.

 

U.S. HISTORY I (1 Credit)                                                                            Grade 10

This course is designed for the non-college bound student.  It examines the great documents and their impact on America.  U.S. History I surveys expansion, industrialization, World War I, the Twenties, and the Great Depression.  Current events are incorporated when they relate to the curriculum.

 

U.S. HISTORY II (1 Credit)                                                                   Grade 11

United States History is designed for non-college bound students and is a survey course beginning with World War II. The course includes an analysis of current world problems and how they affect the United States and the rest of the world.  Student placement in specific sections of these courses will be made if learning difficulties are indicated.

 

WORLD STUDIES (1 Credit)                                                                         Grades 9

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the variety of human cultures and physical environments on Earth.  Students gain a deeper understanding of geography.  The five themes of location, place, people-environment/relationships, movement, and region will be studied.  Students will evaluate and analyze information as they master geography skills and concepts.  This course will help students understand the challenges of providing for people and preserving the planet.