SOCIAL STUDIES

Overview of Social Studies Program:

The social studies curriculum seeks to introduce students to the methods of research of the social scientist and also to the contents of some of the various social sciences in order to provide the students with the ability to interpret, organize and clarify their cultural heritage.  The courses also seek to develop the knowledge and skills necessary in the area of human relationships.

The Social Studies department would welcome inquiries from parents and students as to which courses best suit the needs and interests of students.

In the 9th grade, students will study the major culture groups of various regions of the world.  A global perspective is stressed so that students gain an insight into the culture of our fellow humans in an ever shrinking world.  Geography is a major component of the course.

In the 10^th grade, students will study European History beginning with the Renaissance.  Particular emphasis will be placed on acquiring knowledge of the impact of the individual on the human story.

In the 11th grade, students are given an opportunity to concentrate on the major historical, political, social, and economic themes that have developed in the U.S. and to relate them to contemporary problems.  This is done with the understanding that in a heterogeneous society such students should develop a sensitivity to, and a respect for, difference in customs, habits, behavior, thought patterns, and personalities of others.  A.P. United States History is an option for students meeting the course prerequisites.

In the 11th and 12th grade elective program, students are given an opportunity to develop further insights concerning human relationships by course offerings such as Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Contemporary Issues, Western Civilization, and Youth and the Law. Because of the more specialized nature of these courses, and the possibilities of students seeking introduction to the various fields of work in the "people" area, these courses are designed for juniors and seniors.

THE FOLLOWING COURSE IS REQUIRED FOR GRADE 9:

WORLD CULTURES AND GEOGRAPHY                      Course 120                             1 credit

In this course students and teachers study the structure and values of non-western societies. Topics will include the political, economical and social structure of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, and the former Soviet Union.  In this course the student must acquire a thorough knowledge of the geography of the culture area being studied.  He/she must also devote time to individual study and written homework.  The homework consists of map work, teacher and company produced written exercises and essay reports on various topics.  Throughout the year, students will write five paragraph essays to enhance their thinking, sequencing and writing skills.  Students who maintain an A average throughout the entire year qualify to elect Honors History in 10^th grade.

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES IS REQUIRED FOR GRADE 10:

EUROPEAN HISTORY                                                      Course 128                             1 credit

In this course, students study the development of Western European Society from the Renaissance and Reformation to the 21^st century. Topics will include the following: continuity and change; geography and history; political and social history; economics and technology; and global interaction of European nations and their relationships to the rest of the world.  The student will acquire a thorough knowledge of the impact of the individual on the human story.  He/She must devote time to individual study and written homework.  Homework consists of map work, teacher and company produced written exercises, essay reports on various topics and a 5-7 page formal research paper including bibliography and annotated footnotes.

EUROPEAN HISTORY (HONORS)                            Course 129                             1 credit

In this course, students study the development of Western European Society from the Renaissance and Reformation to the 21^st century.  Topics will include the following: continuity and change; geography and history; political and social history; economics and technology; and global interaction of European nations and their relationships to the rest of the world.  The student will acquire a thorough knowledge of the impact of the individual on the human story.  This class will be a quicker paced course of study and the student must devote much time to individual study and written homework.  Homework consists of map work, teacher and company produced written exercises and essay reports on various topics and a 5-7 page formal research paper including bibliography and annotated footnotes.  Additionally, the student will be required to complete a multiple of outside readings and written reports during each quarter.  Summer reading and writing is required.

Prerequisites: 

1.                  1.                  A minimum grade of A- in World Cultures.

2.                  2.                  A minimum score of 89% on a standardized test (Stanford).

3.                  3.                  Permission of the Social Studies Department Chairperson.

Beginning in 2002-2003 for Grade 11 students:

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES IS REQUIRED FOR GRADE 11:

U.S. HISTORY/GOVERNMENT/GEOGRAPHY 1787-PRESENT

Course 133            1 credit

This course continues the study of our history and is primarily concerned with the 19^TH and 20th Century.  Some of the major themes are: Manifest Destiny, the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, the emergence of the U.S. as a world power; societal changes and reform; the World Wars; the Depression and the New Deal; the Cold War; and political changes. An effort will be made to place our national experience in its world setting.  As with any required course, homework and written projects are to be expected.  A mandatory 6-8 page research paper is also required

U.S. HISTORY/GOVERNMENT/GEOGRAPHY 1787 (HONORS)

Course 134           1 credit

This program is for the student who is highly-motivated and has a proven academic record. Some of the major themes are: Manifest Destiny, the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, the emergence of the U.S. as a world power; societal changes and reform; the World Wars; the Depression and the New Deal; the Cold War; and political changes.  This course involves the use of learning material at an advanced level and pace with group work and individual projects (term papers).  The benefits to the student include the strengthening of the ability to come to conclusions after an in-depth analysis of a problem.  The student is expected to complete much of the work outside of the school setting.  A mandatory 6-8 page research paper is required.

Prerequisites:

1.  A minimum grade of B in European History Honors or minimum grade of A- in non-Honors European History.

2.  Permission of the Social Studies Department Chairperson

AMERICAN STUDIES HISTORY (ACADEMIC)           Course 135                             1 credit

This course is the equivalent of American History/Government/Geography and is taken with English American Studies 11 (Academic).  It is a cross-discipline course team-taught by members of the English and Social Studies departments.  This course combines the study of American History with the study of literature and culture.  Classes are scheduled back-to-back to allow flexibility in planning multi-disciplinary projects and lessons.  This program is for the student who is self motivated and has a proven academic record. A mandatory 6-8 page research paper is required.

AMERICAN STUDIES HISTORY (HONORS)                Course 136                             1 credit

This program is the equivalent of American History/Government/ Geography (Honors) and is taken with English American Studies (11) (Accelerated).  It is a cross-discipline course team-taught by members of the English and Social Studies department.  This course combines the study of American History with the study of literature and culture.  Classes are  scheduled back-to-back to allow flexibility in planning multi-disciplinary projects and lessons.  Selection criteria is the same as listed for American History (Honors).  This program is for the student who is self motivated and has a proven academic record. A mandatory 6-8 page research is required.

Prerequisites:

1.  A minimum grade of B in European History Honors or minimum grade of A- in non-Honors European History.

2.  Permission of the Social Studies Department Chairperson

U. S. HISTORY (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)                    Course 137                             1 credit

The AP Program in the United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history.  The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses.  Students should learn to assess historical materials-their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance-and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.  Students taking AP U.S. History must enroll in Classic American Literature and are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisites:

1.      1.      A minimum final year grade of B in European History Honors or minimum final year grade of A-in non-Honors European History.

2.      2.      Written recommendation from student’s European History teacher attesting to an exceptionally strong work ethic and equally strong reading comprehension skills.

3.      3.      Permission of the Social Studies Department Chairperson after numbers one and two above have been fulfilled.

FOUNDATIONS OF WESTERN SOCIETY (EEP)  Course 141                             1 credit

This course attempts to stimulate an interest in the study of Western Civilization by focusing on social history.  Using this approach, students are exposed to the most recent interpretations in Western civilizations based on research in anthropology, archaeology, political science, and related disciplines.  Students examine the lives of ordinary individuals in appealing human terms. Special importance is placed on making connections with historical themes with contemporary issues.  Students gain insights into the rich social fabric of past cultures; their religious traditions, philosophy, and moral-ethical values.  Students discover the rich heritage of western political institutions; philosophy as well as religious and moral ideals.  Students enrolled in this course are required to do lengthy reading assignments, participate in group discussions, and complete research assignments and papers.

Please note: This course may be taken for college credit from RIC.

SOCIOLOGY                                                                            Course 142                             1 credit

At birth, we have no ideas of race, gender, social class, or of how people “ought” to be.  We learn such things as part of growing up in our society.  If you are interested in trying to understand how we acquire our perception of these concepts, as well as the problems they pose and the policies cultures design to deal with them, then Sociology is for you.

A few examples of the issues that will be addressed are racism, the personality development of males and females, and the changing face of the American family. In order to develop a deeper understanding of these issues, we will simultaneously explore different cultural responses to similar situations.

To accomplish this, students will be exposed to the concepts, principles, theories, and methods used by sociologists in the examination of social life.  Every student will be expected to complete various individual and group projects throughout the year as well as participate in class on a daily basis.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES                                               Course 143                            .5 credit

Contemporary Issues is a course that seeks to make students more aware of the world we live in.  Students explore through much reading, discussion, and writing the forces that exist behind such issues as racism, poverty, sexism, terrorism, and nationalism. In addition, students also investigate and follow current events as they daily unfold.  Group projects and presentations provide students with opportunity to study topics of interest in depth.

PSYCHOLOGY                                                                   Course 159                            .5 credit

This course is for juniors and seniors who have a general interest in psychology.  In this course students examine different psychological methods, biology and its connection to psychology and behavior, how humans learn and think, how humans develop, and theories of personality.  This course provides the college bound student with the basics for further study of psychology.  Through class discussions, lecture, numerous readings and projects in the field this class will introduce the student to the ever-expanding world of psychology.

ANTHROPOLOGY                                                             Course 150                             1 credit

This course focuses on the origins of mankind in both a physical and cultural context.  Students taking this course will follow the progression of human development from the emergence of primitive man to the divergence of the various cultures that now exist.  During this process, the major themes investigated will include evolution, primate culture, archeology, social norms and stratifications, language, religion, magic, and an in-depth look at culture and its psychology.  Students will gain an insight into primitive man through the study of our closest ancestors, the primitive apes.  They will study research methodology in order to discover what is know, how it was discovered, and how what conclusions we have reached. Students will also conduct numerous studies of unfamiliar cultures in an effort to explain why and how humans relate with one another.  Because of its broad scope, anthropology attracts a wide variety of students who are prepared to read about and work towards discovering whom and why humans are the way they are.

YOUTH AND THE LAW                                                      Course 155                            .5 credit

This course is for Seniors and Juniors and is aimed at providing students with both a philosophical and practical view of the American legal system. Greatest emphasis is placed on the workings of civil and criminal law; the areas of philosophy, civil liberties, family law, juvenile law, and the penal system are also examined. Students are expected to complete written reports on some aspect of law.  Student involvement in the course is also expected through the use of case studies, hypotheticals, and mock trials.  Classroom visits from attorneys, judges, police, and other law-related personnel are encouraged.

ECONOMICS (EEP)                                                           Course 169                            .5 credit

The study of economics provides students with a working knowledge of competition, supply and demand, the price system, and economic incentive.  Other topics such as unemployment, the business cycle, inflation, and economic growth are covered, as well as the role of business, labor and government in the American economy.  This course enables students to become better decision- makers. A variety of group simulation projects are used to reinforce economic concepts.  These include: stock market investment strategies; choices and consequences of employment opportunities; and creating one's own business to name a few. Guest speakers from various local businesses and an optional field trip to the New York and American Stock Exchanges help compliment class and text work.  Finally, the relationship of the U.S. economy to the international economy will be explored.

Please Note:  This course may be taken for college credit from RIC.