Curriculum | Faculty

History and Social Studies

Social Studies is the examination of man’s nature, his ideas and institutions – both past and present – and draws its substance from several disciplines. It is the function of the Social Studies program to explain the political, social, intellectual, and economic development of man and to contribute to the understanding of the way in which the complex interplay of these forces has molded the world. In order to accomplish this task, the Social Studies program emphasizes critical and objective modes of inquiry, communication skills, and an appreciation of the contributions of all cultures to the history of man from earliest times to the present.

Social Studies 7
One Semester, Grade 7

This course defines and examines the basic principles of geography, history, culture, economics, politics, and leadership as they relate to the students and to the communities of which they are members. There is significant emphasis on state and local history and how these relate to the students themselves, the nation, and the broader world. Students are taught uses of critical thinking in analyzing problems and seeking reasonable solutions to them. Students also investigate, discuss, and write about current events.

Social Studies 8: Ancient and Medieval History
Full Year, Grade 8

This course introduces students to scholarly examination and sets the stage for modern history. It spans the rise of prehistoric humans through ancient civilizations and the Middle Ages. Its examination of Asian and Pre-Columbian cultures helps students relate to human diversity. It introduces students to major political, economic, religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions emerging worldwide prior to the Renaissance. Students learn critical and analytical approaches to the study of history, including the use of primary sources.

Honors U.S. History 9: From Discovery to Nationhood
One Semester, Grade 9

This course, the first semester of a three-semester sequence, surveys the formation of America’s distinctive society from about 1450 to the peaceful transition of political power in the fledgling United States in 1801. From the perspective of an Atlantic civilization, students explore the influences of Europeans, Native Americans, Africans, and geographic and economic factors on the creation of colonial cultures. They then trace independence movements and the attainment of nationhood.  

Honors U.S. History and AP U.S. History
Full Year, Grades 10 and 11

The course focuses on the significant events, individuals, ideas, and institutions of our nation’s past, and surveys the intellectual, political, social, economic, and diplomatic trends in U.S. history from the early nineteenth century to the present. Skills emphasized include comprehension and analysis of historical processes and concepts. AP students have additional reading and writing to prepare for the national AP examination.

Honors European History and AP European History
Full Year, Grade 11

In this course, students are guided through a survey of the major political, economic, religious, scientific, and social themes of Western civilization from 1500 A.D. to the present. Students achieve greater cultural literacy through familiarity with historical events, sequences, and movements. They also develop an appreciation for comparative cultures and increase their skills in research, analysis, interpretation, and oral and written expression. AP students have additional reading and writing to prepare for the national AP examination.

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Honors U.S. Government and AP US Government
One Semester, Grade 12

A one-semester course for seniors who have taken U.S. History, this course emphasizes the constitutional development of our nation’s government. The structure of government and the location of power are stressed along with the role of political parties and special interest groups. Throughout, policy making and problem solving of the government are analyzed as they relate to current issues.

Honors Economics
One Semester, Grades 11and 12

This course is an introduction to fundamental economic concepts
and issues in a price-directed economy. Emphasized are the evolution and modification of pure capitalism, historical and contemporary fiscal monetary policies, and personal financial management.

Honors Psychology
One Semester, Grades 11 and 12

This one-semester elective approaches the study of human behavior as a social science. The first half of the course is an in-depth study of the three personality theories that most influenced the emergence of psychology: psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanism. During the second quarter, students apply these three personality theories to the study of life span development, psychological disorders, psychotherapy, and social influences on human behavior.

Honors Comparative Government and AP Comparative Government
One Semester, Grade 12

This one-semester course for seniors who have taken European
History offers an in-depth study of the political institutions of major world powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and China. It also surveys developing countries such as Iran, Mexico, and Uganda and examines world politics with emphasis on problem solving in quest of a new world order.

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