Middle School Social Sciences Courses
Social Science 6
The integrated, activity-based 6th grade History-Social Science curriculum begins with the study of early humans and focuses on ancient civilizations, including the Near East and Africa, the Ancient Americas, and the classical civilizations of China, India, Greece and Rome. Students will study the significance of geographic place in the development of human societies
Social Science 7
The integrated, activity-based 7th grade History-Social Science curriculum focuses on history from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Age of Reason in the beginning of the 18th century, and includes Instruction on the Roman Empire; Medieval Europe; the rise of Islam; Medieval Africa, Japan, and China; Mesoamerica; Europe during the Renaissance; the Reformation and Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, and the Age of Reason
Social Science 8
While studying historical events from the founding of the nation through the Industrial Revolution, students in this integrated, activity-based course will analyze the development of Constitutional Democracy, with an emphasis on individual rights, an understanding of the political system and ways in which citizens can participate in and influence government. Students examine the gradual expansion of the US and its subsequent shaping and influence on foreign policy. Emphasis is on cause and effect, chronology, and an appreciation for how the past influences current events
High School Social Sciences Courses
World History
World History presents a narrative of world history from the roots of democracy through the present. The course traces the development of nations throughout the world. Themes include political change, economic development, the growth of science and technology, the effect of contact between cultures, Imperialism and its effects on the imperialized, and creativity in the arts. Skill emphasis will include reading, analysis, speaking, note-taking, writing and research.
US History
US History is a survey course covering the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments of United States history. It will examine the major historical events in that period, i.e. the forming of the colonies, Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, the Civil War, Immigration, the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, and Watergate. A goal of this class is to see how one period of time has influenced and shaped succeeding eras.
AP US History
AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In AP U.S. History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and environment; and culture and society.
AP Government
AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level year-long course that not only seeks to prepare students for success on the AP Exam in May, but also provide students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes to participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society. It is important to note that this course is not a history course; it is a political science course that studies the interconnectedness of the different parts of the American political system and the behaviors and attitudes that shape this system and are the byproduct of this system. AP U.S. Government and Politics accomplishes these goals by framing the acquisition of political knowledge around enduring understandings and big ideas about American government and politics that can be applied to a set of disciplinary practices through the use of a set of reasoning processes. Through the development of this set of political knowledge, disciplinary practices, and reasoning processes, by the end of the course, students will be able to analyze current and historical political events like a political scientist and develop factually accurate, well reasoned, thoughtful arguments and opinions that acknowledge and grapple with alternative political perspectives.
Economics
Students will master fundamental economic concepts, applying the tools (graphs, statistics, equations) from other subject areas to the understanding of operations and institutions of economic systems. This course will cover the basic economic principles of micro- and macroeconomics, international economics, comparative economic systems, measurement, and methods. The goal of this class is to prepare students for the competitive markets of the arts world by understanding the entrepreneurship skills required. Also, students will gain basic financial literacy to function responsibly in a post-high school environment. Students will participate in a classroom economy to practice budgeting, investment, savings, and taxes.