Social Studies
The Social Studies Department endeavors to develop the student’s understanding and appreciation of the past, and encourage them to be aware of and to seek viable solutions to present-day national and global issues. Thus, they will be better prepared to shape the future of our country and the world.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY I 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: None
Offered to Grade 9
This course is the first half of a two-year comprehensive study in global history and geography. The emphasis of this course is to gain a global view of humankind’s development from the earliest civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and India to the beginning of Modern European History (1750). A comprehensive final exam is required of all students in June. This course satisfies the Grade 9 requirement.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY I HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: TACHS Exam score Offered to Grade 9
A more in depth approach to material covered in Global History I will be studied through written and oral assignments. These can include outside readings, research, book reports, oral presentations and projects. A comprehensive final examination is required of all students in June. This course satisfies the Grade 9 requirement.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY II 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Global History & Geography I Offered to Grade 10
Students continue a comprehensive study of Global History and Geography from the development of modern history (1750) to the present. Topics include the Enlightenment, revolutions, imperialism, nationalism, and the rise and fall of communism. A Regents examination is required of all students in June. This course satisfies the Grade 10 requirement.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY II Honors 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 85% in Global History & Geography I Honors or 95% Global History & Geography I and Departmental approval
Offered to Grade 10
A more in depth approach to topics covered in Global II will be required through written and oral assignments. These can include outside readings, research, book reports, oral presentations and projects. This course satisfies the Grade 10 requirement.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY - MODERN 1 YEAR -1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 95% Global History/ Geography I Honors Offered to Grade 10
Departmental approval
The students will continue an intensive and comprehensive study of World History from 1700’s - to present day. The students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May as well as the NYS Regents exam in Global History and Geography in order to fulfill the course and to receive credit for the course. This course satisfies the Grade 10 requirement.
STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SIX COLLEGE CREDITS FROM SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
UNITED STATES HISTORY & GOVERNMENT 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: Global History & Geography II
Offered to Grade 11
The purpose of this course is to instruct students in the history of the United States from the Native American nations to the present day. In addition, students are taught to think critically, discuss issues and understand their rights and obligations as American citizens and appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of our nation. This course satisfies the Grade 11 requirement.
UNITED STATES HISTORY & GOVERNMENT HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 85% Global History & Geography II Honors or 95% Global History & Geography II and Departmental approval
Offered to Grade 11
A more in depth approach of topics and studies in U.S. History & Government will be required through written and oral assignments. These can include outside readings, research, book reports, oral presentations and projects. This course satisfies the Grade 11 requirement.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY & GOVERNMENT 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 85% AP World History or 95% Global History/ Geography II Honors; Departmental approval
Offered to Grade 11
This course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States History. Students will learn to assess historical material, analysis and interpret primary sources, including documentary materials, maps, statistical tables, and pictorial and graphic evidence of historical events, and write essay examinations. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May, which can earn them college credit, as well as the Regents Exam in United State History & Government in order to fulfill the course requirement and to receive credit for the course. Any student who fails to take the exam will not be granted credit for the course and will be required to retake the course in the summer. Students are required to complete a summer assignment, which will be included in the first quarter grade. This course satisfies the Grade 11 requirement.
STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SIX COLLEGE CREDITS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY
U.S. GOVERNMENT & ECONOMICS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: Passing grade U.S. History & Government
Offered to Grade 12
The government portion of this course will educate students to become exemplary and active citizens by thinking critically, comprehending, interpreting, analyzing and evaluating basic civic values. These civic values can include justice, due process, equality, and majority rule with respect for minority rights, non-violence, and an understanding of a citizen’s rights and responsibilities. The major documents that form the basis of this course are the U.S. Constitution with an emphasis on the Bill of Rights and significant U.S. Supreme Court cases.
The goal of the Economics course is to enhance the student’s socio-economic development through the study of various topics relating to and affecting the United States economy on the local, national and international levels. Students are taught to understand the role and practicality of economics and how it affects everyday life through projects such as career search, budgeting, and stock market games. Students will learn practical elements of personal finance including tax returns, salary, banking, credit, mortgages, cost of living, wages, all financial loans, insurance policies. This course satisfies the Grade 12 requirement.
U.S. GOVERNMENT & ECONOMIC HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 85% U.S. History & Government Honors or 95% U.S. History & Government; Departmental approval
Offered to Grade 12
See description for U.S. Government & Economics. In addition, students study constitutional law and are required to do outside readings, reaction papers and projects. This course satisfies the Grade 12 requirement.
AMERICA THROUGH MEDIA 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: NONE Offered to Grade 12
This course will study various forms of mass media, with an emphasis on movies and television. The class will study various genres of film to understand the message, depiction and view of America, including ideals and controversies. Students will also study social media and analyze the effect of modern technology on American culture and lifestyle in the United States. The course will require regular written assignments and essays. Students are responsible to regularly watch assigned films and shows and be able to analyze and discuss them in class and in writing.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 1 YEAR – 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 95% AP U.S. History & Government ; Departmental approval
Offered to Grade 12
This is a college level introductory political science course designed for highly motivated students who are interested in the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. It involves the study of general concepts and their use in interpreting American politics. The importance of the Constitution and the American political structure in shaping governmental activities are evaluated to show the historical evolution of American political practices and institutions. Students need a strong background in U.S. History and European History in order to understand/study how other democratic nations manage similar issues. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam in May, which can earn them college credit. Any student who fails to take the exam will be required to retake the course in summer school. Students are required to complete a summer assignment, which will be included in the first quarter grade. This course satisfies the Grade 12 requirement.
STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SIX COLLEGE CREDITS FROM SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
137 PSYCHOLOGY 1/2 YEAR – 1/12 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 80% current Social Studies class ; 90% Business Writing / Ethics course for Business Leader Students
Offered to Grade 11/12
An introduction to the field of psychology and human behavior, this course includes differing theoretical perspectives and an understanding of the basic facts, principles and methods of psychology. Topics include developmental theories, personality, learning, abnormal psychology, dream analysis, parapsychology and careers in the field.
INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 1/2 YEAR – 1/12 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 80% current Social Studies class or 90% Business Writing / Ethics course for Business Leader Students
Offered to Grade 11/12
This course introduces students to industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology principles and the scientific study of human behavior in workplaces and organizations. Students will explore employee motivation, leadership, workplace productivity, organizational culture, and personnel selection. The course integrates psychological theories with practical applications in business, preparing students to understand the impact of psychology on workplace efficiency and employee well-being.
STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SIX COLLEGE CREDITS FROM SETON HALL UNIVERSITY