SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies curriculum and instruction fosters a desire for life-long learning and encourages our students to be involved citizens of our world. The state-based, standard curriculum is supplemented by college preparatory elective courses providing students with the foundation necessary for success in college.
View sequence of courses
Courses
- Academic
- Model United Nations
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Electives
- Elective Honors
- Electives Advanced Placement (AP)
- Electives International Baccalaureate (IB)
Academic
4100AS CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
This course is required for all Freshmen. Students will study the interaction of people and environments, both physical and cultural. A variety of cultures will be studied, with students analyzing the origin and the nature of cultural relationships and traits. Each student will analyze one culture in-depth in a semester-long study utilizing library research techniques and culminating in a term paper and PowerPoint presentation.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 9
(g) UC Approved
4220A WORLD HISTORY
This course is required for all Sophomores. Topics covered include Ancient Greece, the Rise of Democratic Ideas, the Age of Exploration, the Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the Rise of Imperialism, World War I, Totalitarianism in the Modern World, and World War II. Each unit will be examined in-depth utilizing a variety of source materials, with a special emphasis on geographic relationships, the Holocaust, and the development of the Cold War.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 10
(a) UC Approved
4400A UNITED STATES HISTORY
Following review units on the nation’s beginnings and Civil War period, this course leads the student to interpret twentieth century America. Both external and internal relationships are studied in depth, including early efforts to become a world power, the two World Wars, the Cold War and more recent conflicts as well as the Progressive Movement, Great Depression, economic growth and the Civil Rights Movement. Students will use a variety of sources to gain an understanding of significant concepts and develop the following skills: critical thinking, group interaction, oral and written communication.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 11
(a) UC Approved
4500AS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
This is a one semester college preparatory course required of all Seniors. Students will examine the principles on which this nation’s government is based, as well as the structures of that government. Careful study of the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, as we have come to understand them over two centuries of development, will be included. Systematic study of current issues in government, and politics in our society, will be a regular part of the course.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
(a) UC Approved
4600AS ECONOMICS
This is a one semester college preparatory course required of all Seniors. Students will study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economic relationships. The course will equip the student with both the vocabulary and the technical knowledge needed for an understanding of economic issues, both in the media and at the collegiate level of study. The course will also provide the student with information and analytical tools useful in developing a personal system of values in regard to economic issues.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
(g) UC Approved
Model United Nations
4110C CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY MUN HONORS
This year-long course for academically talented Freshmen combines the study of physical and cultural environments with the hands-on work of representing nations at Model United Nations conferences. Here the student will develop an understanding of current world problems and the research, speaking, writing and thinking skills needed to represent a nation effectively in interscholastic competitions. Fund raising and participation fee are required to cover some of the costs of team travel and supplies for MUN courses. Students enrolled are required to remain in class for the entire year. The required Health course, which would normally be taken as a semester course Freshman year, must be completed in summer school prior to Freshman year or taken as an elective.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 9
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisite: A minimum standard score of 550 on the HSPT Composite. We recommend students enrolled in this class take Health in summer school prior to their freshman year.
Note: Fund raising and a participation fee are required to cover some of the costs of team travel and supplies in MUN courses. Enrollment may be subject to approval
4220C WORLD HISTORY MUN HONORS
This class is for academically talented sophomores. Topics covered include Ancient Greece, the Rise of Democratic Ideas, the Age of Exploration, the Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the Rise of Imperialism, World War I, Totalitarianism in the Modern World, and World War II. The writings of a Variety of historians are studied as well as original source materials. Interpretation of source material and analysis of historians’ points of view will be emphasized.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 10
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Placement in World History MUN Honors is based on successful completion of the Freshman MUN course and teacher recommendation based on the following criteria: 1) Grades and behavior met expectations in Freshman/MUN class; 2) Attended MUN conferences as required.
Note: Fund raising and a participation fee are required to cover some of the costs of team travel and supplies in MUN courses. Enrollment may be subject to approval
4400C UNITED STATES HISTORY MUN HONORS
This class is for academically talented, Juniors. Following review units on the nation’s beginnings and on the Civil War period, this course interprets the historical survey of the United States. Both external and internal relationships are studied in-depth from Reconstruction to the 1980s.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Placement in United States History MUN Honors is based on successful completion of the Sophomore MUN course and teacher recommendation based on 1) grades and behavior met expectations in Sophomore MUN class and 2) attended MUN conferences as required.
Note: Fund raising and a participation fee are required to cover some of the costs of team travel and supplies in MUN courses
4500MS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MUN HONORS
This is a one semester college preparatory course for academically talented Seniors. Students will examine the principles on which this nation’s government is based, as well as the structures of that government. Careful study of the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, as we have come to understand them over two centuries of development, will be included. Systematic study of current issues in government, and politics in our society, will be a regular part of the course. As part of the course, students are required to participate in MUN conferences and activities.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Placement in United States Government MUN Honors is based on successful completion of the Junior MUN course and teacher recommendation based on
1) grades and behavior met expectations in Junior MUN class and
2) attended MUN conferences as required.|
Note: Fund raising and a participation fee are required to cover some of the costs of team travel and supplies in MUN courses.
4600MS ECONOMICS MUN HONORS
This is a one semester college preparatory course for academically talented Seniors. Students will study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economic relationships. The course will equip the student with both the vocabulary and the technical knowledge needed for an understanding of economic issues, both in the media and at the collegiate level of study. The course will also provide the student with information and analytical tools useful in developing a personal system of values in regard to economic issues. As part of the course, students are required to participate in MUN conferences and activities.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Placement in Economics MUN Honors is based on successful completion of the Junior MUN course and teacher recommendation based on
1) grades and behavior met expectations in Junior MUN class and
2) attended MUN conferences as required.
Advanced Placement (AP)
4400E AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
4410F HISTORY IB HL 1
This is a college level survey course in United States History designed for the academically accelerated student. This course also fulfills the first year requirement of History HL IB. Topics from Pre-Columbian America to the first decade of the 21st century will be covered. In addition to the course text, the student will be required to read and interpret the writings of historians and historical documents. Emphasis will be placed on further developing the student’s critical thinking skills. A student will be required to organize and analyze historical information and data. Additionally, each student will be called upon to demonstrate the accomplishment of that objective through the writing of interpretive and analytical essays. Seniors may enroll in the United States History AP course as an elective provided that they received an A in academic United States History.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisites: An A or B in AP World History or AP European History with teacher recommendation or an A in academic World History and teacher recommendation. For HL 1, acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or courses.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the corresponding AP exam.
4510E AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
AP Government and Politics US is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in United States Government and Politics. This is a university level course which will address basic concepts used to analyze the American political environment. The course will familiarize students with the philosophical, cultural, and ideological beliefs of different groups within the US political system. Students will also learn how to interpret political, demographic, and economic graphs, tables and data to better prepare them for the AP exam. In addition to these fundamental ideas, the students will endeavor to apply these principles to the real world through critical writings on current political affairs.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 12
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisites: An A or B in AP US History with teacher recommendation or an A in Academic US History with teacher recommendation.
4600E AP MACROECONOMICS
This college level course will prepare the student to take the AP Macroeconomics examination, offered in the month of May. The students will be introduced to the basic elements of economics and study market theory. Students will study the topics of national economic performance, the analysis of the national income and the price determination and many other macroeconomic models. The students will investigate international economics so that the students will have an awareness of the internationalism of economics and be able to have a better understanding of the global economy.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 12
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisite: An A or B in AP US History with teacher recommendation or an A in academic US History with teacher recommendation.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
4400E AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
4410F HISTORY IB HL 1
This is a college level survey course in United States History designed for the academically accelerated student. This course also fulfills the first year requirement of History HL IB. Topics from Pre-Columbian America to the first decade of the 21st century will be covered. In addition to the course text, the student will be required to read and interpret the writings of historians and historical documents. Emphasis will be placed on further developing the student’s critical thinking skills. A student will be required to organize and analyze historical information and data. Additionally, each student will be called upon to demonstrate the accomplishment of that objective through the writing of interpretive and analytical essays. Seniors may enroll in the United States History AP course as an elective provided that they received an A in academic United States History.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisites: An A or B in AP World History or AP European History with teacher recommendation or an A in academic World History and teacher recommendation. For HL 1, acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or courses.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the corresponding AP exam.
4411F HISTORY IB HL 2
This course fulfills the second year of Higher Level History IB. Topics for this course are determined by the IB curriculum and include causes, practices and effects of war, the rise and rule of single party states, the Cold War and other topics of critical significance to the major events in the 20th century. In addition to the course texts, the student will be required to read and interpret the writings of historians and historical documents. Some of the objectives of this course will enable the student to present clear, concise, well substantiated arguments as well as to evaluate, interpret and use source material critically, evaluate different approaches to, and interpretations of, historical events and topics. Finally, the student will be able to explain the causes and effects of historical continuity and change. A major research project (Internal Assessment) will be undertaken and completed by February.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 12
(a) UC Approved
Prerequisites: An A or B in AP US History/History HL 1 with teacher recommendation. Acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or courses.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the corresponding IB exam. If students take this class, Government/Econ is not required senior year.
4600F ECONOMICS IB SL
This college level course will prepare the student to take the International Baccalaureate examination for Economics at the Standard Level (SL) and the AP Macroeconomics examination, both offered in the month of May. The students will first be introduced to the basic elements of economics. The students will then study microeconomics, including the study of market theory. The students will then study macroeconomics, including the study of national economic performance, the analysis of national income and price determination and many other macroeconomic models. Lastly, the students will investigate international economics and developmental economics so that the students will have an awareness of the internationalism of economics and be able to have a better understanding of the global economy.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 12
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisite: An A or B in AP US History with teacher recommendation or an A in academic US History with teacher recommendation. Acceptance into the IB program, either full diploma or certificate.
Electives
4800AS PSYCHOLOGY
This course is a one semester elective at the Junior and Senior levels. Students will study approaches to psychology, the life span, workings of mind and body, learning and cognitive processes, personality and individuality, adjustment and breakdown, social psychology and positive psychology. Both practical and philosophical evidence will be examined during the study of various schools of thought. This semester course must be taken in conjunction with the semester course Sociology.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
(g) UC Approved
4820AS SOCIOLOGY
This course is a one semester elective course at the Junior and Senior levels. The five main focuses will be on sociological perspectives, culture and social structures, social inequality, social institutions and social change. Students will study how groups and individuals relate to one another in our society. This semester course must be taken in conjunction with the semester course Psychology.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
(g) UC Approved
4910AS INTRODUCTION TO LAW
Introduction to Law is a one semester course offered to juniors and seniors designed to introduce students to the American legal system. Students will be introduced to a basic legal vocabulary, criminal and civil processes, and the concept of justice. Students will study the State and Federal court systems and examine the rights of the individual, balancing collective rights with social responsibility. Students will also analyze cases that have contemporary significance and understand the dynamics and impact of the law. An understanding of the roles that law, lawyers, law enforcement officers, and the legal system play in our society will be introduced. This semester course must be taken in conjunction with the semester course Fundamentals of Business Ownership.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grades: 11,12
(g) UC
Note: Paired with Fundamentals of Business Ownership
4920AS FUNDAMENTALS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
Fundamentals of Business Ownership is a one semester course offered to Juniors and Seniors and is designed to address the needs of students who plan to major in Business Administration at the college level and/or intend to pursue business interests. It is a comprehensive course that emphasizes the basic fundamental operations of small and large businesses. Concepts, terms, economic relationships to business operations, key elements involved in owning and operating a business, marketing and business plans, legal requirements, and human resources will be emphasized. The students will have the opportunity to create a business plan for their own business. This semester course must be taken in conjunction with the semester course Introduction to Law.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grades: 11,12
(g) UC Approved
Note: Paired with Introduction to Law
4922A ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
Accounting and Finance is a full year course offered to primarily junior and seniors who might be considering majoring in business in college and/or interested in pursuing business interests. It is also designed to help young adults with the personal financial issues they might be facing after high school. Basic financial themes will be explored with an introduction to elementary accounting concepts to help students understand financial statements and decisions. The course will employ real world examples, simplified case studies, and a discussion and analysis approach. Also included will be activities and conversations on business ethics and current events related to the course.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11,12
(g) UC Approved
4932AS AMERICA’S CIVIL WAR: PRESERVE THE UNION
This one semester course is offered to juniors and seniors who are interested in exploring the historical events that surrounded America's Civil War. This survey of the nation's most tragic conflict will focus on the events and ideas that led to the division of the Union, the battles, key actors, and the results of this war. Students will use historical narratives, diaries, and documentaries to complete a research project on a class related topic of their choice. This course must be taken in conjunction with the semester course World War II: American Involvement.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grades: 11,12
(g) UC Approved
Note: Paired with World War II: American Involvement
4930AS WORLD WAR II: AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT
World War II: American Involvement is a one-semester course open to students in eleventh and twelfth grade who have an interest in examining, in more depth, the most influential event of the 20th Century. The course will focus on the involvement of the United States from the home front to major battles involving American troops. Students will learn from a variety of primary and secondary sources in order to better understand the impact of the war on individuals, nations, and international relations. This course must be taken in conjunction with the semester course America’s Civil War: Preserve the Union
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grades: 11,12
(g) UC Approved
Note: Paired with America’s Civil War: Preserve the Union
4600AS ECONOMICS
This is a one semester college preparatory course required of all Seniors. Students will study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economic relationships. The course will equip the student with both the vocabulary and the technical knowledge needed for an understanding of economic issues, both in the media and at the collegiate level of study. The course will also provide the student with information and analytical tools useful in developing a personal system of values in regard to economic issues.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
(g) UC Approved
7533A SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn have become an extensive part of our daily lives. These social media channels provide remarkable pathways to interact with friends and loved ones, but they can also become powerful and dynamic marketing tools. Learn how to utilize some of your favorite and entertaining pastimes to promote yourself or your business to increase likes, views, and subscribers, while maintaining an ethical and responsible code of conduct that will protect you and your brand’s reputation.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9-12
(g) UC Approved
Elective Honors
7530C MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART (through 1970) HONORS
A detailed examination of the art of the Western Canon, focusing on the modern era (1848 to the present) with special emphasis on themes of modernity, modernism, and the avant-garde. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, Modern and Contemporary Art Honors will be presented as a synthesis of visual art and history, emphasizing not only formal aesthetic qualities of a work of art but also its historical context. Painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, and photography along with pop culture, the dramatic arts and design will be explored in terms of style, meaning, and socioeconomic context with special attention to gender, function, and patronage as well as philosophical/aesthetic issues of taste, technology, and authenticity. Practicing visual analysis through “directed looking,” students will employ the basic methodology and vocabulary of art historians while gaining an understanding and appreciation of modern art, popular culture, and cultural literacy.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Student must have a 3.3 academic GPA.
Electives Advanced Placement (AP)
4800E AP PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs and applications, and providing a unique approach to understanding modern society.
Psychology SL IB examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables students to achieve a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behavior. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are key considerations in IB Psychology.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11,12
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Requires a score of 550 or better for both Quantitative and Reading categories on the HSPT Exam.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this AP course are required to take the corresponding AP exam.
7520E AP ART HISTORY
Surveying nearly twenty-five thousand years of the artistic tradition, from the ancient world to the twenty-first century, AP Art History is a rigorous and rewarding college-level course. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, art history will be presented as a synthesis of visual art and history, emphasizing not only formal aesthetic qualities of a work of art but also its historical context. Painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, and photography of both the Western and non-Western canons will be explored in terms of style, meaning, and socioeconomic context with special attention to gender, function, and patronage. Practicing visual analysis through “directed looking,” students will be introduced to the basic methodology and vocabulary of art historians while gaining an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts. AP Art History course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in May.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10,11,12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Student must have a 3.3 academic GPA.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this AP course are required to take the corresponding AP exam.
Electives International Baccalaureate (IB)
4925F BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IB HL1
4926F BUISNESS MANAGEMENT IB HL2
The Business and Management HL course is a rigorous and dynamic course that explores how business decision-making processes impact on internal and external environments. In turn, it will explore how decision-making processes themselves are affected by internal and external environments. The course covers: business organization and environment, human resources, accounting and finance, marketing, operations management, and business strategy. Students will develop a stronger understanding of business theory, as well as the ability to apply business principles, practices and skills, encounter a wider range of international contexts in business, become experienced in a wide range of technical and social tools, and develop 21st century skills like time management, communication and digital literacy which are much in demand by employers. As an online class students will participate in discussions and online debates, create wikis, write and maintain a blog, read case studies on current topics, participate in project work (individually and in groups), and participate in live online lessons with their teacher.
Length of Course: 2 Years
Open to Grades: 11, 12
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Academic English with an A or English Honors with a B or better.
4927F GLOBAL POLITICS IB SL
This course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, as well as to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies. It also invites comparison between such examples and case studies to ensure a wider and transnational perspective.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 12
(g) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Completion of AP US History or US History.