8013A HEALTH SEMINAR
This year long 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. This course will also teach lessons in collaboration with the counseling department, Campus Ministry and Educational Technology to cover such issues as Wellness, executive functions, study habits and common technological applications used by our students and teachers at SM. This course will fulfill the state Health curriculum requirement
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 9

4220A WORLD HISTORY
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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

4400A UNITED STATES HISTORY
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4500AS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This is a semester long 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
Note: paired with Economics.

4600AS ECONOMICS
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This is a semester long 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
Note: paired with U.S. Government.

4110C CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY MUN HONORS
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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. Requires work out of class including attending 4 conferences, 2 per semester. |
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 9
Prerequisite: A minimum standard score of 550 on the HSPT Composite. Students will need to take Health before graduation
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
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
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 approva

4400C UNITED STATES HISTORY MUN HONORS
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
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
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This is a semester long 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
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
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This is a semester long 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
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.
Note: Fund raising and a participation fee are required to cover some of the costs of team travel and supplies in MUN courses

4927F GLOBAL POLITICS IB SL (for MUN)
(g) UC Approved
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
Prerequisites: Completion of AP US History or US History.
Note: This course fulfils our Government/Econ requirement.

4220E AP WORLD HISTORY: MODERN
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This college level World History course is designed to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course emphasizes relevant factual knowledge deployed in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. Periodization, explicitly discussed, forms an organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity throughout the course. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with the consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of World History as a field of study.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: An A in English 1 or a B+ in English 1 Honors. Juniors and Seniors may take this course as an elective provided that they received A’s in prior History courses.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4300E AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This college level course in European History is designed to prepare students for the AP examination. The chronological scope of the course ranges from the Renaissance - approximately 1450 to the present, recent past. The course will cover a variety of political, cultural, economic and social themes in the history of modern Europe. Students will develop their ability to analyze different types of historical evidence including visual and statistical materials and evaluate key historiographical questions.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: An A in English 1 or a B+ in English 1 Honors. Juniors and Seniors may take this course as an elective provided that they received A’s in prior History courses.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4400E AP UNITED STATES HISTORY 
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
Prerequisites: An A in World History or B in AP World History or AP European History. For HL 1, acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or courses.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4510E AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
Prerequisites: Completion of AP US History or US History.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4600ES AP MACROECONOMICS
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
Prerequisite: An A in US History (or B in AP US History. Must take with AP Microeconomics.
Note: Students are required to take one or both AP exams. This class also fulfills our Government/Econ requirement. This course is also Paired with Microeconomics.

4610ES AP MICROECONOMICS
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
The purpose of the course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of the economics that apply to economic systems as a whole. AP Macroeconomics emphasizes the study of national income, economic performance measures, economic growth and international economics. Students will learn to think like economists: to question, to evaluate marginal costs and marginal benefits, and to explore the many ways in which one action causes secondary actions. AP Microeconomics will give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. The course places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Taking this course will prepare students to take both the AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics exam.
Length of Course: Semester
Open to Grade: 12
Prerequisite: An A in US History (or B in AP US History. Must take with AP Macroeconomics Note: Students are required to take one or both AP exams. This class also fulfills our Government/Econ requirement. This course is also Paired with Macroeconomics.

4410F HISTORY IB HL 1
(a) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
Prerequisites: An A in World History or B in AP World History or AP European History. For HL 1, acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or courses.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4927F GLOBAL POLITICS IB SL (for MUN)
(g) UC Approved
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
Prerequisites: Completion of AP US History or US History. Note: This course fulfils our Government/Econ requirement.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4411F HISTORY IB HL 2
(a) UC Approved
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 Prerequisites: Completion of AP US History/History HL 1. Acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or courses.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

4600F ECONOMICS IB SL
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
Prerequisite: Completion of AP US History or US History. Note: This class also fulfills our Government/Econ requirement.
*Note: To move from Academic to Honors classes requires an “A” both semesters & a passing score on the placement exam in May.

7533A SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
(g) UC Approved 
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, 10, 11, 12

4800AS PSYCHOLOGY
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This course is a semester long 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
Note: Paired with Sociology.

4820AS SOCIOLOGY
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This course is a semester long 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
Note: Paired with Psychology.

4910AS INTRODUCTION TO LAW
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
Introduction to Law is a semester long 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
Note: Paired with Fundamentals of Business Ownership.

4920AS FUNDAMENTALS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
(g) UC Approved
Fundamentals of Business Ownership is a semester long 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
Note: Paired with Introduction to Law.

4932AS AMERICA’S CIVIL WAR: PRESERVE THE UNION
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
Note: Paired with World War II: American Involvement

4930AS WORLD WAR II: AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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
Note: Paired with America’s Civil War: Preserve the Union

4933A INTRO TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
This semester long introductory course explores the differing, yet varied facets of the field of forensic psychology and will cover landmark legal cases relevant to the field of forensic psychology, potential careers in forensic psychology, police psychology, expert testimony, legal consultation, forensic assessment in the justice system, psychological profiling, ethics, correctional psychology, and issues in working in the juvenile justice system. Careers in forensics are noted to have a 27% increase between 2014 and 2024 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics and it is being added as a major at many universities due to an increased demand for professionals trained in the field.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation from current Social Studies teacher. Introduction to Psychology or A.P. Psychology are recommended but not required. Note: This course may present material triggering to some students.
Note: Paired with Forensic Science

7530C MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART HONORS
(f) UC Approved
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
Prerequisite: Teacher and Counselor recommendation

 

7520E AP ART HISTORY
(f) UC Approved
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
Prerequisite: Teacher and counselor recommendation

4800E AP PSYCHOLOGY
(g) UC Approved, NCAA Approved
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.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: A- or better in English and A- or better in History. Students should also be comfortable with Biology. Teacher and Counselor recommendations.

4925F BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IB HL1
4926F BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IB HL2
(g) UC Approved
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
Length of Course: 2 Years
Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: An A in World History (or a B in AP World History or AP European History) and an A in English 2 (or a B in English 2H) and teacher/counselor recommendation. Acceptance into the IB Program, either full diploma or certificate courses.
*Note: This course fulfils our Government/Econ requirement.