1 Credit
Global Studies 9 provides a chronological study of the world from prehistoric times to Absolutism in Europe. The grade 9 curriculum focuses on important historical, geographic, political, and economic characteristics of the societies that developed in each region of the world. Students study the six major themes of Global History: cultural diffusion, trade, migrations, belief systems, conflict, and the establishment of multi-regional empires as well as the major events and turning points in history. These themes are supported by the emphasis on developing interpretation skills through the use of primary and secondary sources, political cartoons, map reading, and chart and graph interpretations in relation to the thematic essay and document-based question. The final assessment is a teacher-generated exam.
1 Credit
In grade 10 Social Studies, students will examine Global History and Geography, and complete the year by taking a New York State Regents Exam. This one-year sequence is arranged chronologically beginning with the world in 1750 marked by powerful European empires, coastal African kingdoms, and growing European maritime empires up to the contemporary issues, such as the tensions between traditional cultures and modernization.
1 Credit
This course is designed as a pre-AP World History course, covering the New York
State Global Studies Curriculum in a very in-depth and extensive manner. The course
will be a bridge from normal high school course work to a more complex “college level”
study. Global Studies 9 Honors covers the history of human beings chronologically
from the Paleolithic Age through current times. This course includes a study of every
major area, culture, and religion throughout history. Students will take the NYS
Regents Examination at the end of sophomore year.
Prerequisite: Department recommendation
1 Credit
Advanced Placement World History is a college level course open to sophomores that
have achieved above-average grades in social studies and English during their
freshman year. This course, designed for students who are college bound and possess
a good command of reading and writing, will develop a greater understanding of the
evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies.
Students will study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that play
a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. The ultimate goal of the
course will be a mastery of the information and preparedness for the college level
examination. This course includes extensive reading and writing assignments.
Students will take the A.P. exam in May of their sophomore year and the NYS Global
Studies Regents in June. Students who pass the A.P. exam may be eligible for college
credits. The cost of the A.P. exam is approximately $90.
Prerequisite: Based on department recommendation and/or approval.
1 Credit
Grade 11
This course reviews the development of the United States. It will include a
chronological survey of United States history in general, but emphasis will be on the
United States as a transitional and fully developed industrial nation. Constitutional and
legal issues will be explored in depth, as will the problems of a dynamic and industrial
society in an increasingly complex and technology-oriented world. This course serves
as a historical foundation for the senior courses. All students will take the U.S. History
& Government Regents exam in June.
1 Credit
Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement United States History is a college-level course open to juniors
and seniors who have achieved above-average grades in Social Studies and English.
This course is designed for students who are college bound and possess a good
command of reading and writing skills. A term paper is required each semester.
Students must take the A.P. exam in May, and juniors will take the U.S. History &
Government Regents in June. The cost of the A.P. exam is approximately $90.
Students who pass the A.P. exam may be eligible for college credit.
Prerequisite: Based on department recommendation and/or approval.
1/2 Credit
Grade 12 Only
This required course is taught every other day for a full year. It deals with the basic concepts necessary to manage one’s personal financial dealings in a modern economy. The course will include: banking, saving and spending, retirement planning, credit cards, student loans, buying vs. leasing, and budgeting as it relates to cars and housing, insurances, taxes, and investing. The course will mix both academic study plus hands-on simulations of real family financial situations.
1/2 Credit
Grade 12 Only
This required one-semester course emphasizes the interaction between citizens and
government at all levels: local, state, and federal. The course encourages students to
analyze public policy, issues and problems, decision-making, and implementation of
proposed changes. A participatory project is required.
1 Credit
Grade 12 Only
This is a college introductory course designed to give students a critical perspective of
government and politics in the United States. This course fulfills the New York State
Participation in Government requirement. Students will discuss the various institutions,
groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. Students will be
required to produce a mock campaign and volunteer at a local campaign office.
Students must take the A.P. exam in May. The cost of the A.P. exam is approximately
$90. Students who pass the A.P. exam may be eligible for college credit.
Prerequisite: Based on department recommendation and/or approval.
1/2 Credit
Grade 12 Only
This hands-on class will teach the skills necessary to be a leader in both small group and large organizational settings. Students will study actual skills including time management, goal setting, independence, image creation, networking, negotiating, event planning and management, conflict resolution, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership by example. Classroom activities will include frequent hands-on projects that put to use the skills above and to teach that how individuals treat people is the core of good leadership.
1/2 Credit
Grade 11 Only
This required class will help students develop or hone their abilities to speak in front of people, as is often required in college and career. Through a series of actual speaking activities, students will develop the skills of crafting and giving stand-up presentations, reading aloud, interviewing, group discussions, presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi), and answering extemporaneous questions.
1/2 Credit
Grades 11-12
Just how accurate are those films when compared to actual history? This half-year
course looks at some popular films based on historical events and compares the
director’s slant with what actually happened. The class will include viewing of films
along with study of history to make complete comparison. Because of the nature of
some of these films, parental permission is required to view films.
1/2 Credit
Grade 12
This course reviews the eclectic approach to the study of human behavior. The five
basic theories, neurobiological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, cognitive, and
phenomenological are reviewed for the advantages and applied to the study of
development, learning and memory, personality, and abnormal behavior. The course
also provides an opportunity for personal assessment. Students who wish may also
take advantage of the A.P. Psychology exam in May (the cost of the A.P. exam is
approximately $90).
1/2 Credit
Grades 11-12
This Social Studies elective is a basic law course designed to give students a better
understanding of the principles, procedures, and actual practices of the U.S. criminal
system. Topics in this one-semester course will include the nature and causes of
criminal behavior; the qualifications for, characteristics of, and problems connected
with police work; due process as it relates to police investigations, arrests, court and
legal procedures; and sentencing and prison life. The many controversies connected to
the above items are explored. The course is augmented by an array of guest speakers
who are professionals in the field, a ride-along program, and a field trip to a
correctional facility.