Social Studies
SOCIAL STUDIES Courses
Social Studies seeks to understand the relationship between change and continuity across eras. Geographic, political, social, cultural, economic, ideological, technological, and demographic factors as well as issues of gender and religion help define, shape, and drive civilizations. Students will develop a sensitivity to and empathy for other viewpoints and differences that can unite or divide human beings. As they learn how to understand individual agency, societal interactions, historical genealogy and the natural environment, students will grow in self-knowledge and in recognition of themselves as global citizens.
Gr. 7 - World Geography
In this course, seventh grade students learn and apply the five themes of geography (location, place, movement, human- environment interaction, region) to deepen their understanding of the past, present, and future connections of our planet’s peoples and lands. Students explore the physical and human characteristics of countries and regions, oceans and waterways, and climates and ecosystems around the globe. Students further their examination by identifying political systems, understanding economies, and investigating cultures and how cultural influence extends beyond borders.
Gr. 8 - American History
In this course, students study in depth the seminal documents of the United States: the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They explore key principles articulated in those documents as they investigate case studies in American history, including issues related to Native Americans, African Americans, and gender. Through these studies and projects, students’ examinations seek to answer the course’s essential question: What does it mean to be American?
World History I Honors
In this course, students gain a strong understanding of civilization from a post agricultural revolution world up until the 1500s. Coursework spans from the agricultural lifestyle as seen in the river valley civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and Mesoamerica to the premodern civilizations of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Using historical content to build a foundation of high school level academic skills, students master critical thinking and reading through primary and secondary sources, argumentative historical writing, and presentation skills through debate and personal understanding assignments.
World History II Honors
In this course, students begin by examining the events leading up to the French Revolution. Students then deepen their historical understanding through exploration of the Industrial Revolution, nationalism, imperialism, WWI, the Russian Revolution, WWII, trends in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, the Fall of Communism, and the modern Middle East, along with the current global positioning of nations. Students read actively from a variety of sources and use primary source documents to evaluate the times in which major events occurred. Through their work in this class, students learn about the ideology, economic and cultural foundations that propel world history. Purposely-designed reading and writing assignments promote analytical and critical thinking about the forces that have shaped and continue to shape the world.
AP European History
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped Europe from c. 1450 to the present. Coursework includes analyzing texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence. Students learn to write essays expressing historical arguments. Students evaluate primary and secondary sources, contextualize historical developments, and develop a thesis with evidence.
United States History Honors
In this course, students engage the span of American history – from pre-Columbian era to contemporary issues debated in the United States – and particularly investigate the American Revolution, Reconstruction, both world wars, the Cold War, Vietnam, and Civil Rights. By reading and studying primary and secondary sources, students gain insight into the ideologies, economics, and cultural foundations that underlay the events of U.S. History. Students use a variety of purposeful themes as lenses for their analysis, promoting critical thinking about the forces that have shaped the nation.
AP United States History
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. Coursework includes analyzing texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence. Students learn to write essays expressing historical arguments. Students evaluate primary and secondary sources, contextualize historical developments, and develop a thesis with evidence.
AP Psychology
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The class examines the concepts of psychology through reading, discussion, and data analysis. The coursework exposes students to the disciplines of cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical psychology. Students gain skills in data analysis, research, and practical application of classroom concepts.
AP Art History
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students explore the history of art across the globe from prehistory to the present. The class analyzes artwork through observation, discussion, reading, and research. Students evaluate works from different cultures, make connections about artistic traditions and styles, and provide evidence to support theories about the meaning of a work of art.
AP Human Geography
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of the Earth. The class uses tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use. Visual aids in this course include maps, tables, charts, graphics, infographics, images, and landscapes. Students connect geographic concepts to real-life scenarios, find patterns and trends in visual aids, and understand spatial relationships using geographic scales.
Civics and Current Events Honors
In this course, students examine the foundations of the U.S. government, exploring how it operates on both national and international stages. The curriculum encourages critical thinking as students dissect contemporary issues shaping our world. A unique aspect of this course is the hands-on approach to learning. Students actively gather information from various media sources—newspapers, websites, television, magazines, and more. Harnessing this knowledge, participants engage in dynamic round table discussions and presentations, sharing insights and perspectives on the pressing topics of the day. Assessment in the course is multifaceted, encompassing class participation, oral presentations, effective use of media, and written assignments.
