Social Studies Electives
- Criminal Justice - AP World History
- Herstory - AP United States History
- History vs. Hollywood - AP European History
- Psychology - Holocaust & Genocide -The 20th Century Since Studies
1945
AP World History: Modern
Overview: The course will take a chronological look through history beginning in the era of the Mongol Empire (approximately 1200 C.E.) and conclude with the present day. Throughout the course, students will keep in mind six major themes that will serve to unify the ideas presented. These themes include: 1) Humans and the Environment, 2) Cultural Development and Interaction, 3) Governance, 4) Economic systems, 5) Social Interactions and Organization, and 6) Technology and Innovation. With these themes, students will connect with the dynamics of continuity and change across the historical periods. In addition, students will utilize six historical thinking skills that will spiral through all units. These include: 1) Development and Processes, 2) Sourcing and Situation, 3) Claims and Evidence in Sources, 4) Contextualization, 5) Making Connections, and 6) Argumentation.
Pre-requisites: Completion of Global History and Geography I with >85% average. In addition, students must complete application that must be signed off by Global I teacher and parent/guardian.
This course has been approved by the College Board. Students who score a 3 or higher on the exam (out of 5) can receive college credit. Exam costs approximately $95. Students must take exam in order to be allowed in to class.
This course replaces Global History and Geography II. However, it is still mandated to complete the Regents examination at the end of the course.
HERSTORY
Rad Women Who Shaped The World
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Herstory is class devoted to women who have rocked the world. Too often in history classes, women are ignored, tossed into the dustbin, or simply glossed over at a very surface level. Herstory will take a deep dive into the lives of girls and women who have dominated their fields and who have shaped the world that we live in today.
COURSE SYLLABUS:
This course focuses on women of different races, classes, and regions who have laid claim to their place in history. It examines the historical context in which these women existed and how their work shaped our world. This course also examines the struggles and challenges that women have faced throughout society, both past and present, and how they have managed to move forward in the spirit of progress. Throughout the semester the class will discuss assigned readings, identifying major historiographical trends, exploring various methods and sources including texts and film, and analyzing important developments in women’s history. Students will be expected to complete multiple assessments including, but not limited to, independent practice, formal and informal classroom assessment, as well as one research based project.
Introduction into Criminal Justice
Grade: 11/12 ½ Credit
Criminal Justice is an elective course for students who want to learn more about the Criminal Justice System. This course studies the Criminal Justice System including the history of the legal system, violent crimes, property crimes, organized crimes, white-collar crimes, and internet-based crimes. It is an in-depth study of causes and prevention of criminal behavior. Through the use of videos and many outside speakers from police agencies, law departments, correctional guards, etc. the student will have a thorough knowledge of the Criminal Justice System.
History vs. Hollywood
From the Roman Colosseum to 9/11, the events of our past have tried to be depicted and made to fit into a concise viewing window. For many people, watching a movie, documentary, or YouTube video is their only way of getting their news or even knowing what happened in history (no matter how accurate the film is). The goal of this class is learn American/World history through watching movies and then researching the events to see how accurately they were portrayed by Hollywood. The films that we will watch in this class are reenactments of historical events, NOT documentaries. The films chosen to be viewed may present content in four possible ways:
1. As a Factual Record
2. To Convey Atmosphere
3. Compare/Contrast
4. Analytical
Grade: 11/12 ½ Credit
Advanced Placement European Studies
Mr. Harrigan
Overview:
A.P. European History is a college-level course intended for students who have an interest in history. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 (the High Renaissance) to the present. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the course are to develop an understanding of the principal themes in modern history and an ability to analyze historical evidence and to express the historical understanding in writing. The A.P. examination will be given in May and the approximate cost of the exam is $95.
This course has been approved by the College Board. Students who score a 3 or higher on the exam (out of 5) can receive college credit. Exam costs approximately $95.
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT
ELECTIVE
Advanced Placement U.S. History (Mrs. Lerche)
40 Weeks Credit: 1 Unit Prerequisites: - Successful completion of Global 1 & 2
The U.S. History & Government requirement for all graduating students. The class combines a study of the fundamentals of our constitutional government system and a history of our nation. This is a fast-pace class. We will be studying U.S. history from early Native American Tribes to present times. Major units of study will include: the Constitution, the Critical Period, Sectionalism and the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Age of Big Business, the Progressive Era, World War I & II, the Cold War, and recent presidential administrations.
The course will conclude in May with the AP EXAM & then the STATE EXAM in June
The A.P. examination will be given in May and the approximate cost of the exam is $95.
This course has been approved by the College Board. Students who score a 3 or higher on the exam (out of 5) can receive college credit. Exam costs approximately $95.
*Some colleges are only accepting 4’s & 5’s.*
Psychology (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Global 10
Psychology is an elective course(20 weeks) for juniors/seniors. This course focuses on the study of human behavior. As an introduction to the field of psychology, this course includes but not limited to the consideration of psychological principles, terminology, major theories, careers, methods of experimentation, and practical applications.
•See what students are saying about the course of Psychology by clicking on the links below.
Students examine both the Holocaust and the broader topic of genocide. In a world still tormented by mass murder and genocide, learning from both the past and present may serve as a basis of hope for the future. The class combines historical background with exploration of the Holocaust and other genocidal events through film, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and religious studies. By understanding such issues as prejudice, discrimination, and racism, students are equipped to analyze contemporary political situations, think critically about ethical responsibility, and respond actively to injustice.
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Global II Credit: ½ credit
THE 20th CENTURY SINCE 1945
Prerequisite: None 20 Weeks ½ Credit
This course examines the underlying themes, which arose out of the aftermath of World War II and have shaped our world ever since. This course will examine cultural and political events since 1945. Topics include: Music of the 1960’s, Sports and Culture, Civil Rights Movement, Cold War, Vietnam War, Arab-Isreali Conflict, End of the Cold War, Global Terrorism and other topics. The focus will be to dig into the chosen topics with details and curiosity.