Page 77 - 2025-26 District Program of Studies FLIP.docx_Neat

GOVERNMENT AND
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW Sem 2.5 credits GRADES 11- 12
Does the right to free speech allow a student to say anything in the classroom? Does the right to freedom
of religion allow illegal activities to take place in a church? Do the police have the right to search your car
if you are pulled over for speeding? How much power should the President have? These and other
questions will be answered in this course. A strong emphasis on case studies and a focus on current
issues in criminal justice are an integral part of this semester course. This course is for students
interested in learning more about how the American government works and how it compares to other
governmental systems throughout the world. In the first part of the course, students will learn how the
complex system of municipal, county, state and federal governments affect the lives of citizens. Special
attention will be given to the controversy “to what extent should the scope of governmental powers be?”
with units including: Political Parties, Voter Behavior, Elections, The Roles of Mass Media and Special
interests, the Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch. In the second half of the course, students will
examine the Constitution itself and the various interpretations of it throughout the history of this country.
Special emphasis will be placed on the role of the Judiciary in this process, Strict Interpretation vs. Loose
Interpretations of the Constitution, historical Supreme Court cases, and current issues relating to
individual rights vs. the rights of the society. This course is not to be taken in conjunction with the
Advanced Placement US Government and Politics course in grade 12.

HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDES Sem 2.5 credits GRADES 11- 12

Holocaust & Genocides provides the student with an opportunity to explore the historical roots of war, extreme
nationalism, economic downfall, militarism, and anti-Semitism that fostered the most notorious genocide of the
th
20 Century. A further goal of this course is to analyze stereotypes, hold open and honest discussions, and
create solutions to eliminate prejudice from our society one step at a time.

In an effort to prevent future genocides, students will compare the Holocaust with case studies of other
genocides past and present to research issues of conscience, moral responsibility, and enlightened citizenship.
It is hoped that the sincerely motivated will enroll in this study to eliminate future genocides around the globe.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT
PSYCHOLOGY Year 5 credits GRADES 11- 12
*Dual Credit Opportunity*
Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have a 75% or better average in AP US
History II, or US History I Honors, or a 90% or better average in US History I or II Accelerated or
American or Western Studies with a consistently high classroom performance as well as the
intention to sit for the Advanced Placement Exam. Summer reading and/or projects are required.

This course is for academically driven juniors and seniors and is designed to mirror an entry-level college
course. Additionally, it will prepare the students to take the annual A.P. Psychology Examination. The
Advanced Placement course in Psychology will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of
behavior and the mental process of human beings. The course will examine the following in detail: the
history and approaches of psychology, biological psychology, developmental psychology, experimental
psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology and abnormal psychology. In addition, topics such as
intelligence, memory, sensation and perception, learning, personality, gender differences, states of
consciousness, motivation, emotion, and treatment of mental illness will be discussed. Success will be
accomplished by personal participation and a strong motivation to understand human behavior. A summer
reading and assignment must be completed prior to the start of the school year and an assessment will be
given at the start of the year.

Black Horse Pike Regional Program of Studies 77