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SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies Department: Statement of Purpose

Social studies courses are offered at three levels: honors/AP, academic and general. Realizing that the
degree of difficulty and mastery of subject matter varies with each student, the department seeks to place
individuals within an appropriate course level in order to meet not only graduation requirements, but also
personal and social needs.

Although three (3) years of social studies are required, we strongly encourage students to take a
fourth year. For example, courses such as Government and Law, Sociology, Genocide Studies and
Advanced Placement courses will provide an excellent background for careers in the social services, the
Foreign Service, law, business and international trades.

301 World History Honors 9 Credits
Grade
Course #
Course Name
5

th
th
Prerequisite: SS teacher recommendation (Rising 9 Graders must be recommended by 8 grade SS
teacher).
This Honors-level freshman course covers that of the World History course but at a much more intense
pace, and carries a bigger workload. It picks up the history of humanity from the end of the Medieval
th
Period to the 20 Century. Topics include the Renaissance and Reformation, the growth of national
th
monarchies, the Scientific Revolution of the 17 century, the French Revolution and other democratic
th
th
th
revolutions, Asia and Africa in the 19 and 20 centuries and the causes and results of 20 century world
wars and other struggles. Causes of historical events and changes are analyzed including geography,
religion, economics and politics. Skills to be developed include reading and comprehension of primary
and secondary historical sources, analysis of historical events and trends, research into historical events,
predicting the impact of historical events and synthesizing historical trends and events to make original
hypotheses.

Course #
Course Name
361 AP World History 9-12 Credits
5
Grade

th
th
Prerequisite: SS teacher recommendation (Rising 9 Graders must be recommended by 8 grade SS
teacher).
Advanced Placement World History (AP) is a full year, college-level course that is designed to provide
students with the understanding of how human societies have interacted and progressed from 8000 BCE
to present day. In this class, historical themes will be used as a structure to examine six specific time
periods. Students will examine these themes through individual case studies as well as discussions and
analysis using a comparative lens. In addition, students will develop skills such as: analyzing primary
and secondary sources, developing and presenting a viewpoint using historical evidence, critically
analyzing historical events and perspectives, researching, and effectively articulating an argument
through writing. Students will prepare to take the AP exam in May. Successful performance on the exam
may lead to earning college credit.

Grade
302 World History 9 Credits
Course #
Course Name
5

th
This course picks up the history of humanity from the end of the Medieval Period to the 20 Century.
Topics include the Renaissance and Reformation, the growth of national monarchies, the Scientific
th
Revolution of the 17 century, the French Revolution and other democratic revolutions, Asia and Africa

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