Social Science

Modern World History is an in-depth course that covers world history from the late eighteenth century. Students examine and discuss major cultural, economic and political events and trends. Geographical skills are also emphasized. Reading and writing are considered to be a regular part of the course.

In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. While there are no course prerequisites for AP World History, students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.

U.S. History (P) surveys 20th Century United States history and geography. Students learn about a variety of racial and ethnic groups and their contribution to the development of America, and they study the national system of government, the economic growth of the U.S., and American influence in world affairs. Students develop skills necessary to prepare research papers.

AP U.S. History (HP) is a survey course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to deal critically with issues in U.S. history. Students are expected to assess historical materials and determine their relevance, reliability and importance. Students are expected to prepare major research papers.

American Government (P) is a study of the institutions of American government. The course focuses on the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the federal government, the election process, and political parties. There is an emphasis on the concepts of constitutionalism, representative democracy, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. In this course, students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American Government. In addition, they draw on their studies of world and American history and geography and other societies to compare differences and similarities in world governmental systems today. Students will participate in a multiple step "Mock Congress" activity, beginning with writing a Senate Bill or House Resolution, culminating in a senior class Mock Congress. In addition to the course of study, emphasis will be on critical reading and discussion, essay examinations, theme papers, and study habits essential to university study. Must sign up for a semester of Economics.

Economics (P) is the study of how society organizes its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. The course will include an in-depth study of micro and macroeconomics. Students will be introduced to the major characteristics of the mixed market economic system in the U.S. and how basic economic questions are answered. The course will include not only concrete principles, which deal with practical business concepts, but also stress critical thinking and problem solving skills with regard to the financial world. The learner will use these skills to help them make financial decisions that will affect the rest of their personal and professional lives. In addition to the course of study, emphasis will be on critical reading and discussion, essay examinations, theme papers, and study habits essential to university study. Must sign up for a semester of American Government.

AP American Government (AP) is a year-long course designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. The course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. AP Government explains the constitutional underpinnings of the American government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, political institutions and processes and civil rights and civil liberties. This course actively connects concepts from the course to current events and political issues of relevance. Students must sign up for a semester of Economics separately