United States History I
- 5 credits
The course covers the
political, economic, social and cultural growth of our nation from the colonial
period to 1900. Throughout the year current problems are related to past events.
An emphasis is placed upon those themes in American Studies which have proven to
be part of particular impact on contemporary American Life. Activities are
utilized throughout this course to develop the students' reading, writing,
thinking, and oral communication skills.
United States History
II - 5 credits
As a continuation of United
States History I this course begins with 1900 and continues chronologically to
approximately our current period. A major section of economics, government, and
New Jersey history is included. Emphasis is placed on skill development.
Advanced Placement United States History I and II
- 5 credits each
These are special survey
courses designed to challenge certain capable students beyond the level normally
expected of high school sophomores and juniors. These courses are taught on a
college level and members of the Advanced Placement United States History II
course may elect to take the Advanced Placement Test given each year.
World
History - 5 credits
This is a broad-based social
studies course not simply focusing on European history but also incorporating
aspectsof world history (including Africa, Latin America, and Asia),
world geography, international relations and world cultures. Emphasis will be
given to developing basic social studies skills in reading, writing, speaking,
and thinking. It is
The required social studies course for ninth grade students.
World History
Honors - 5
credits
This is a broad-based social
studies course focusing on European history, world geography, international
relations, and world cultures. The honors course for ninth grade students will
require more time for writing, research and outside assignments.
In addition to its required sequence, the following full-year electives are offered through the Social Studies Department. They may not be taken in lieu of the required courses:
World Civilization
Honors - 5
credits
This course is open to seniors as a social studies elective. It concentrates on cultures in today's world. As students study cultures on various continents, the historical background of that people will be blended into a review of the contemporary issues that they face in an increasingly complex world. The social, economic, political, religious and cultural make-up of the society is discovered through a varitety of methods including research, tapes, presentations and journals. Emphasis is not on memorization; rather it is on coming to an understanding of the world through the rest of the world's
perspective.
The impact of westernization and modernization will also be assessed as the
selected
cultures are analyzed. Students will be encourage to come to their own conclusions about these societies by means of critical thinking, discussion and writing.
Human Relations 2.5/Sociology -2. 5 credits
Human Relations investigates the exciting, intriguing, and often controversial theories that deal with human behavior. Students will be exposed to fundamental principles regarding human conduct as found in the disciplines of psychology and social psychology. The veiwpoints of Freud, Erikson and many other social theorists will be explored.
Sociology will build upon many of the ideas presented in the Human Relation course. The course will introduce the student to the social science of Sociology, which analyzes social institutions and the dynamics of group behavior. The class will be also provide students with the opportunity to study major social problems found in contemporary America.
The following half-year electives are offered in pairs for five (5) credits. Under special circumstances, a student may take a half-year course for two and one half (2.5) credits, usually only during the second semester. Administrative approval is required. The courses may not be taken in lieu of the required courses:
Future
Studies - 2.5
credits/World Affairs - 2.5 credits
This course is a guide to the
coming century focusing on how the future life, work and play may be influenced
by new technology. New lifestyles, jobs, attitudes, economic structures and
political beliefs will all evolve into a dramatically different world. Topics
covered in this course are housing, food, health care, education,
transportation, communication, energy and ecology. Learning techniques include
creative problem-solving, brainstorming, lateral thinking, simulation and
interaction activities.
The World Affairs course will allow the students to widen their awareness of major issues and events in the nation and throughout the world. Exploration of new ideas and information will stress the development of the students' reasoning process, ability to identify issue and develop logical thought processes to enable the students to have insight into the dynamic problems and events of the world today.
American Politics and Government - 2.5 credits/World Affairs - 2.5 credits
This course explores the current political culture of the United States in the hope of preparing students to participate in that culture as politically aware citizens, voters, and office holders. Students will be active learners in this course and participate in an aray of simulations, such as mock legislative hearings, news conferences, executive decision -making sessions, etc. Students will monitor current political developments involving all branches of government, the media, the military, interest groups and other shapers of domestic and foreign policy. Alternative assessments willb eutilized frequetnly in this course.
The World Affairs class will track breaking world events, as well as longer-term trends. students will use American and international sources (many of these internet-based) to study both long-running and more recent concerns, conflicts, and conditions in various regions of the world. The aim is to acquaint the students with complex nature of international affairs. Consistent with the American Politics course, this class will often use alternative assessments rather than traditional testing methods.
Economics - 2. 5 credits
This course is organized on a semester basis and introduces the student to the study of the broad flow of goods, services, money, and government influences throughout the economy. It emphasizes the concept that economic decisions are determined on the basis of individual and collective values. The first semester of this course focuses on microeconomics. Students will be introduced to the issues of taxes, inflation, unemployment, as well as the many facet of the role-played by the federal government and Federal Reserve. The second semester is rooted in macroeconomic theory. The course will extend into the international arena and examine economics from a global perspective. A section on personal finance will be enable to the student to make more intelligent personal economic choices.
Law - 2.5
credits
Law is organized on a semester basis and is designed to aid students in developing a personal understanding of human rights and their own responsibility for the protection and extension of legal rights. Students will reflect upon the need for rights and their own responsibility for the protection and extension of legal rights. Students will reflect upon the need for law and develop a working knowledge of how the law impacts their lives, as well as the lives of others. The first semester will provide an overview of the legal system and concentrate on topic sin civil law such as negligence, contracts, and consumer rights. The essence of the second semester will be the study of criminal law. Criminal courts, categories of crime, trial procedure, and Constitutional protections are among the many areas to be studied in the second semester.
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