9th-12th Grade Social Studies Course Progression and Graduation Requirements
This document provides an overview of the required Social Studies courses offered at each grade level. Several levels of courses (each in bold font) are offered to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. Students may move from a CP course to an honors/AP course or vice versa each year depending on past performance, student interest, etc. Course recommendations will be made in consultation with the student, parents/guardians, teachers, guidance counselors, and administration to ensure that students are best positioned for success.
College Prep Ancient World History
Grade 9, #SST012, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
The Ancient World History course begins with the prehistoric period of human development and continues through Early Civilizations, the development of Empires, the Ancient Greeks and Romans, the Kingdoms of Africa, great civilizations in India and China, Islamic Civilizations and Empires and ends with the Rise of Medieval Europe. Students will read both primary and secondary sources and will participate in class discussions, historical inquiry, and group and individual presentations. Our historical study will seek to link ancient history themes to modern American and global developments.
Honors Ancient World History
Grade 9, #SST013, 1 credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
The Ancient World History course begins with the prehistoric period of human development and continues through Early Civilizations, the development of Empires, the Ancient Greeks and Romans, the Kingdoms of Africa, great civilizations in India and China, Islamic Civilizations and Empires and ends with the Rise of Medieval Europe. Students will read both primary and secondary sources and will participate in class discussions, historical inquiry, and group and individual presentations. Our historical study will seek to link ancient history themes to modern American and global developments. Regular writing of essays and use of document-based questions form a central component of the course. Summer assignments are assigned and required for the Honors Level course.
College Prep Modern World History
Grade 10, #SST022, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
World History is intended for sophomores who are considering enrolling in college after high school. Emphasis will be placed on practicing the reading, writing and research skills necessary to succeed in college. This course examines the many varied societies of the world by focusing on cultural developments from 1500 to the present. Included in the study are the geography, history, economics and political institutions of Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. While the textbook continues to be the primary resource, students will gain additional experience with primary documents and other research materials when examining each topic. Assessments involving assisted and independent reading, research and writing will be incorporated into the curriculum.
AP World History
Grade 10, #SST023, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: a student must demonstrate outstanding performance in previous Social Studies courses as well as an ability to excel in AP/college level coursework. Students wishing to change levels from CP to AP are recommended to have a minimum grade of 85% in previous Social Studies courses.
AP World History helps students to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as, comparisons among major societies. It emphasizes relevant factual knowledge, leading interpretive issues, and analysis of types of historical evidence. Periodization, explicitly discussed, forms an organizing principle to address change and continuity throughout the course. Other specific themes provide further organization to the course, ex: consistent attention to contacts among societies. AP World 10 utilizes the same text as Honors Ancient History and begins where the course concluded. A summer assignment will be included as part of the first marking period grade.
College Prep United States History
Grade 11, #SST032, 1 credit, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
United States History is intended for juniors who are considering enrolling in college after high school. The course will look at American history from the Progressive Era to the present day. Units of focus include the Progressive Era, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War Era, Civil Rights, the Turbulent 60’s 70’s, and Post-Vietnam Era. Students will learn about American social, cultural, political, economic, and foreign policy history. Students will be asked to think critically in writing and will frequently have to analyze primary sources. Heavy emphasis will be placed on examining the roots of historical decisions and events in our everyday lives.
AP United States History
Grades 11, #SST033, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: a student must demonstrate outstanding performance in previous Social Studies courses as well as an ability to excel in AP/college level coursework. Students wishing to change levels from CP to AP are recommended to have a minimum grade of 85% in previous Social Studies courses.
The Advanced Placement course in United States History is a survey of United States history from the pre- Columbian era to the present. The course uses a college-level text and supplemental readings. A very academically demanding and challenging course, students will be expected to read independently, synthesize ideas, write intelligent essays, and be able to communicate ideas and opinions. Major units include: Colonial America, Nation Building, Civil War, Industrialization and 20th Century History. Students in the course must be self-motivated and independent learners. A summer assignment will be included as part of the first marking period grade. College credit and/or placement may be obtained by achieving satisfactory scores on the standardized advanced placement exam.
IB History Year 1: History of the Americas
Grade 11, #IBO211, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
IB History Year 2: History of the Americas
Grade 12, #IBO212, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Students participating in the International Baccalaureate Program during their junior and senior year will satisfy their social studies graduation requirements through the completion of these courses. The course descriptions can be found in the International Baccalaureate section of the planning guide.
College Prep Global Perspectives
Grades 11/12, #SST042, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
Global Perspectives is a diverse course designed to address several topics of global significance. The course is taught through a thematic approach in which the curriculum will address the interdependence and impact nations have on each other. Areas of consideration are geography, demography, food, energy, environment, human rights and terrorism. There is no textbook for this course; however, students will be provided with primary and secondary resources, alternative materials and diverse learning strategies to enhance understanding when examining each topic.
Honors Global Perspectives
Grades 11/12, #SST043, ½ credit, weight 1.05, 5 periods (S), NCAA
This course is intended for college-bound students who will likely pursue a humanities related field as a major or minor. Emphasis will be placed on the reading, writing and research skills necessary to succeed in such a collegiate focus. Topics of global significance will be pursued to portray the interdependence and impact nations have on each other. Areas of consideration are geography, demography, food, energy, environment, human rights and terrorism. There is no textbook for this course; however, students will be provided with primary and secondary resources, alternative materials and diverse learning strategies to enhance understanding when examining each topic. Assessments involving assisted and independent reading, research and writing skills will be incorporated into the curriculum.
College Prep Civics and Economics
Grades 11/12, #SST045, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
Civics and Economics is a critical course in preparing students for participation as an American citizen. Emphasis will be placed on the reading, writing, and research skills necessary to succeed in college or in more challenging electives during the senior year. Topics include United States geography, micro and macro economics, the three branches of government, the Constitution of the United States, civil rights and current events. While the textbook continues to be the primary resource, student will gain additional experience with primary documents and other research materials when examining each topic. Assessments involving assisted and independent reading, research and writing will be incorporated into the curriculum.
AP United States Government and Politics
Grades 11/12, #SST047, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: a student must demonstrate outstanding performance in previous Social Studies courses as well as an ability to excel in AP/college level coursework. Students wishing to change levels from CP to AP are recommended to have a minimum grade of 85% in previous Social Studies courses.
The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics is an in-depth study of the United States political infrastructure and processes such as political parties, special interest groups and the media. Emphasis is placed on the participatory role of each student culminating in a required field project. Textbooks and additional readings are college-level. Analysis and synthesis skills are to be demonstrated in well-organized essays, oral presentations and debates. College credit and/or placement may be obtained by achieving a satisfactory score on the standardized advanced placement exam.
social studies electives
The Social Studies Department offers a wide range of electives for students to enhance their understanding of our world. Some electives are offered annually and others are offered every other year. Please review the course descriptions in the EPG to verify course offerings in any given year. Students should consider mapping out a multi-year plan for their courses to ensure that they are able to fit all courses they would like to take into their schedule in the year(s) that they will be offered.
College Prep Anthropology
Grades 10/11/12, #SST071, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
Anthropology literally means “study of man.” Two primary topics are pursued: the scientific theory of humankind’s evolution and unique cultural groups and their lifestyles. The purpose is to provide a basic understanding of people and an appreciation of cultures. This course is offered every other year. The course will be offered in 2022-23.
College Prep Psychology
Grades 10/11/12, #SST074, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
This program is calculated to give the student as comprehensive an exposure as possible in a single semester to the major concepts of the field. Emphasis will be given to those areas of psychology that are most related to the high school student. Recent research in psychology will be featured. Students should gain some understanding into their own behavior and build a basis for effective living. Some independent reading will be required, accompanied by short reports. This course is offered every other year. The course will be offered in 2022-23.
College Prep Sociology
Grades 10/11/12, #SST075, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
Sociology deals mainly with the total social environment and its effect on the personal development of each individual. Students will examine and discuss group relationships, social values, social institutions, changing nature of families, social crises and the effects of societal changes on the individual and society. Students will learn to think like sociologists, develop a sociological imagination, and understand and appreciate the rich diversity that is possible in social life. This course is offered every other year. This course will be offered in 2023-24.
College Prep World Religions
Grades 10/11/12, #SST076, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
Understanding the cultures of other people is necessary in an age of national diversity and international cooperation. A basic knowledge of the world’s religions can provide an entrance to that understanding. The two goals of the course in World Religions are 1) to expose students to the belief systems of various religions, and 2) to examine how those belief systems have developed and changed over time, with an emphasis upon the present day. This course is offered every other year. This course will be offered in 2023-24.
College Prep Constitutional Law
Grades 10/11/12, #SST072, ½ credit, 5 periods (S), NCAA
The Constitution is the foundation of American political life. Lawyers, judges, politicians, professors and most importantly, citizens, all play a part in interpreting and creating Constitutional law. In this course, students will examine the importance of the Constitution in American history, politics and culture. Special attention will be paid to civil rights and liberties and landmark court cases. Students will be expected to participate in research and in lively classroom discussions and debate. This course is offered every other year. This course will be offered in 2023-24.
AP Psychology
Grades 11/12, #SST081, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
Prerequisite: a student must demonstrate outstanding performance in previous Social Studies courses as well as an ability to excel in AP/college level coursework. Students wishing to change levels from CP to AP are recommended to have a minimum grade of 85% in previous Social Studies courses.
Advanced Placement Psychology is an in-depth study of human behavior. Topics such as learning, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and human development will be studied. Students will be expected to complete a special topics project/presentation. Textbooks are college-level and students will be expected to read independently. Analysis and synthesis will be demonstrated through the writing of essays and participation in discussion. College credit and/or advanced placement may be obtained by achieving a satisfactory score on the standardized Advanced Placement Psychology exam. This course will be offered annually.
IB Economics
Grades 11/12, #IBO213, 1 credit, weight 1.10, 5 periods (FY), NCAA
While designed for students pursuing the IB diploma, this course is open to any student interested in an advanced approach to economics. IB Economics also satisfies the Personal Financial Literacy graduation requirement. The course description can be found in the International Baccalaureate section of the planning guide.