SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSES

WORLD HISTORY 1 - 2
Students engage in the study of world history for 2 full years from the Neolithic Revolution to the present. They investigate the sequence of events over time to better understand our global world today. The students employ historical and geographic concepts in their examination of society, politics, and economics. The use of primary sources, maps, and critical essays reinforces a more complete perspective of the modern world.  Students write descriptive, comparative, analytical, and document-based essays. Students start and develop the necessary skills for collaborative work on creative and innovative projects. TEXT: Connections: A World History by Judge and Langdon, 2012.

US HISTORY
United States History is a required class that is normally taken by students in 10th grade. The course covers our nation’s journey from when the arrival of the earliest immigrants through today. Course Objectives: 1) To promote a general understanding of the dominant patterns of American thought from colonial days to the present. 2) To consider specific broad problems manifested in the past. 3) To refine the student's critical thinking skills as the class studies specific historical problems by analyzing original documents, maps, and historical articles. 4) To develop analytical essay writing skills. 5) To develop the necessary skills for collaborative work on creative and innovative projects. TEXT: Danzer, et al.,The Americans, 2009.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
This one-semester introductory course is an introduction to the basic principles and institutions of American government. Students investigate basic theories and principles of United States government including:  individual rights, elections, Congress, the presidency, and the court system. Students discuss, debate and analyze contemporary issues. Skills emphasized include writing, research, debate discussion, and group work. The course is paired with Economics and is a required core course. 

ECONOMICS
This one-semester introductory course offered to Juniors and Seniors includes sections on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and current topics.  Examples of topics include how markets and prices work, different economic systems, how individuals and firms make decisions, the role of government in the economy, causes of economic growth, international trade, and financial markets. (Paired with U.S. Government)

SENIOR SEMINAR
A college-level Senior elective offered as an alternative to an AP course. A topic specific (TBA) seminar course requiring the reading of several book selections. The course takes an in-depth look at the seminar’s focus through class discussion and short analytical papers tied to each book. The course culminates with research paper and oral presentation.