Social Studies
The purpose of the Social Studies Department is to contribute to the growth and education of the students by teaching a course of study that will enable them to be well-informed, articulate, compassionate citizens, guided by Christian principles, now and in the future.
The Social Studies Department follows the New York State Syllabus for Grades 9 and 10 by using a chronological approach to the study of global history. In relating this material to many global societies and to current issues, the student’s consciousness of her own cultural heritage is strengthened while her appreciation of the accomplishments of other cultures is promoted.
Each of the following courses earns one credit.
Grade 9
210 Global History 1
Ancient Civilization through the Scientific Revolution. (10,000 B.C. to 1750)
Grade 10
220 Global History 2
Age of Revolution through the Present (1750 to the Present)
Note: At the end of Sophomore year, a Regents examination in Global History is taken to fulfill the requirements for the New York State Regents Diploma.
Grade 9
213 World History Advanced Placement I
Grade 10
223 World History Advanced Placement II
The AP course in World History is a two year, rigorous course designed for the highly motivated student. Students will be selected in freshmen year and will be required to complete the course in sophomore year.
The AP course in World History invites students to take a global view of historical processes and contacts between people in different societies, with an emphasis on the past thousand years. Students will be expected to learn selective factual knowledge in addition to certain analytical skills. Students taking the course are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
Note: At the end of sophomore year, a Regents examination in Global History is taken to fulfill the requirements for the New York State Diploma.
Grade 11
230 US History and Government
In this course the major events, developments and ideas in American Studies will be presented. Particular attention is given to the Constitution, the political system, the economic development, and the unique social structure of the United States. There is also an emphasis on the current issues facing American society today.
Advanced Placement American History
231 AP US History
This is a one year course designed for the highly motivated student. It is concerned with an intensive study of issues in US History. Students taking the course are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval
Note: At the end of the Junior year, a Regents in US History and Government is taken to fulfill the requirements for the New York State Regents Diploma.
GRADE 12 SENIOR REQUIRED COURSES
According to the New York State Board of Regents, students are required to take a fourth year in Social Studies. This includes a semester in Law and a semester in an Economic course OR one year of Current Issues.
Law and Economics
254 Law/Eco
The semester course in Law provides an understanding of our legal rights and responsibilities and how they affect our everyday lives. Students will become acquainted with the democratic process through the changes and developments in law.
The semester course in Economics will acquaint the student with the various aspects of economics. Topics will include an overview of the American economy, business structure, fiscal and monetary policies and personal economics.
Law and Economics Honors
255 Law/Eco Honors
These two semester courses are an intensive study of the topics presented above. There is also an emphasis on the current legal and economic issues facing American society today.
The course in Law may be taken for college credit through Operation Step-Up.
REREQUISITE FOR Law and Economics Honors: Departmental Approval
Current Issues
247 Current Issues
This is a one year course that is concerned with current United States’ political policies and economic issues that have both domestic significance and an international impact. Some of the topics to be considered are: constitutional amendments concerning human rights; environmental resources; political leadership and the changing role of government in various societies. In addition, local issues pertinent to teens in our community, such as interpersonal relationships and conflict management will be explored. In a course of this sort, the topics may change from year to year.
SENIOR ELECTIVES
Sociology
252 Sociology
This one year course introduces students to the study of social life -- how people react in groups. The students will analyze how social norms, relationships, and social institutions influence our socialization. This course will also explore a variety of social problems and society’s challenge to overcome them.
Psychology
253 Psychology
This is a one year course designed to introduce the students to the basics of Psychology. Students will analyze biological, psychological and sociological effects on human development, learning patterns and personality.
Advanced Placement European History
258 AP European History
This is a one year course designed for the highly motivated student. This course provides an intensive look at issues in European History from the Renaissance to the present. Students taking the course are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.) PREREQUISITE: Departmental Approval