Course Offerings
Global History I (Required for freshmen)
(Required for freshmen) The student will explore the heritage of Western Civilization and the legacy of non-Western cultures and civilizations by studying the cultural and political contributions up to the period before the European Renaissance. Emphasis will be placed on methods of historical inquiry and objectivity in order to reach a true understanding of these various cultures and their importance to our own times.
Global History II (Required for sophomores)
The student will continue to study both our Western heritage and the characteristics and contributions of non-Western cultures. The year will begin with the Renaissance proceeding to the study of the development of nation-states, the rise of nationalism, the cultural and political ideas that have had impact on the world of the 21th Century. Emphasis will be placed on methods of historical inquiry and critical-thinking skill development.
United States History (Required for juniors)
The United States History course is a survey of the political, economic and social forces which formed and continue to form the institutions and government of the United States of America. Students are required to analyze critically historical evidence both verbally and in writing. Emphasis in this course is placed upon the student's development of historical interpretation, analysis, synthesis, and other intellectual skills used by historians.
AP United States History (Juniors by invitation only)
AP U.S. History is a survey course of our nation's history offered for juniors who have demonstrated exceptional talent and interest in History. The course may be taken for 1-8-1-8 credit and/or as a preparation for the Advanced Placement examination. Various techniques will be used to develop critical thinking skills, analytical and interpretative, needed to become familiar with the primary and secondary sources which aid in a fundamental understanding of U.S. history from the colonial period to the present and the forces which have and continue to shape our national character.
AP Psychology (Senior elective)
The world of psychology is exciting and ever changing. It is a discipline that can be seen in all facets of life ranging from school, to sports, to multi-media. Psychology is all around us. By applying critical thinking to the various topics discussed in the course, the student will be able to develop a knowledge of the development of the individual both physically and mentally. Critical thinking will also allow the student to focus on an understanding of not only yourself but how other people exist in, and react to different situations. It is this knowledge and understanding that will help in the preparation for the AP exam.
AP Modern European History (Senior Elective)
This is a two-semester course, though either semester may be elected. This course serves as preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination and 1-8-1-8 credit is also available. It is designed for the student interested in history and in the progression Europe from feudalism to the complex modern societies. In the course we examine the political, social, and economic history of the continent and its relationship to the rest of the world. With social history, we study basic structures of life: family life, sexual behavior, religion, artistic movements, recreation etc. Greater understanding of western development is of particular emphasis. However, Eastern Europe is studied through the various empires that have sought to dominate the many ethic groups throughout time. Through political history, we examine the diplomacy of Europe, including armed and unarmed conflicts, and various attempts by European nations to exert influence within and beyond the continent. With economic history, we devote out time to the development of complex European economics, beginning with the end of feudalism and ending with the emergence of the European Union. Semester one covers the period from the Black Death (1350) to the end of the Napoleonic Wars (1815) and traces the development of Europe into its modern form. Semester two is the study of 19th and 20th centuries in detail so as to understand more fully the role of revolutions, the part of nationalism, industrialism, colonialism, totalitarianism, warfare, and terrorism have played in our world today. Through this, we will explore various ideologies and their effect on peoples and states, with special emphasis on capitalism, socialism, and fascism.
Microeconomics/Macroeconomics (Junior and senior elective)
A generalized definition of Economics would be that it is the study of man's behavior in producing, distributing and consuming goods and services. The objective of the course is to attain some degree of economic literacy. In our ever-changing and complex world, individuals need a higher level of economically-sound thinking skills in order to be good decision makers. Generalized topics are the scarcity problem and economic systems. Microeconomics topics include resource allocation, market structures, demand and supply and competition. Macroeconomics topics include inflation and unemployment, economic growth and stability, money and monetary policy, fiscal policy and the role of government and international trade. Each topic is covered in a semester; students may elect to choose one or both semesters.
AP Microeconomics & AP Macroeconomics (Junior and senior elective)
This is an offering to accommodate those students who wish to be prepared to successfully pass the Advanced Placement Examination offered in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The course work will be a more intensive treatment of the topics listed above, and will stress graphic analysis (theory of the firm, aggregate demand and supply) and basic forecasting which are included on the AP Test. Students choose these courses over the regular courses if they have a desire for an in-depth look at economic questions, and wish to have adequate preparation for the AP test.
Psychology (Junior and senior elective)
Psychology, the discipline that deals with the behavior and thinking of organisms, focuses on the development of the individual both physically and mentally. In this course, students will acquire an understanding of not only themselves but how people exist in and react to different situations. Students will develop an understanding of some of the major social problems that plague American society today and how people deal with these problems. The course will analyze how American society came to be, what it is today, and how it might be altered in the future.
AP American Politics (One-semester senior elective)
The goals of American Politics are: to gain an understanding of, and think critically about, the United States political system, the characteristics and workings of the national government; discuss the major current political issues; to develop essay-writing skills. The content of the course will include the fundamental characteristics of the Constitution, factionalism, mass media, political participation, political parties, the election process, the Presidency, the Judiciary, the Congress. The course is a one-semester course. 1-8-1-8 credit is available. The course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in U.S. Government and Politics.
AP Comparative Government (One-semester senior elective)
AP Comparative Government is a course designed to present to the student a survey of the governmental system of several core nations. Students will also prepare for the AP exam in Comparative Government. A brief investigation of the theory of government will begin the course followed by a study of comparative historical systems and specific governmental structures in operation in the world in the late 20th and early 21th centuries.
Introduction to Modern African History (One-semester junior/senior elective)
This class will provide a general overview of the history of colonialism of Africa. The course will be a geographical, political, and historical analysis of colonialism in Africa. The purpose of this class is to provide students with the tools necessary to understand how colonialism shaped Africa and the ultimately the world. Because the effects of colonialism can still be felt today, it will be important for students to analyze the contemporary issues and to critique the leaders and their policies.
Introduction to Anthropology and Archaeology (One-semester junior/senior elective)
Anthropology, from Greek, literally means "the study of humans." This captures very little of what the discipline is. The study of anthropology is an interdisciplinary course that emphasizes the understanding of other groups of people and seeks to understand the origins of humans and its various cultures. This course is divided into four sub-fields: Physical Anthropology, Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics. In this survey, all fields are explored. The course is intended to mirror a college introductory-level anthropology course. Topics discussed include: human evolution and genetics, human variation, similarities and differences between humans and primates, human prehistory, methods in archaeology, the creation and destruction of ancient civilizations, the Neolithic revolution, foundations of food production and creation of warfare, and economic systems, and gender. Class activities include one research project, internet activities, guest speakers, and a field trip. One of the goals of the course is to introduce students to possible field experiences in archaeology or anthropology if there is interest.
