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Western Civilization, Western Civilization Honors
This is a survey course in Western Civilization. The development of world culture is traced from early civilization through the accomplishments of the Renaissance and the discovery of the Americas. Geographical concepts are reinforced throughout this course via extensive map work. This course is required for all Pre-Freshmen and Freshmen.
Human Geography AP
The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of pattern and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students are required to take the AP course in May.
United States History
United States History is a state-required course which is taken during the sophomore year. It is designed to familiarize students with our rich heritage in an understandable, chronological order. Consideration is also given to the many accomplishments women and minorities throughout our rich history.
United States History AP
This course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal with problems and materials of a college level United States History class. Students will learn how to analyze historical documents and weigh the evidence. Students will develop skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. Writing and critical thinking skills are practiced daily in preparation for the AP examinations. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the College Board AP exam in May.
World History
The World History course requires students to engage with the dynamics of continuity and change across historical periods and continents that are included in the course. Focus of the course will center on Modern World History from a global perspective. Juniors are required to take World History.
World History AP
Advanced Placement World History is designed to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through the attainment of factual knowledge and the development of analytical skills. This course is recommended for students who wish to experience college level work with the possibility of earning college credit. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the College Board AP exam in May.
Civics
Civics is a state-required course which is taught on the Senior level. It is designed to provide students with the basic information concerning the organization and function of the United States government on federal, state, and local levels. Units studied also include foreign policy and current events. Increased knowledge and awareness of the political system should encourage better citizenship and more participation in the political system.
Government and Politics: United States AP
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program gives high school students the opportunity to study college-level material and receive college credit. This course explores the structure and history of the United States Government at an advanced level. Writing and critical thinking skills are practiced daily in preparation for the AP examination. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the College Board AP exam in May.
African American History
African American History is an elective course where students learn about the history and cultural contributions of African Americans. This course aims to develop an understanding of the historical roots of African American culture, especially as it relates to economic, social and political relationships within the context of United States history. It requires an analysis of important events, individuals, ideas, social and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions.
Contemporary Issues
This course will focus on the important social and cultural aspects of life in the Modern Age. Emphasis will be placed on how the events and societal changes from the early 1960s to the end of the 20th century affect the modern world today. With the discussion of current events, students will discover how topics that make news today are influenced by, and reflect significant precedents established in the past four decades. Modern historical eras are often defined by cultural trends. Students will study how they relate, and have shaped the world we live in today.
Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy is an elective which introduces basic economic concepts of supply and demand, banking, monetary policies, taxes, personal financial planning and literacy. The focus will be on real-life problem solving and applications to help students make reasoned judgments in our complex and changing world. With this economic knowledge and these critical thinking skills, students will be ready to live and work productively.
The Holocaust
The Holocaust provides one of the most effective subjects for examining basic moral issues. A structured inquiry into this history yields critical lessons for an investigation into human behavior. It also addresses one of the central mandates of education in the United States, which is to examine what it means to be a responsible citizen. The subject raises questions of Social Justice, individual identity, peer pressure, conformity, indifference, and obedience - issues that adolescents confront in their daily lives. Students will be affected by and challenged to comprehend the magnitude of the Holocaust and other genocides.
Law Studies
The Law Studies course is designed to provide students with practical information about the law, and to provide problem solving opportunities that will assist in the development of knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. The course will include a study of the major types of law (criminal, civil, juvenile, etc.), as well as the U.S. Constitution and major civil rights laws with real-life applications. The course strives to empower young people to be active engaged citizens who participate and create change in their communities.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific and systematic study of mental processes and behavior. As an introductory course to the field of behavioral science, we will study personality formation and abnormal personality as well as the theories of notable psychologists.
Psychology AP
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program gives high school students the opportunity to study college-level material and receive college credit. This course explores the methods, approaches, and history of Psychology. Writing and critical thinking skills are practiced daily in preparation for the AP examination. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the College Board AP exam in May.