Social Studies Department

Social Studies 7 301 Full Year

This course of study examines United States history in a chronologically arranged fashion. Major political, social, and economic topics from the pre-Columbian era to the Civil War Era are covered. The course of study involves the use of maps, charts, graphs as well as written expression. This course follows the implementation of New York State's changes to scope and sequence for topics and assessment.

Social Studies 8 302 Full Year

This course of study concludes the Unites States history that was begun in seventh grade. Topics covered begin with the post-Civil War Era and end with current day topics. As with seventh grade course work, maps, charts, graphs as well as written expression are used. This course follows the implementation of New York State's changes to scope and sequence for topics and assessment.

Global History & Geography 9 310 Full Year 1 unit

The program for grades nine and ten is a two-year world history course organized chronologically. Grade nine will include units beginning with the Stone Age and ending with the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment. The curriculum includes geographic and historical settings, cultural and economic development and global relationships. The course of study involves analysis of primary source documents leading to written expression. Purchase of a review book will be required.

Global History & Geography 10 320 Full Year 1 unit

The program for grades nine and ten is a two-year world history course organized chronologically. Grade ten will include units beginning with the French Revolution and ending with present day history. The curriculum includes geographic and historical settings, cultural and economic development, global relationships, contemporary nations, and the impact of religions on society. The Global History & Geography Regents will be given to all students. Purchase of a review book will be required.

United States History & Government 11 330 Full Year 1 unit

This course chronologically examines United States history. Major emphasis is placed on Constitutional issues as well as on the United States in its role as a major industrial nation and world power. Key domestic and foreign events and policies are examined and analyzed through primary source documents. The United States History & Government Regents will be given to all students. Purchase of a review book is required.

AP World History 325 Full Year 1 unit OTG 10

This course will examine the history of the human experience from the Neolithic Revolution to current times. Global perspectives with emphasis on the global processes and patterns will be discussed and evaluated through the critical analysis of historical primary source materials and student research. The acquisition of historical fact and proficiency in writing high quality essays will be the objective of this course. APWH is a challenging college-level course that will prepare exceptional sophomores for the APWH exam in May (which all students are required to take and for which a fee is charged) and the Global Regents in June. Motivated seniors may choose this course as an elective.

PREREQUISITE: an average of 90% or better on tests, essay scores, midterm and final grade in Global 9 and an overall cumulative GPA of 85%.

AP United States History 335 Full Year 1 unit OTG 11

This study of U.S. History and Government is designed as a college level course and as such, is highly challenging and requires extensive reading, writing, and discussion. The course will chronologically examine major themes in American history and will analyze conflicting positions through historical readings and student research. The acquisition of historical facts and proficiency in writing high quality college level essays will be objectives for the course. This course is designed to prepare the student for both the AP American History exam in May (which all students are required to take and for which a fee is charged) as well as the New York State Regents Exam in U.S. History and Government in June. Purchase of a review book is required.

PREREQUISITE: grade of 90 or better on tests, essays, mid-term, and final exam in Global History and Geography Regents Exam, a cumulative average of 90% in Global History 9&10, overall cumulative GPA of 85% and a teacher recommendation. Placement by transfer students may involve a placement test.

Economics and Economic Decision Making 12 340 1 Semester 0.50 unit OTG 12

This semester course in economics is intended to meet the mandate of the New York State Board Of Regents. It is designed to provide students with the economic knowledge and skills that will enable them to function as informed and economically literate citizens in our society and in the world. The emphasis on rational decision-making in economic areas will encourage students to become wiser consumers as well as better citizens. Required of all seniors for graduation.

American Government 12 342 1 Semester 0.5 unit OTG 12

This course is designed to give the students a greater understanding of the foundations of the American political system, the Constitution, and the day-to-day operation of the government bureaucracy. Its purpose is to prepare students to become informed citizens who are ready to take an active role in the operation of government on all levels and who also understand the way America’s government compares or contrasts to the governments of other nations. This fulfills NYS Government requirement for all seniors for graduation.

MVCC American National Government 12 343 1 Semester 0.5 unit OTG 12

This course is designed to give students an overview of government and politics in the United States. Students will be involved in the study of general concepts as well as various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideals that make up the American government and political process. Students will take a local exam at the conclusion of the course. Students will receive 3 college credits through MVCC only if they successfully complete the course.

PREREQUISITE: Grade of 85% or better on the US History Regents, a cumulative average of 85% in Global 9,10 & US History, and a recommendation from the US History teacher. This fulfills NYS Government requirement for all seniors for graduation.

AP PSYCHOLOGY 349 Full Year 1 unit OTG 12

The AP Psychology course is designed as an introductory college course and will be highly demanding. The course will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. This course is designed to prepare the student for the AP Psychology exam in May (which all students are required to take and for which a fee is charged).

PREREQUISITE: grade of 90 or better on both the Global History and Geography Regents Exam and the US History and Government Regents Exam, a cumulative average of 90% in Global History 9&10 and US History and Government 11, as well as a teacher recommendation. Students should also be willing to accept the demands of a rigorous curriculum that includes outside readings, essay writing, and research projects. This is an elective course.

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 346 Full Year 1 unit OTG 11,12

This course is designed to give students an overview of psychology as a science of animal and human behavior and experience. Topics to be covered include the history of psychology, human development, learning and memory, theories of personality, abnormal behavior and forms of therapy. This is an elective course.

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 350 Full Year 1 unit OTG 12

This course introduces the student to the nature of culture and of human society, as well as the structure and functions of social organizations. The course illustrates how the groups, or social structures that one belongs to, have a profound influence on the way one thinks, feels, and acts. Sociology looks at groups rather than individuals. Major themes include deviance and social control, inequalities of gender and age, family and marriage, education, political and economic institutions, religion, and sport. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, complete projects and essay assignments, and complete all class readings. This is an elective course.