Social Studies

AMERICAN HISTORY

This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of the American people by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific and cultural events that have affected the rise and growth of our nation.

ECONOMICS

The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the way in which society organizes its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. The student is introduced to the major characteristics of the mixed market economic system in the United States and studies the way in which basic economic questions are answered.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of American government and political behavior. Course content includes an understanding of the evolving role of political parties and interest groups in determining government policy, how the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic state have evolved and been interpreted, and the importance of civic participation in the democratic political process.

PSYCHOLOGY

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of human behavior, behavioral interaction, and the progressive development of individuals.

WORLD HISTORY

The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of civilization by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, dynastic
scientific and cultural events that have affected humanity.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

The course covers the history of Europe from the High Middle Ages (1250) to modern times.  The content of the course includes the development of the European Continent and  it’s effects on other world areas.  Students use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, and the humanities to solve problems in the academic, civic, social, and environmental settings.  Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

AP AMERICAN HISTORY

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity   to   develop   the   analytical   skills   and   factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with American historic development.  The course focuses on persistent themes and changes in history and applies historical reasoning to seek solutions to contemporary problems.  The curriculum includes  copious amounts of independent reading and writing assignments designed to challenge the mature college level student.  Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

The purpose of the course is for students to acquire a critical perspective of politics and government in the United States.  They learn general concepts that are used to interpret and analyze American politics.  Students will become familiar with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute an American political perspective.  The curriculum includes copious amounts of independent reading and writing, assignments designed to challenge the mature college level student.  Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

AP MACROECONOMICS

Macroeconomics is a college level course designed to prepare the student to pass the AP Macroeconomics exam for college credit.  It is a one semester course and includes the following topics: basic economic concepts; measurement of economic performance; national income and price determination; money and banking (the financial sector); inflation, unemployment, and stabilization policies; economic growth and productivity; and international trade and finance (the open economy).  Special emphasis will be placed on graphing economic models and predicting causes and effects for the national economy.

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop higher levels of concepts and skills related to Human Geography.  Course content includes:  regions; population studies; cultural concepts and spatial representation; political geography; land use; urbanization; issues related to space, place and scale; economic geography