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<p class="fontlook">U.S. HISTORY<BR> 
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 9th <BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science<BR>
Prerequisite: n/a<BR>

<p class="fontlook">This year long course is a study of the United States history from Reconstruction to the Cold War. The course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding by examining political, economic, social, religious, military, and cultural events that shaped our nation. Emphasis is placed on the development of analytical skills in the students so that they can critically evaluate the various issues and events in the development of the United States of America. This is accomplished by focusing on the experience of both continuity and change in history and by applying historical reasoning to seek solutions to contemporary problems. 
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<p class="fontlook">WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS<BR>
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 10th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science<BR>
Prerequisite: U.S. History<BR>

<p class="fontlook">Students will expand their understanding of history by studying the people and events that ushered in the dawn of the major Western civilizations. Geography is of special significance in the development of the human story. Continued emphasis is placed on the everyday lives, problems, and accomplishments of people, their role in developing social, economic, and political structures, as well as in establishing and spreading ideas that helped transform the world forever. Students develop higher levels of critical thinking by considering why civilizations developed where and when they did, why they became dominant, and why they declined. Students analyze the interactions among the various cultures, emphasizing their enduring contributions and the link, despite time, between the contemporary and ancient worlds. 
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<p class="fontlook">HONORS WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS<BR>
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 10th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science<BR>
Prerequisite: U.S. History<BR>

<p class="fontlook">The course on Western Civilization will focus on key classical and reformative periods in Western history.  The concepts covered will be theoretical, practical, and philosophical.  Assessments will consist of various methods of measuring the students’ ability to think critically and apply the knowledge learned.  Students will work independently as well as collaboratively to better internalize the history and ideas that have contributed to what is known as Western Civilization.
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<p class="fontlook">WORLD POLITICS: ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST<BR> 
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 11th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science<BR>
Prerequisite: Western Civilizations<BR>

<p class="fontlook">The Asia Studies section of the course will focus on the physical geography and cultural factors that characterize this huge region. Students will examine the diverse social, political, cultural, and economic forces that affect regions of the world's most populated continent. Students will discuss early civilizations, dynasties, religions, beliefs, environmental issues, sub-regions, changing history, and the region's contributions to the world. Issues facing contemporary Asia will also be explored. 
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<p class="fontlook">THE WORLD AND AMERICA <BR>
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 12th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science (or the Political Theory/AP Government: U.S. courses)<BR>
Prerequisite: World Politics <BR>

<p class="fontlook">Students will study the major turning points in American history in the Twentieth Century. Following a review of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, students analyze the emergence and impact of new technology and a corporate economy, including the social and cultural effects. The course then traces the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. An emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state. Students consider the major social problems of our time and trace their causes in historical events. They learn that the United States has served as a model for other nations and that the rights and freedoms we enjoy are not accidents, but the results of a defined set of political principles that are not always basic to citizens of other countries. Students understand that our rights under the U.S. Constitution are a precious inheritance that depends on an educated citizenry for their preservation and protection. 
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<p class="fontlook">POLITICAL THEORY & AP GOVERNMENT: U.S.<BR>
One Semester each: Half Credit per semester<BR>
Grade Level: 12th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science (or The World and America course)<BR>
Prerequisite: World Politics <BR>

<p class="fontlook">These two single semester courses have been combined to provide students with a broad overview of the political process in the United States and in pivotal states throughout the international community. Both courses will seek to prepare students for success on the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations administered toward the end of the academic year. 
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<p class="fontlook">IB HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS - HIGHER LEVEL<BR>
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 11th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: IB Diploma – Individual & Societies<BR>
Prerequisite: Western Civilizations<BR>

<p class="fontlook">The History of the Americas course is the first year of the IB Higher Level two-year history program.  During the first year the focus is on the United States and its role in the Americas 	(North, Central and South America).  There is also a comprehensive study of Nineteenth and Twentieth Century 	Europe during the year.
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<p class="fontlook">IB HISTORY OF THE 20TH CENTURY: ASIAN STUDIES - HIGHER LEVEL<BR>
Full Year: One Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 12th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: IB Diploma – Individual & Societies<BR>
Prerequisite: IB History of the Americas - Higher Level<BR>

<p class="fontlook">This course deals primarily with the history of modern China (1948-1964).  Key topics include the Communist revolution of 1948, the defining characteristics of Chinese communist rule (as distinguished from Soviet rule), the Sino-Soviet split, the Great Leap Forward, and The Cultural Revolution of the 1960’s.  Throughout the course, much emphasis will be placed on the social and human impact of these events, and an effort will be made to examine China’s role in the international sphere.  Given that most students will be entering this class with a limited frame of reference, and given the critical importance of context in addressing historical themes, the class will begin with a short introduction to Chinese culture and civilization.  The latter will include an introduction to the leading sources of contemporary Chinese civilization:  Confucianism and Marxism (Maoism).
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<p class="fontlook">ECONOMICS<BR>
One Semester: Half Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 11th – 12th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science Elective<BR>
Prerequisite: n/a <BR>

<p class="fontlook">Students will master fundamental economic concepts, applying the tools (graphs, statistics, and equations) from other subject areas to the understanding of operations and institutions of economic systems. Studied in a historic context are the basic economic principles of micro- and macroeconomics, international economics, comparative economic systems, measurement, and methods. 
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<p class="fontlook">INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS<BR>
One Semester: Half Credit<BR>
Grade Level: 11th – 12th<BR>
Graduation Requirement: Social Science Elective<BR>
Prerequisite: n/a <BR>

<p class="fontlook">This course will engage students in a systematic study of politics among nations including a survey of the principal theories concerning the international system. Particular attention will be given to the roots of contemporary theories, especially realism, liberalism, and neo-conservatism.  Students will then examine the influence of these paradigms in the relations among states, sub-state actors, and international organizations. The course will progress chronologically discussing the development of each of the following: international organizations, the international political economy, environmental politics, and security issues.  Students will be required to critically evaluate the actions of states such as coalition building, covert operations, and the exercise of military force.
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