History & Social Studies

The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of world political life other than in the United States, to show institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate the importance of global political and economic changes. We will compare the effectiveness of policy approaches to poverty or overpopulation. By comparing the political institutions and practices of wealthy and developing countries, students can begin to understand the political consequences of economic well-being. Why are some countries stable democracies and not others? Why do many democracies have prime ministers instead of presidents? By paying special attention to these six countries–China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia–students will move the discussion from abstract definition to concrete example.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Students gain an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It includes the study of general concepts used to interpret government and politics, and the analysis of specific examples. The course exposes students to the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. Students will learn important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics; understand typical patterns of political behavior; analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics; and analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply the ideas, and develop connections across the curriculum. 
Dual enrollment credit with St. Joseph’s College is available.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This class covers the History III material at a more challenging level involving greater exploration of primary source documents, extensive reading, and greater conceptual analysis of historical events. In keeping with the College Board’s AP program, this course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course. Students are expected to learn to assess primary and secondary sources, to weigh thoughtfully the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship, to arrive at conclusions based on informed judgment, and to present a historical argument clearly and persuasively in essay form. 


Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Following the curriculum map from College Board, students will explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes in this year-long elective. Students will examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion, and analyze data from psychological research studies. Students will be introduced to differing approaches adopted by psychologists including biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural perspectives. Students will also learn the basic skills of psychology research and develop critical thinking skills.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This course will provide students with an introduction to basic economic theory in the context of American history. Students will re-examine key moments from American history, focusing on the economic considerations of the events. Individual units of study will incorporate interactive simulations and exercises that will deepen students’ understanding of both history and current events, as well as economic theory and practical financial literacy. 


Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This course surveys the origins of the major world civilizations today, focusing on the development of western civilization through the medieval period from its roots in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman tradition of the Mediterranean, as well as the early history of the Islamic, Slavic, Indian, and Chinese cultures and civilizations. Pre-Columbian and sub-Saharan African civilizations and cultures are also examined in this course.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

History II covers world and U.S. history from c. 1400 AD to the first decades of the 19th century. The course begins with a survey of world civilizations on the eve of the Renaissance in western Europe, then examines the early modern period in Europe, including the Renaissance, Reformation, voyages of discovery, colonization, Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the emergence of constitutional government in contrast to absolutism. Early American history, including the settlement of North America, the British colonial period, the American Revolution, the establishment of the United States and its founding documents, and the federal period, are all considered in their historical context. 


Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This course covers the same content as History II but at a more challenging level involving greater exploration of primary source documents and more conceptual analysis of historical events. Students should expect more intensive writing at the honors level. It also serves as a springboard for AP History III and preparation for students interested in taking the AP U.S. History exam junior year.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This course surveys history since the mid-19th century, with a close look at the internal history and development of the United States as well as at its foreign relations. These will be considered also in their global context. Trends and phenomena characteristic of the period such as industrialization, nationalism, the expansion of democracy, global trade, imperialism, the rise and fall of Communism and Fascism, the world wars, decolonization, and, more recently, the resurgence of non-Western cultures will be considered both from a U.S. and global perspective. 


Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This honors level course covers the same material as History III but at a more challenging level. Solid reading, interpretive, and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Students must demonstrate success in writing and analytical skills necessary for continued honors level work.


Term: Full Year ( 1 Credit)

This course explores the political, social, and cultural history of an era that fundamentally reshaped American life. Students will examine the Kennedy and Johnson presidencies, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, student protest and the counterculture, and women’s liberation. 



Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)

This course includes origins of World War II in the Treaty of Versailles, surveying the geopolitical landscape of the inter-war years and the events of the war itself. The course also covers the aftermath, focusing on the scientific and technological developments that are an important legacy of the war, as well as the diplomatic arrangements that gave an uneasy stability to the Cold War period.

Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)