Social Studies Department

Students in our Social Studies classes learn about important historical events and eras, but also develop critical thinking skills. Whether interpreting primary source documents, evaluating the credibility of a source, or debating historical concepts, our teachers make Global History, United States History, Government, and Economics relevant to our students.

Global History & Geography 9
Grade 9
210

This chronological approach to global history begins with the Paleolithic Era and the first civilizations, continues with an examination of classical societies, including Ancient Greece and Rome, and traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact.  The course emphasizes the key themes of interactions over time, shifts in political power, and the role of belief systems in society.  Students will be exploring history through the use of both primary and secondary sources.

Credit: 1
Global History & Geography 9 Honors
Grade 9
211
 

This course examines global history from the Paleolithic period through Ancient Civilizations to the Age of Absolutism. Students will be required to read a college-level textbook as well as tackle historical thinking skills on a deeper level. This course will prepare students for the rigors of the Advanced Placement World History: Modern course offered in sophomore year.
Credit: 1

Global History & Geography 10
Grade 10
220
 

This course begins with a brief focus on the early 1700’s and provides a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. The last four key ideas focus on global issues. A mandatory New York State Regents examination, which will cover only 10th grade material, will be administered in June.
Credit: 1

Advanced Placement World History: Modern

Grade 10
250

This course will begin in 1200 CE with a study of the civilizations in Africa, the Americas, and Asia that are foundational to the modern era. The course content is structured around the investigation of five course themes in different chronological periods. Students will use critical and interpretive skills, as well as examine and analyze historical issues from a “big picture” perspective.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
The AP Exam and Regents Exam are mandatory.
Credit: 1

United States History & Government

Grade 11
230

This course begins with the colonial and constitutional foundations of the United States and explores the government structure and functions provided in the Constitution. The development of the nation and the political, social, and economic factors that led to the challenges our nation faced in the Civil War are addressed. Industrialization, urbanization, and the accompanying problems are examined, along with America’s emergence as a world power, the two world wars of the 20th century, and the Cold War. Students explore the expansion of the federal government, evolving social beliefs and behaviors, and the nation’s place in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. A mandatory New York State Regents examination will be administered in June.

Credit: 1
Advanced Placement United States History

Grade 11
240

This Advanced Placement course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative) and an understanding of content learning objectives organized around seven themes, such as identity, peopling, and America in the world.  The course is in line with college and university United States History survey courses. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May and the United States History and Government Regents in June.  A summer assignment is to be completed and submitted on the first day of class.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
The AP Exam and Regents Exam are mandatory.
Students pursuing the St. Joseph’s College Child Study Pathway can take this class for college credit.
Credit: 1

Introduction to Economics

Grade 12
248

This course examines the principles of the United States free market economy and its history within a global context.  Students will analyze the role of supply and demand in determining the prices individuals and businesses face in the product and factor markets.  Students will explore the role of entrepreneurs in our economy and participate in an interactive project, using Google Apps for Education.  Students will also explore the challenges facing the United States free market economy and various policy-making opportunities available to government to address these challenges through discussion of current events as they relate to economic theory.  Students will examine their individual responsibility for managing their personal finances.

Credit: ½
Participation in Government and Civics

Grade 12
246

This course examines the foundations of our American democracy, calling attention to the importance of voting and other methods of participation in government and civic life. All levels of government are encompassed within the course affording the opportunity to utilize local resources. It is designed to give students the understanding of how and why certain actions are taken and the impact of these actions on their personal lives.

Credit: ½
Advanced Placement Psychology

Grade 11, 12
241

This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological basis of behavior, sensation, and perception. They will also consider learning and cognition, motivation, testing, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
The AP Exam is mandatory.
Credit: 1

Street Law and Modern Politics

Grade 12
244

Students will explore the topics of law particularly relevant to their lives while examining their connections with the current political landscape. Various units will cover introductory criminal law ideologies, the role of the criminal justice system in our society today, major Supreme Court decisions, individual rights and liberties, and torts and other civil law basics. These topics will be the basis of group discussions, allowing students to practice public speaking and critical thinking skills. Through these exercises and studies, students will learn how to become more active and educated citizens.

Credit: 1
Introduction to Child Development

Grade 12
260

This course is an introduction to the study of the child from birth to age 12, with an emphasis on the child from infancy through pre-school and middle school. Students will study principles and theories of development with regard to prenatal and neonatal development and birth; physical cognitive, social, emotional and moral growth; caregiver-child relationships; language acquisition and theories of learning; and the impact of culture and history on growth and development. Students will also study the NYS/NYC Board of Education curriculum in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse. Students are required to attend observation sessions at the Dillon Center at St. Joseph’s College and community service hours must be related to working with children from birth to age 12.

Students pursuing the St. Joseph’s College Child Study Pathway can take this class for up to 6 college credits.

Credit: 1

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