SOCIAL STUDIES

These courses cover the history of the world from the beginning of civilizations until the present day. Global I (grade 9) covers from approximately 8000 BC to 1500 AD. Global II (grade 10) covers from about 1500 to the current day. In these courses, students explore events in various regions and civilizations and investigate issues and themes in our world’s history. In addition, students are taught essay skills for document-based questions and thematic essays, both of which appear on the NY State Regents Exam in Global History and Geography, which is given at the end of 10^th grade. In accordance with NY State standards, students must pass this Regents exam in order to graduate.

 

This course follows the general curriculum for Global I, but it is taught at a higher level, involving a more complex, in-depth study of the materials. Students will also be given additional writing assignments, in order to sharpen their writing and analytical skills. Students are selected based on prior performance and an entrance essay.

 

This course follows the general curriculum for Global II, but it is taught at a much higher level than the regular Global II sections. Students in this course are expected to work more independently than those in the regular sections. Students are also instructed in writing analytical essays, which is particularly important for those who will take advanced placement courses in social studies in later years.    Class size is limited. Students are selected based on their performance in their current year’s history course.

 

This course focuses on the history of the United States from the Revolution forward, as well as on the structure of the United States government. In addition, writing continues to be emphasized. This course ends with the Regents Exam in U.S. History and Government. In accordance with New York State standards, all students must pass this test to graduate.

 

In this course, students learn about American history from the colonial period to the present. This course involves a significant amount of written work, especially with regard to analysis of the trends of American history. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May, and they may receive college credit upon successful completion of this exam. Students also take the United States History and Government Regents Exam in June, which they must pass in order to graduate. Class size in this course is limited. Students are selected on the basis of performance in their current year’s history course. Students who are accepted for this course must pay, in advance, for the course books and A.P. exam fee.

 

This course follows the general curriculum for U.S. History and Government, but it is taught at a much higher level than the regular sections. Students will be required to work more independently than those in the regular sections. Students are also given additional instruction in writing analytical essays, which is particularly important for those who will take A.P. courses in social studies in their senior year. Class size is limited. Students are selected based on the student’s performance in the current year’s history course.

 

The purpose of this one-semester course is to provide students with the economic knowledge and skills to enable them to function as economically literate and informed citizens. This course includes the study of comparative economies, the market system and the global economy. Evaluation is done through traditional testing techniques and alternative assessment. This is a state mandated course for graduation.

 

The purpose of this one semester course is to prepare students to participate actively as citizens in a democracy. Current issues in American society will be discussed. Evaluation is done through traditional testing techniques and alternative assessment. This is a state mandated course for graduation.

 

This full year course is an in-depth study of the American system of government as well as our political system. Topics covered include the Constitution, branches of government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, special interests, the media, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights. This course is taught in a seminar format. Students are required to do outside reading and to be informed about current political issues. This course is taken in place of Economics and Participation in Government. Class size is limited. Students are selected based on their current year’s performance in history. Students who are accepted for this course must pay, in advance, for the course books and AP exam fee. Iona College credit is available.

 

As with the A.P. World History course, the purpose of this course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. The course also concentrates heavily on writing various kinds of historical analyses. This course is taken in place of Economics and Participation in Government. Students are selected based on their current year’s performance in history. Students must pay in advance for the course books. Iona College credit is available.

 

The purpose of this course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. The course also concentrates heavily on writing various kinds of historical analyses. This course is taken in place of Economics and Participation in Government. Class size is limited. Students are selected based on their current year’s performance in history. Students who are accepted for this course must pay, in advance, for the course books and the AP exam fee. Iona College credit is available.