211 World Studies A

213 World Studies B

214 World Studies C

World Studies acquaints students with the culture, geography, economics, politics, history, and cultural contributions of the non-Western world.  Areas of study may include the Middle East, Africa, India, China, Japan, and the former Soviet Union.  These studies provide examples through which students develop understanding of the basic social studies concepts and vocabulary that form the foundation for all subsequent courses.  Textbook work is supplemented with presentation projects involving traditional and Internet research.  Area studies lead to examination of global issues such as international economic development, modernization of developing nations, and the place of international organization in matters of war and peace.  Students are placed in one of three levels based on teacher recommendation, test scores, and academic performance.

212 World Cultures (Interdisciplinary Course)

A-level:  taken in conjunction with English 112

This interdisciplinary course capitalizes on links between the ninth grade English curriculum and the ninth grade World Studies course in non-Western cultures.  The course addresses the same basic material as the above described course, and supplements this with thematic and cultural connections drawn between the two curricula in studies of such issues as conflict resolution and identity formation.  Activities include group projects in which research and technology are used to help students develop their individual skills in reading, writing, presenting, and thinking critically.  This course is appropriate for students who respond to challenges requiring creativity and self-motivation.

221 European History A

223 European History B

224 European History C

This course examines the evolution of Europe from the medieval era to the twentieth century.  The curriculum focuses on the development of the political, economic, cultural, and social institutions that continue to shape Western culture.  The material is enriched by examination of primary source documents and analysis of the enduring debates in Western heritage.  Particular emphasis is placed on developing skills for taking a position on a controversial issue and supporting it with specific evidence.  Students also continue development of reading, writing, and research skills.

222 European Studies A/B (Interdisciplinary Course)

Taken in conjunction with English 122

This interdisciplinary course integrates the European History course with the tenth grade British literature curriculum.  The course addresses the same basic material as the above described course, and supplements this by taking advantage of the topical overlap between the literature and history curricula to enrich students' understanding by adding the arts, role-playing, and interdisciplinary analysis to the traditional curriculum.

231 United States History A

233 United States History B

234 United States History C

This course is a chronological survey that develops major themes in United States history.  Analytical thinking and critical problem solving through the use of primary and secondary sources are the core skill objectives of this study.  A basic text appropriate to the students' reading level is used.  Required writing includes research papers, book reports, and essays.

232 American Studies (Interdisciplinary Course) A/B

Taken in conjunction with English 132

This interdisciplinary course unites the study of American history and American literature.  It analyzes the cultural and intellectual ideas of the evolving American Republic.  Independent research, analytical and creative papers, group projects, debates, and presentations are hallmarks of this course.

244 Understanding American Citizenship

The purposes of this semester course are to examine the ways citizens can exert their influence on the governing process and to prepare students to be the active participants our democracy requires.  While the course focuses on analysis of the structures, functions, and operations of our government at the federal level, it will include the study of issues at the state and local level as well.  The course concludes with an in-depth analysis of the influences driving policy on a specific issue of each student's choosing.  This course satisfies the American Citizenship requirement.

245 Facing History and Ourselves

This course examines the issues of individual responsibility and human rights.  This class explores how these issues interrelate with our responsibilities as members of society in general and of the many communities to which we belong.  Positive and negative historical examples are explored as students examine how human beings treat each other.  Historical case studies such as the Holocaust are used to make connections between individual rights and responsibilities and community action.  Text, audio, and visual resources from historical and current events are some of the materials utilized.

246 Comparative Religion

A variety of world religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and traditional religions are examined in three ways:  1) religion as a response to a basic human need for values, ritual, community, and answers to the unanswerable; 2) religion as an expression of the culture and environment in which it emerged; 3) religion as a political and historical force.  Readings include excerpts from religious texts and wisdom literature, as well as secondary analytical and historical sources.  Investigative assignments include study of the life of a religious leader, and a focused review of religion as it relates to a topic in current politics, culture, or events.  This course is appropriate for students of all ability levels who are drawn to discussion of metaphysics, philosophy, ethics, and cultural structures.  Note:  This course addresses material that some may consider sensitive; every effort is made to ensure that differing belief systems are discussed respectfully and even-handedly.

260 AP American History

This advanced placement college-level course is offered for selected qualified juniors who plan to take the national Advanced Placement American History Exam in May.  Students are required to read extensively and write critically on important issues in American history, with special attention given to the historical interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of a variety of reading and documentary materials.  Department recommendation will be based on overall GPA, teacher recommendation, and performance on a document-based essay task.

261 AP US Government and Comparative Government

This advanced placement college-level course is offered for selected qualified seniors who plan to take the national Advanced Placement Exam in U.S. Government and Comparative Government.  If is also an appropriate choice for students interested in pursuing a career in law, politics, government, or international relations.  The first half of the course concentrates on the structures and functioning of the American governmental system with an emphasis on national level policy-making.  The second half of the course introduces broader concepts of political science using examples of non-American governmental structures.  Students are required to read and write extensively, critically, and independently, working to college level performance expectations.  This course satisfies the American citizenship requirement.