Courses | Social Studies Electives
The Social Studies curriculum includes core courses and a variety of elective courses designed to enrich the students’ understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. The content of the Social Studies courses is drawn from the fields of history, economics, political science, psychology, geography, sociology, and anthropology.
All students must earn four credits of Social Studies in the core curriculum. All students must pass two New York State Regents exams to earn a diploma.
Courses
Global History & Geography 9 Regents
Course Number: 1021
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: Midterm Exam in January and Final Exam in June
Global History and Geography begins with the Paleolithic Era and the development of the first civilizations, and continues with an examination of classical societies and regional empires. The course traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact, and takes the story of world history to the eve of the American and French Revolutions. The course emphasizes the key themes of geography, shifts in political power, the creation of new economic systems, and the nature and impact of belief systems. The Common Core Literacy and Writing Standards for Social Studies will be built into the class lessons and assignments. This level has a particular focus on social studies skill development and reading and writing.
Global History & Geography 10 Regents
Course Number: 1121 – Global History 10 R, 1122 Global History 10 R (CTD)
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: Midterm Exam in January and NYS Regents Exam in June
Global History 10 begins on the eve of the American and French Revolutions with a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. The course emphasizes the key themes of geography, interactions over time, shifts in political power, the creation of new economic systems, 20th century ideologies and conflicts, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. The Common Core Literacy, Writing and Research Standards for Social Studies will be built into the class lessons and assignments.
Advanced Placement (AP) World History
Course Number: 1112
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: AP Exam in May* and NYS Regents Exam in June
This course is the equivalent of a college level survey course in world history. Extensive study is done by the students of all
major epochs of world history with particular attention to those that correspond to the 10th grade Global curriculum. There is an assignment for students to complete over the summer in preparation for the course. Students use a textbook designed for the AP course and rely on their reading of the text for significant portions of the content. In-class lectures, presentations, activities and discussions are used to help students make connections and deepen their understanding of what they have read. The AP Exam, which students take in early May, includes a multiple-choice section and two essay sections each of which is timed. Following the AP exam, students continue working on course material.
Note: *Recommendations for placement in AP World History will be made by the Global 9 teacher after discussion with the student. The recommendation will be based on demonstrated work ethic and a high level of analytical reading and writing skills.
Social Studies AIS
Course Number: 1950
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 0 credit
A one semester AIS lab in Social Studies is available for 10th graders who need additional support and practice with the skills needed on the Global History Regents. Students will be scheduled for this lab based on recommendations of their 9th and 10th grade teachers.
U.S. History & Government Regents
Course Number: 1221
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: Midterm Exam in January and NYS Regents Exam in June
This course is a study of U.S. History from colonial times with an emphasis on post-Civil War eras. It includes an in-depth study of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court cases that have tested their meaning. Students are asked to read from primary documents as well as a textbook and to write both thematic and document based essays.
Common Core Literacy, Writing and Research Standards for Social Studies will be built into the class lessons and assignments.
Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History / OCC 106 & 107
Course Number: 1410
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit (6 OCC credits)
Final Assessment: AP Exam in May* and NYS Regents Exam in June*
This course is the equivalent of a college level survey course in American history. There is an assignment for students to complete over the summer in preparation for the course. Students use a textbook designed for the AP course and rely on their reading of the text for significant portions of the content. In-class lectures, presentations, activities and discussions are used to help students make connections and deepen their understanding of what they have read.
Recommendations for placement in AP United States History will be made by the Global 10 teacher after discussion with the student. The recommendation will be based on demonstrated work ethic and a high level of analytical reading and writing skills
Note: *At the end of the course, all OCC 106 & 107 students are required to pass the final exam and the course to receive college credit. The AP Exam, which students take in early May, includes a multiple-choice section, short answers and two timed essay sections. Following the AP Exam, students do more work on the Constitution and Supreme Court cases that are emphasized on the New York State Regents examination.
*All 11th graders take the U.S. History and Government Regents Exam in June.
Economics
Course Number: 1320
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Graduation Requirement
This one semester course includes an introduction to economic terms and concepts and modern economic systems. In addition to macroeconomics, the course covers topics relevant to the college student/young adult such as the use of credit and debit cards. Successful completion of the Economics course is a requirement for graduation.
Participation in Government
Course Number: 1322
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Graduation Requirement
This course helps students to develop a deeper understanding of the structure and function of government and the interaction between citizens and government at all levels – local, state and federal. An integral part of the course is the development of student participation in the processes of government. Areas covered include the analysis of public policy issues, case studies in relation to governmental issues, influences on public policy decisions.
Key civic values and analytical concepts are developed and reinforced. The ultimate goal of the Participation in Government course is to prepare students for effective and active participation in the United States democratic process. All students must successfully complete a project on an aspect of government and/or community to meet the community service requirement of this course.
Social Studies Electives
These courses do not replace the regular 9 through 12 social studies courses required for graduation.
Advanced Placement (AP) European History
Course Number: 1412
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: AP Exam in May*
Requirement: Junior or Senior standing
This course is open to Juniors and Seniors and focuses on the in-depth study of European History, with an emphasis not only on the significant individuals and events of that history but also on the environmental and technological factors that helped shape it. A major goal of the course is to enable students to better understand how our own societal values including our commitment to personal liberty, constitutional government, capitalism, free inquiry, rationalism and the rule of law have their origins in European History.
Note: *All students will take the Advanced Placement exam, with the possibility of earning up to six (6) hours of college credit, depending on their performance on the exam and the policies of the college in which they enroll. There is a fee for this exam.
Current Events Studies
Course Number: 1434
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
What will be in the news? The economy? The new President? Terror attacks? The Phillies? Our course outline will depend on what is happening at the time. Students will get daily newspapers and have access to news magazines, TV coverage and the internet. Students will share stories of interest to them, opinions and observations regarding the various sources of news. Students will keep a news journal and complete various projects.
Film Heritage
Course Number: 1427
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirement: The subject matter includes unrated and rated films, including films with an R-rating. As a result, permission from a parent and/or guardian is required upon student enrollment in the course.
The Film Heritage course is designed to guide students through the process of analyzing films as works of art. The course explores how serious themes such as the ravages of war, the dehumanization of violence, and human relationships are dealt with through a visual medium. How the visual medium of film depicts such themes reflects a great deal about a culture in a particular moment of history. The course also uses film to explore the social and cultural context of the period in which it was made. The course includes discussion, historical and critical analysis, and written assignments.
African American History
Course Number: 1435
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. ~Maya Angelou
Students will look at personal stories that depict the realities of slavery and segregation, but also the personal and political struggles to overcome those institutions. They will look at great historical events and daily life, at speeches, art, music, literature and sports as reflections of those broader trends. Class participation, reading, tests and reflective writing will be expected.
Human Relations
Course Number: 1424
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirement: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Goals of this course are to provide students with opportunities to analyze, clarify, and work on their own sets of values; to develop self-awareness and the enhancement of self-image; to develop skills in interpersonal relationships with the emphasis on acceptance of others; to develop skills in listening, communication of feelings, and attainment of better relationships with adults and peers, including becoming more comfortable speaking in front of others.
Topics discussed in the course include adolescent development, gender-roles and perceptions, love and relationships, human sexuality, bullying, mental health, marriage, friendships, sibling relationships, and parenting. In considering all topic areas, conflict, resolution, and self-reflection are a major focus. Students will engage in discussions, journal writing and sharing, and article analysis throughout the course.
American Women in History
Course Number: 1440
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
American Women in History is a women’s studies course that will look at the contributions of U.S. women and their struggle for full inclusion. The course will include the significant people, accomplishments and challenges of women in the many areas of American society. Through articles, films, important documents, and speakers students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the many contributions of women to the history and culture of our country.
Practical Law
Course Number: 1423
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirement: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
This course is both a course in practical law and an issue-oriented course with materials designed to provoke intensive classroom discussion and debate. In addition, a major purpose of this course is to give those who study it some knowledge of law that can be of practical use to them in their everyday lives. Among the topics surveyed in this course are criminal law, family law, housing law, individual rights law, and tort law. Guest speakers and field trips are included in this course.
Psychology
Course Number: 1421
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirement: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
This course will focus on building a better understanding of human behavior. Students will learn about themes such as motivation, personality styles, and how we develop over the course of our lives. Students will also learn about abnormal behavior, mental wellness, and even how psychology applies to various careers. This course is appropriate for anyone interested in an introduction to the field of psychology.
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA): Psychology
Course Number: 1422
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 3 S.U. credits
Requirement: 11th and 12th graders
This course is designed to expose students to college-level material in the study of psychology. Major topics include psychology as a behavioral science, physiological psychology, personality, abnormal psychology, child development and social psychology.
Note: There is a reduced tuition rate charged by Syracuse University.
Sports Psychology
Course Number: 1442
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirement: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Sport Psychology will focus on understanding how psychology influences participation in sports- or ANYTHING that requires performance. Students will learn about the history of sport psychology, personality styles, coping with anxiety/stress, self-confidence, motivation, leadership, goal-setting, group dynamics, psychology of injury, and mental wellness. Students can apply this learning to their own performances on the field, in the pool, on the court, on the ice, or ANY Setting that requires performance under pressure. This course is appropriate for: current student-athletes, students interested in a career as a coach, and students interested in psychology.
U.S. Military History
Course Number: 1432 – US Military History I, 1433 – US Military History II
Length: 1 semester each
Credit: 1/2 credit each
This course involves a look at national and world history with a special emphasis on U.S. participation in the wars of the 20th century. Topics covered include the political and economic factors that influenced the decision to go to war; military weaponry and doctrine; social and cultural implications; significant air, sea and land campaigns; the aftermath and consequences of the war; and perspectives on the meaning and place these conflicts have in our history.
U.S. Military History I will look at World War I and World War II and an overview of the U.S. Military structure.
U.S. Military History II will look at the issues of the Cold War and our involvement in Korea and Vietnam.
American Culture – the 1960s
Course Number: 1439
Length: 1 semester each
Credit: 1/2 credit each
Each year, this elective will focus on one theme and use that as a lens for studying political, social and economic changes in American life. The course will use specific decades as the basis for this cultural comparison. Students will develop a broad understanding of American life at specific moments and then examine how those characteristics are reflected in the theme.