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Social Studies Department

We offer a variety of Social Studies courses that challenge and support our students. Courses help students meet N.Y. State and local requirements and prepare students for study beyond high school. Grades that are indicated in the course descriptions are to be used as guides. Grades do not impede a student from taking a course. Please speak with your school counselor about the appropriate course for your academic success.

GLOBAL HISTORY 1: Full year— 1 credit, Grade 9
This course is the first in a required two-year sequence designed to build students’ understanding of global history, culture, and their relevance to the world today. Grounded in the New York State Enduring Issues framework, the course emphasizes that history is not isolated in the past—it directly shapes the challenges, choices, and systems we navigate now.
Through a thematic structure, students will explore five major units: Environmental Impact, Power, Conflict, Belief Systems, and Interconnectedness. Within each unit, students will develop essential Social Studies skills—such as historical thinking, source analysis, argument writing, and comparison—that will support their success in this class and prepare them for the Global History and Geography Regents Exam, taken at the end of their sophomore year. Students will also complete a Research Project and a Civics Project, each aligned with the Seal of Civic Readiness, giving them opportunities to apply historical thinking to contemporary issues and civic engagement. Students in this section will also have the opportunity to complete additional assignments for honors credit.


GLOBAL HISTORY 1 HONORS: Full year—1 credit, Grade 9
This honors course is the first in a two-year sequence designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of global history and culture, emphasizing the connections between past and present. Grounded in the New York State Enduring Issues framework, the course challenges students to think critically about how historical events, ideas, and systems shape contemporary society.
Students will explore five major thematic units—Environmental Impact, Power, Conflict, Belief Systems, and Interconnectedness while developing rigorous historical analysis skills, including source evaluation, argumentation, comparison, and synthesis, to prepare them for AP World History in 10th grade and the Global History and Geography Regents Exam. The course culminates in a novel study, in which students examine a work of historical fiction to explore how storytelling can illuminate past events, raise questions about historical interpretation, and serve as a springboard for deeper discussion about what “really happened” in history. Throughout the year, students will also complete a Re-search Project and a Civics Project, aligned with the Seal of Civic Readiness, to apply historical thinking to real-world issues and civic engagement.


DUAL LANGUAGE GLOBAL HISTORY 1: Full year—1 credit, Grade 9                                                                          This course is the first in a required two-year Global History and Geography sequence and is open only to students who participated in the Dual Language (English/Spanish) middle school program. Instruction follows a bilingual model, with one week taught in English and one week taught in Spanish, supporting biliteracy while maintaining rigorous, Regents aligned content.
Grounded in the New York State Enduring Issues framework, the course emphasizes the relevance of global history to the modern world, highlighting how historical developments continue to shape contemporary challenges, systems, and perspectives. Through a thematic structure, students will study five major units: Environmental Impact, Power, Conflict, Belief Systems, and Interconnectedness. Across these units, students will develop essential social studies skills, including historical thinking, source analysis, comparison, and argumentative writing, in preparation for the Global History and Geography Regents Examination taken at the end of sophomore year. Students will complete both a Research Project and a Civics Project, aligned with the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, allowing them to apply historical understanding to present-day issues and civic engagement. An Honors Option is available in this section for students who choose to complete additional, rigorous coursework and assessments. Prerequisite: Dual Language Social Studies 8.


GLOBAL HISTORY 2: Full year— 1 credit, Grade 10
Global History 2 is the second year of the sequence, taking students from the world of 1750 C.E. to the major problems and issues we face today. Students will explore big ideas like revolution, industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of global societies, while sharpening skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting historical documents. Classwork is built around Enduring Issues, helping students make meaningful connections between the past and the present through a variety of engaging activities and learning styles. Students can choose to opt into the Honors option, which offers independent assignments and projects that challenge them to think critically, explore history in creative ways, and earn honors credit, giving them a chance to stretch their skills and dive deeper into the material. This dynamic course prepares students for the Global History and Geography Regents Exam in June and sets them up for success in Advanced Placement courses. Prerequisite: Global History 1 or Global History 1 Honors.


AP WORLD HISTORY: Full year— 1 credit, Grade 10
“AP World History: Modern” is a rigorous course covering some of the most important themes and developments in world history from the 1200s up until the modern time. This class will cover the economic, political, and cultural history of this time period. A small sample of the topics covered in this class include the Silk Road, American civilizations, Middle Eastern history, the French Revolution, Industrialization, Imperialism, and the World Wars. Students participating in this class will engage in the study of history through reading sources, historical analysis, and historical writing. As part of the class students will have an opportunity to improve their historical writing skills by composing full length essays in which they make a historical argument supported by evidence. Students will take the AP exam in early May, a grade of 3, 4, or 5 may result in college credits. Please note the assignments are from college level texts, and there are challenging reading and writing assignments, students should expect nightly reading and writing assignments and have the ability to independently study. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in World History. Students also are required to take the Regents Exam in Global History and Geography. Summer reading is required. Prerequisite: Global History 1 or Global History 1 Honors 10

UNITED STATES HISTORY: Full year— 1 credit, Grade 11
US History follows the development of the United States from the colonial era to the present day. Students will develop an understanding of the workings of the American government and the Constitution. A chronological approach to the events that shaped American society and culture will be used. Students will examine the economic, political, and social development of our nation. Students explore the expansion of the federal government, and the place of the United States in a globalized world. Course requirements include completing Framework aligned assessments. The course will also focus on reading historical documents and being able to analyze these documents. The U.S. History and Government Regents is the final exam for this course. Prerequisite: Global History 2 or AP World History


AP UNITED STATES HISTORY: Full year— 1 credit, Grade 11
APUSH is a one-year chronological survey of American history from colonial times to the 1990s. Students will read a variety of sophisticated, college-level materials, both primary and secondary sources derived from handouts, scholarly articles, and the textbook. APUSH is a challenging course that is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course in a high school setting. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. APUSH stresses analytical thought, research and study skills, social science concepts in history, political science, geography and economics, as well as major interpretive trends and basic factual knowledge. Students will take the AP exam in early May and a score of 3,4 or 5 may result in college credits. Students will also take the US History and Government regents exam in June and complete a research paper in May which is a culmination of their knowledge and skills. Extensive independent reading is required and there may be approximately 1 to 2 hours of homework per night. Prerequisite: Global History or AP World History

THE FOLLOWING SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES MEET THE
NYS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT FOR ECONOMICS


ECO/PLANNING FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
This course is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and tools to help young adults to make informed personal financial decisions for their post high school lives. Topics will include budgeting, career exploration, savings, investing and retirement planning. This course will follow the state guidelines and meet the requirements for Economics credit. This course has an Honors Option


ECO/SUPA PERSONAL FINANCE: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
This is a dual enrollment course open to seniors and is designed to provide a foundation for students to make informed reasoned choices about financial decisions over their professional and personal lives. It covers essential aspects of household personal finance, including record keeping, budgeting, banking, saving, credit, loans, investing, insurance, taxes, and retirement planning. Students will learn important institutional facts about different types of bank deposits; mutual funds; bonds, including US Savings Bonds; stock; loans, including credit cards and fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages; retirement accounts, such as Individual Retirement Accounts and 401 (k) plans; tax deductions and credits; and aspects of health, property, and life insurance. This course would follow the state guidelines and meet the requirements for Economics credit while giving the students an opportunity for 3 college credits. Students must pay the discounted fee for Syracuse University credit to receive a Syracuse University transcript. This course receives Honors weighting. Prerequisite: U.S. History


ECO/FARM TO TABLE TO CLASSROOM: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
Have you ever taken a bite of a dish and thought, I have to share this with the people I love? That idea is at the heart of our relationship with food. Do you want to spend a semester chasing that feeling? Exploring the roots of our food system? Not just in the farms and the factories, but also the cultures and communities? Do you want to know how it all really works? What really happens from the seed to the supermarket? The goal of Farm to Table: the Economics of Food is to send you home with things you can’t wait to share. To give you a way to look at food that will enrich every meal you have - for the rest of your life. All while teaching you the same core economic and personal finance lessons that everyone taking other economics classes will learn. It promises to be a truly nourishing experience. This course has an Honors Option. 

 

THE FOLLOWING HALF YEAR SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES MEET
THE NYS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT FOR GOVERNMENT


US GOV/CURRENT EVENTS: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
This exciting course for 12th graders dives into the pressing issues shaping the United States today, from debates over climate policy and immigration reform to Supreme Court decisions and shifts in electoral politics. Through discussions, debates, and hands-on projects, you'll explore how government institutions work—and sometimes fail—in real time. Learn to analyze media coverage, evaluate policy proposals, and understand the connections between local, national, and global events. Whether you're passionate about politics or just want to make sense of the news, this course will empower you to become an informed and active citizen. This course has an Honors option. Prerequisite: any US History class.


US GOV/HUMAN RIGHTS: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
This course explores how human rights are defined, challenged, and protected in the United States and around the world, connecting historical movements to the most pressing issues of today. Students analyze case studies on topics such as genocide, poverty, trafficking, and gender-based violence while examining how political, economic, and social forces shape human rights outcomes. Through discussions, media analysis, and project-based learning, students learn to evaluate evidence, question narratives, and propose meaningful solutions. The course includes a Human Rights Awareness Project, a culminating research paper, and a Civics Project aligned to the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness. ** This course has an Honors Option


US GOV/LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
Latinx Studies will focus on the importance of embracing our history, cultures, traditions, and experiences and its impact in shaping our identities. This course will allow you to share the parts of your culture that have shaped your past, and the parts you want to carry with you into the future. By critically analyzing works from a range of genres and cultural expressions including podcast, film, stories, and performance, along with recent literary and cultural theory works, the course will explore major themes and issues such as colonialism, immigration, gender machismo, sexuality, assimilation, and our upbringing. We will start with brief introduction to US Government and issues that the Latinx community are passionate about. By the end of the semester, students will complete a Civics Seal aligned research paper or Civics Project on topics related to Latinx History and Identity. This course has an Honors option. Prerequisite US History


US GOV/CONSTITUTIONAL LAW HONORS: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
This is a dual enrollment Political science course with Marist College which is designed to increase student knowledge and awareness of Constitutional rights, systems, and the effects that the Constitution has on their lives. This course will concentrate on understanding the Articles and Amendments of the Constitution, as well as the government systems established by the Constitution’s framework. The course will provide opportunities for students to interact with their communities and to earn points towards the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness through civic engagement projects. The students will also study criminal justice to see how the criminal justice system is responding to the constant issues arising for our society to deal with on a daily basis. Students taking the course for Marist College credit may register for the course and pay the discounted fee to Marist College. They must also earn a grade of C or better. This course receives Honors weighting. This course will follow N.Y. State guidelines and meets the requirements for the government credit. Prerequisite: U. S. History or AP U.S. History


US GOV/SUPA PUBLIC POLICY: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12                                                                                        This is a dual enrollment course offered in collation with Syracuse University.  This course will explore citizenship and the components of public policy.  Students will be able to develop research skills and advocacy that can be used throughout their college career.  Students must pay the discounted fee for Syracuse University credit to receive a Syracuse University transcript.  This course receives Honors weighting. Prerequisite:  U.S. History Regents or AP U.S. History 


US GOV/AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES: Half year— ½ credit, Grades 11, 12
This course examines the African American experience as a lens for understanding the development of the United States and the ongoing pursuit of justice, citizenship, and democracy. While students earn their required Government credit, the course goes far beyond traditional civics by exploring how African American communities have shaped and challenged the nation's political systems from the founding era to the present. Through primary sources, scholarship, legislative debates, cultural works, and contemporary case studies, students analyze the evolution of rights, representation, and public policy. Topics include the Constitution and race, Reconstruction and its legacies, social movements, political leadership, voting rights, mass incarceration, and the meaning of full democratic participation in the 21st century. This course has an Honors Option.


US GOV/CIVICS IN ACTION: Half year— ½ credit, Grade 12
This is an immersive, hands-on course where students learn how democracy works by actively participating in it. Through real-world problem solving, policy analysis, and collaborative civic action, students investigate how communities function and how ordinary people influence government institutions. Students will explore their rights, responsibilities, and power as citizens while developing and presenting a capstone project tied to an authentic civic issue. This course satisfies the New York State Participation in Government requirement for graduation.

THE FOLLOWING FULL YEAR SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES MEET THE NYS GRADUATION
REQUIREMENT FOR GOVERNMENT


AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: Full Year— 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This course is a non-partisan introduction to the foundations and systems of the United States Government. This course will introduce students to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, and roles of the constitutional system and the political culture of the United States. Students will read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and make evidence-based arguments from Supreme Court decisions and U.S. foundational documents. Administrative approval is required for juniors. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of this course. Advanced juniors may enroll in the course. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of this course. Prerequisite: Global History 2, AP World History

 

THE FOLLOWING FULL YEAR SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES MEET THE NYS GRADUATION
REQUIREMENT FOR GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS


GOV & ECON/FARM TO TABLE TO CLASSROOM: Full Year— 1 credit, Grade 12
Have you ever taken a bite of a dish and thought, I have to share this with the people I love? That idea is at the heart of our relationship with food. Do you want to spend a semester chasing that feeling? Exploring the roots of our food system? Not just in the farms and the factories, but also the cultures and communities? Do you want to know how it all really works? What really happens from the seed to the supermarket? The goal of the full year Farm to Table: the Government Economics of Food is to send you home with things you can’t wait to share. To give you a way to look at food that will enrich every meal you have - for the rest of your life. All while teaching you the same core aspects of US government and economic and personal finance lessons that everyone taking other economics classes will learn. It promises to be a truly nourishing experience. This course has an honors option.


GOV & ECON/SERVICE-LEARNING: Full Year— 1 credit, Grade 12
This comprehensive course gives students the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to local and national issues both in and out of the classroom. Social Studies 12 Honors Service Learning focuses on developing student reading, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking and analysis in order to prepare for college and career. The course will complete the NYS required curriculum in Economics and Government & Politics. This course will culminate in a student developed and executed service-learning project within our community. This course is open to seniors who have successfully completed the first three years of the Social Studies curriculum and passed the required N.Y. State examinations. Students taking Social Studies 12 Service Learning must also take English 12 Service Learning. This course has an honors option.

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE COURSES


PSYCHOLOGY: Half year— ½ credit, Grades 10 — 12
This course explores the answer to the question “Why do individuals behave the way they do?” It studies the fascinating world of human behavior, examining such topics as human growth and development, personality, dreams, extra-sensory perception, abnormal psychology, addictive behavior and sex-role stereotyping. The ideas of Freud and other theorists are discussed. Readings, projects and films are used.


AP PSYCHOLOGY: Full year— 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This course will follow the curriculum set by the College Board. The purpose is to introduce students to the systematic study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students are exposed to principles and phenomena associated with major subfields of psychology such as Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning and Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Social Psychology. Students are expected to take the Advance Placement Exam in Psychology. Administrative approval is required for juniors. Prerequisite: U. S. History, AP U.S. History, or AP World History


SUNY CRIMINAL JUSTICE HONORS: Half Year— ½ credit, Grades 10 — 12
This is a dual enrollment course. This course is designed to introduce students to some of the basic ideas, concepts and laws along with a basic understanding of how our criminal justice system functions in the United States. The course will begin with a look at the nature and causes of crime and their impact on society. This will be followed by a focus on the roles that individuals play in the criminal justice system. Finally, the course will look at current events in the field of criminal justice to see how the criminal justice system is responding to the constant issues arising for our society to deal with on a daily basis. Students taking the course for SUNY credit may register for the course and pay the discounted fee. This course receives Honors weighting.


SUPA AFRICAN STUDIES HONORS: Half year— ½ credit, Grades 10 — 12
This is a dual enrollment course that introduces central themes that comprise the interdisciplinary subject of African American Studies. Also referred to as Africana Studies, African Diaspora Studies, or African and African American Studies, the field places the study of North Americans of African descent in a broader context that considers connections to the African continent and to other people of the African Diaspora. In addition to providing a unit on an Introduction to American Government, this framework enables students to explore common and divergent experiences and identities among varied Black populations. (SUPA AAS 112 Course Description). College credit is offered from Syracuse University to seniors only. Students must pay the discounted fee for Syracuse University credit to receive a Syracuse University transcript. Prerequisite: U.S. History Regents, SUPA U.S. History or AP U.S. History with a B or higher.