SOCIAL STUDIES
The goal of the first two years of our Social Studies curriculum is to give our students a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of the forces which have shaped our culture and civilization during the span of recorded time. Analysis of primary and secondary sources is fundamental to this course. Our students hone their critical thinking and analytical skills as they compare and contrast the civilizations of each time period. In addition, students learn to write coherent thematic essays as well as analyze and respond to data based questions, develop map skills and achieve global awareness.
This course introduces the students to the issues, ideas and facts of history. The content of Global Studies I begins with pre-history and introduces the students to the foundations of human civilization. Course I concludes with the study of the forces in Europe leading to the French Revolution.
International current events are explored on a continual basis.
GLOBAL STUDIES II- GRADE TEN
This course examines the social, political, economic, intellectual and artistic events which shaped world history to the present day. Students are presented with various interpretations of events so as to introduce the methods and diversity of historical analysis. The course begins with the French Revolution and continues with the history of various areas throughout the globe within a chronological framework, up to modern times.
GRADE ELEVEN
The second half of our Social Studies curriculum focuses on American history and culture. American Economic Institutions and Principles of American Democracy lay the foundation for an understanding of American cultures and mores. American History begins in eleventh grade in conjunction with Principles of American Democracy. Primary and secondary sources are once again researched and analyzed.
Economics is a one semester course given in the fall. The Economics course introduces the student to American economic institutions and principles, such as the laws of supply and demand, the distinctive roles of labor, business and government within the American economy, the interaction of money, credit and banking, the stock market, and personal economics. Current issues in the United States and their relation to global economics are carefully explored. The course culminates in two projects. The first is a group projecton personal economies [e.g. buying a car, registration costs, licensing insurance, etc.]. The second is an individual project wherein each student is “given” $25,000 to invest in a minimum of any five stocks she wishes; she must provide justification, both on an economic and a personal level, of her investments.
PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
The Spring semester begins with our introduction to American History, concentrating on early American History and the Revolutionary War Period. Principles of American Democracy are taught in conjunction with the historical development of the American system of government. Topics include an analysis of basic theories of government, principles of the Constitution, principles of the American legislative system, the organization and powers of Congress and the development of the Executive Branch. A research paper is included whereby the student connects political events of the present.
UNITED STATES HISTORY- GRADE 12
Students in grade twelve continue to examine the history of the United States from the Post Revolutionary Era through the Civil War and Reconstruction, continuing into modern times. The students examine the ideas and traditions of American society and culture, acquiring the background necessary to take part in solving current problems and helping to shape the future.
The course includes two research papers. The first requires research and discussion of a controversial topic, in which the student must take a position and defend it. The second is an analysis of an event which the student considers a turning point in American History. This course culminates in a Regents examination that includes Economics, Principles of American Democracy and American History.
The American History Course is comprehensive enough to prepare students to take the College Level Examination Program exams in American history. Students who choose the College Level Exam Program (CLEP) are well prepared for this exam.
COLLEGE LEVEL – INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is deemed a 5th year of social studies by the State University of New York. As such, it is included as part of the Social Studies curriculum.
Psychology is a college credit course. The course includes the History of Psychology, Infancy and Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood and Old Age, Sensation and Perception, Personality Theory, Psychological Testing, Adjustment and Breakdown, Abnormal Behavior, Psychological Research and Statistics. The course includes a research paper and culminates in a final examination.