Social Studies

Global Studies  

1 Credit  
Course No. 182
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

Designed as an introduction to the social studies program at the high school, the Global Studies course examines significant developments in world history using a thematic approach and introduces the idea that globalization is not a recent phenomenon, but has existed throughout human history. Course content includes historical examples from the early modern world, exploring various themes that relate to global interactions of people, ideas, goods, and institutions. The course is not intended to be a survey of modern world history, but instead draws upon various social sciences (economics, political science, sociology, geography and history) to help students investigate how we, as a global society, got to be the way we are.

African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies  

1.0 DHHS Credits  
Course No. 175
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

This course is an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino people in the U.S. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they, both separately and together, worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national, and international contexts. Coursework will provide students with the tools to identify historic and contemporary tensions around race and difference; map economic and racial disparities over time; strengthen their own identity development; and address bias in their communities. 

Civics and American Government    

0.5 Credit  
Course No. 195
Level 2
Trimesters: 1

Civics is a course designed to help students become more knowledgeable, active, and effective citizens. Students will learn about the constitutional basis of American government as well as how government actually functions, the interaction of the branches of government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, and Connecticut state and local government.  Students will take part in interactive simulations, debates, current events, and independent research. This course is required for graduation and includes students who were unable to take or successfully complete Civics and American Government in their junior year.
 

Economics    

0.5 Credit    
Course No. 191
Level 1
Trimesters: 1

This course investigates financial markets and social behaviors that have an impact on quality of life. Students gain an understanding of inflation, unemployment, interest rates, recessions, depressions, and recovery. Students will explore international trade and the evolution of the global marketplace as well as the impact of government and Federal Reserve policy on the well-being of the American population. Written analysis of data, synthesis of information, and modeling of various types of phenomena are an integral part of the course.

Introduction to Human Behavior  

0.5 Credit
Course No. 196
Level 2
Trimesters: 1

This course serves as an introductory exploration of human behavior utilizing scientific principles to address the challenges of navigating adolescence in a multifaceted society. Throughout this introductory course, we will delve into different realms of psychology, equipping students with fundamental skills and concepts crucial to comprehending human behavior. These skills will be applied to the study of social behaviors, positive psychology, and abnormal psychology, enabling students to develop a more profound understanding of human behavior.

Modern Middle East  

0.5 Credit          
Course No. 184
Level 1
Trimesters: 1

In this course, students will investigate the modern Middle East with a goal of better understanding the region’s place in a global society. Units of study will be organized around the historical origins of the modern Middle East and how those origins have led to conflicts among nation-states in the Middle East and North Africa, with a special focus on the Israel-Palestine conflicts. Social, political, and religious issues will be investigated through the lens of current events and trends, as well as the Middle East’s historical struggles between independence and interdependence with the West.
 

Philosophy  

0.5 Credit  
Course No. 186
Level 1
Trimesters: 1

This course will introduce students to a variety of philosophical theories while guiding them through the development and analysis of their own philosophies.  Students analyze works from the Eastern and Western philosophical tradition. Students address key philosophical questions such as What is beauty?  What is good?  How do we know?   What is beyond the 5 senses?   They will become familiar with a broad range of secular and multi-faith religious sources in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of philosophy.  Students will study the basic principles of logic, including recognizing logical fallacies.  They will be asked to apply principles to hypothetical and actual social, political, academic, and global workplace situations.  Students will study the philosophical foundations and practical applications of ethical decision-making and conduct that are vital to a pluralistic and democratic society.  A culminating activity involves presenting and defending one’s own view of the world.

Sports and American Culture  

0.5 Credit 
Course No. 190
Level 2
Trimesters: 1

Among many twenty-first-century Americans, the culture of sport has become something of a national obsession.  How did we, as a nation, arrive at such a place? In what ways has race and gender within the world of sport mirrored or differed from the racial and gender inequities of American society? How different is our national sporting culture from a century ago?  How different is our sporting culture from that of other countries today?  How engrained has sports become in our “everyday culture”?  These are some of the questions explored in this Sports and American Culture course.  While this course largely concentrates on the late 20th century and the 21st century, students will learn how sports have developed with regards to different issues. We will explore the athlete as a popular cultural hero, issues of gender and race in the sporting world, and the extent to which debates within the sporting world have changed over time, in addition to examining the history of different sports, particularly those we think of as “national” sports.

World Traveler  

0.5 Credit  
Course No. 188
Level 2
Trimesters: 1

Consider a class experience in the form of a 60 day global travel experience.   World Traveler integrates multicultural and multi-continental study, interdisciplinary coursework and techniques in safe travel into a comparative education that is truly global.  This course is intended to stimulate our students’ desire for future travel, arm them with the tools to experience cultures outside their comfort zone, and ensure meaningful engagement in the global community.

AP U.S. History    

1.5 DHHS Credits                                              
Course No.171
(U.S. History to 1877: HIST 1501 & U.S. History since 1877: HIST 1502)  8 UCONN Credits
Level 1
Trimesters: 3

Prerequisite:  A level 1 social studies course with a minimum grade of B- or a level 2 social studies course with a minimum grade of A- and a genuine interest in the subject.

This course provides the student with an in-depth study of U.S. History.  Emphasis is placed on the development of writing, critical thinking, oral participation, and research skills.  Original source documents are examined, and extensive reading in economic, cultural, intellectual, and political history is assigned.  Students who exhibit a seriousness of purpose, a positive attitude towards education, and high academic potential are encouraged to select this course. A summer assignment is required.  Students who select this course are expected to take the AP exam.

Homework:  The typical homework assignment in this course will take over 60 minutes to complete.
 

United States History    1 Credit                                                         Course No. 172
Level 2
Trimesters: 2

In the U.S. History course, students will explore the themes of liberty, equality, opportunity, and America’s place in the world through the historical lenses of the incredibly diverse groups that make up the American identity. In each unit of study, students will have the opportunity to engage in deep learning through inquiry and an increased focus on historical thinking. Learning in this course relies extensively on the reading and interpretation of primary sources and other forms of historical evidence, independent research, and the clear communication of ideas. By the end of the course, students will have developed their own understandings of how the United States has become what it is, and will be empowered to shape the nation in the 21st century.

AP European History    

1.5 DHHS Credits                                                                    
Course No. 192
(Modern Western Traditions: HIST 1400)   8 UCONN Credits
Level 1     
Trimesters: 3  

Prerequisite:  A level 1 social studies course with a minimum grade of B- or a level 2 social studies course with a minimum grade of A- and a genuine interest in the subject.

As part of the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience Program, this course will give students the opportunity to earn three (3) college credits which are accepted by many other colleges in addition to the University of Connecticut. Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit. This course also will allow students the opportunity to prepare for the Advanced Placement European History Exam. 

During the course, the Renaissance period is studied as a transition from ancient to modern times. Eighteenth century economics, political and scientific revolutions are related to nineteenth and twentieth century problems of expansion, war, and peace. Students should be prepared to read widely, to examine historical documents carefully, and to evaluate historical interpretations critically. A summer assignment is required.

Homework:  The typical homework assignment in this course will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
 

AP Macroeconomics  

1 Credit                                                                                    
Course No. 180
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite:  A level 1 social studies course with a minimum grade of B- or a level 2 social studies course with a minimum grade of A- and a genuine interest in the subject.

AP Macroeconomics is dedicated to studying the measures and the tools available to monitor and stimulate economic growth. Students will consider the impact of these tools on a variety of social issues such as unemployment and poverty and how economists apply them to our economy to improve our nation’s standard of living and quality of life. Particular emphasis is given to the study of Gross Domestic Production and how prices are determined. It also develops students’ familiarity with various economic indicators and performance measures, stabilization policies, financial markets, economic growth, and international economics.  
 

AP Psychology    

1.5 Credits                                                                                         
Course No. 198
Level 1
Trimesters: 3

Prerequisite:  A level 1 social studies course with a minimum grade of B- or a level 2 social studies course with a minimum grade of A- and a genuine interest in the subject.

This rigorous, activity-oriented course provides an introduction to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Readings are college-level and demand the ability to interpret and apply concepts learned in class. Students are exposed to principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology while learning the methods psychologists use in the research and study of their field.  This course will prepare students to take the AP exam.

Homework:  The typical homework assignment in this course will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Humanities    

1 Credit (0.5 Credits English  0.5 Credits Social Studies)      
Course No. 080
Level 1
Trimesters: 2

Prerequisite:   U.S. History and American Literature.

Humanities is a course intended for the very capable and highly motivated student dedicated to academic study.  The purpose of the course is to explore the interdisciplinary nature of history, literature, art, and music. The course will be co-taught by one English teacher and one history teacher, supplemented throughout the course by teacher presentations from the art and music departments.  The humanities utilize a specific way of thinking about and responding to the world, prompting people to examine and make sense of the human experience in general and their individual experiences in particular.  The humanities enable people to reflect upon their lives and ask fundamental questions of value, purpose, and meaning in a rigorous and systematic way about the challenges faced in their families, their communities, and as a nation.  The Humanities course requires students to read extensively and critically, make presentations, respond to materials in written essays, and to actively participate in discussions.  

Homework:  The typical homework assignment in this course will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.