Sequence of Social Studies Courses: World History, US History 1 and 2. Three years of History ( one of World History and 2 of US History ) are required by the State of NJ. Students who take music as freshmen may choose to begin their study of history with World History as sophomores. Electives are offered to juniors and seniors.
World History CP
Grade 9 - 10 The course in World History seeks to provide students with background and knowledge concerning the nature of man that will enable students to understand how political, economic, social and cultural forces shaped the world in which they live. The course highlights and compares similarities and differences among nations, governments and people. Study skills are developed with the aid of the text references that help to clarify concepts and improve vocabulary. Topics that are covered include the earliest civilizations, through the Twentieth Century, as students are provided with opportunities to study western and non-western civilizations. Emphasis is placed on relating the past to the present. This course in World History meets the standards set in place by the State of New Jersey.
World History H
Grade 9 - 10
In addition to the above course, students placed in honors are expected to analyze and integrate issues demonstrating historical scholarship through position papers, oral presentations, technology assignments and intelligent essay writing. Placement is determined by standardized test scores, eighth grade marks, and teacher recommendations.
US History 1 CP
Grade 10 - 11 US History CP explores the beginnings of civilization in our hemisphere with the emphasis on the United States. The course begins with the review of the early South American cultures and will include the explorations and the early colonization period. The development of self-government will be examined followed by a study of the American Revolution, our first attempts at unification, and their effect upon the framing of the U.S. Constitution. The formation of political parties and the rise of nationalsim and sectionalsim will be research as well as theri impact on the American Civil War. The course includes a study of the Reconstruction Period and the opening of the West.
US History 1 H
Grade 10 - 11 US History 1 H covers the growth of the United States from early colonization to the end of the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed on the origins of the United States in world affairs and the development of our present political and economic systems. Extensive reading and writing is standard course procedure. At least one major research paper is required.
US History 1 AP
Grade 10 - 11 US History 1 AP is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the events of United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials, their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and importance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An AP United States History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions based on informed judgments and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay and/or oral format.
US History 2 CP
Grade 12 US History 2 CP begins with the twentieth century and continues to the present. Emphasis is placed on the major modern wars: World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War and the Iraqi war. Concurrent with the study of past history is a current events program aimed at acquainting the students with major national and international affairs. The use of technological research and primary and secondary sources allow students the opportunity to critique and analyze American policy decisions. At least one major research paper is required.
US History 2 H
Grade 12
US History 2 H is a study of the domestic and foreign policy of the United States from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Included in this study is the changing role of the United States in world affairs as well as the problems and opportunities stemming from economic change. The use of technological research and primary and secondary sources allow students the opportunity to critique and analyze American policy decisions. The students create and maintain a webpage and newspaper entitled Child Slave Labor News. A research paper is required in the first and second semesters.
US History 2 AP
Grade 12 US History 2 AP is the second part of the two-year sequence of Advanced Placement U.S. History. Please refer to U.S. History I AP for the course description and requirements. Students are encouraged to take the final examination.
The New Jersey Experience CP - Semester elective
Credits Grades 11 -12 This second semester course surveys New Jersey history from its beginnings as a proprietary colony of Great Britain to the present. Emphasis will be placed on such factors as the functions of state government, society, culture and geography, and changing demographics that have been influential in determining the character of the state today.
American Government Honors
Grades 11 -12
American Government provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies will be emphasized. Students will understand the familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. A research/position paper is required in each quarter in addition to essays, quizzes, tests and short term projects.
AP History of Art and Civilization
Grade 12 AP History of Art and Civilization is designed to provide the student with an understanding and enjoyment of architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms with historical and cultural contexts. Students examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety of cultures. They learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and to articulate what they see or experience. No prior exposure to art history is required. However, students who have done well in other courses in the humanities, such as history and literature, or in studio art are especially encouraged to enroll. Students will also create studio projects based on the topics covered.
AP European History
Grade 12
AP European History is a college level course intended for the advanced student. It is designed to help students to develop an understanding of the principal themes and eras in European History. The focus will be on important events, personalities and trends from the fifteenth century through the beginnings of the twenty-first century; the Renaissance to through the European Union. Through intensive readings, lectures, discussions, activities and written essays and articles, the successful student will gain a thorough knowledge of the political, economic, social and diplomatic history of Europe. Prerequisite: Consideration of GPA (with an emphasis on Social Studies and English), teacher recommendation and department approval.
Introduction to Ethics - Semester elective
Grade 11-12
This course focuses on the personal and professional judgments made by individuals with respect to ethics. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the philosophy of ethics and give them a firm grounding in the theortical foundations of Ethics. From the Greeks to the twentieth century analytical movements, students will trace the difffering treatment of the concepts such as "good", "the good", "right", "wrong", "evil", and the notion of justice. These concepts will be discussed and applied as they relate to present day topics, including: Health Care, Science, Religion, Politics, Business, and Education.
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