US History 1 (Grade 9 – One Semester Length – 5 credits)
This course examines the American experience from the beginnings of the New World through the 1920’s. Emphasis is placed on the social, political, economic, and geographic forces that have shaped the multi-faceted growth of the United States. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to develop the ability to apply their insights into the past to their understanding of, and involvement in, present and future issues of national concern. The Honors level in United States History I parallels the content of the United States History I course. However, due to the extra reading assignments, analytical essay writing, and research papers, a student should read with facility and be capable of working with a minimum amount of supervision.
US History 2 (Grade 10 – One Semester Length – 5 credits)
United States History II examines the development of the United States from the Great Depression to the present. Major areas of study include social legislation, 20th Century Wars, the New Deal, United States foreign policy, United States domestic policy, and trends of the 21st Century. The content of the Honors course in United States History II parallels the content of the United States History II course. Since the process of inquiry, investigation, and study are always stressed rather than just the acquisition of predetermined factual information, instruction in the use of critical analysis and its applicability to social, economic, political, and geographic questions, both past and present, is of equal importance to content. At the honors level students will be required to demonstrate a greater proficiency in creating written and oral arguments, as well as conducting and completing independent research projects that incorporate primary and secondary source documents
World History (Grade 11 – One Semester Length – 5 credits)
World History focuses on learning about political, economic, and social institutions throughout the world. Students will learn the processes of imperialism, and decolonization will be explored in the context of the Industrial Revolution and the two World Wars. Major emphasis is placed on the development of new political forms such as mass democracy and totalitarianism and the competing economic systems of capitalism, socialism, and communism. Areas of focus will be Islam & Crusades, Renaissance & Reformation, Europe & Asia, Columbian Exchange, Monarchs in Europe, Enlightenment & American Revolution, French Revolution & Napoleon, Revolutions in Europe & the Americas, Industrial Revolution, Nationalism & New Imperialism, and the World Wars. At the honors level, students will be required to demonstrate greater proficiency in creating written and oral arguments as well as conducting and completing independent research projects that incorporate primary and secondary sources.
Civics and Economics (Grades 10-12 – One Semester Length – 5 credits)
Civics: Government and Economics focuses on American Society and the Foundations of Economics. Students will analyze what it means to be a citizen and what it took for our forefathers to create a lasting government. They will examine why it is important to be involved when balancing power. Money, Banking, and finance will be addressed and related to aspects of personal life decisions in the future. Civics Honors focuses on the same content as the Civic course. At the honors level, students will be required to demonstrate greater proficiency in creating written and oral arguments as well as conducting and completing independent research projects that incorporate primary and secondary sources. (This course may satisfy the financial literacy graduation requirement.)
Behavioral Studies (Grades 10-12 – One Semester Length – 5 credits)
The Behavioral Studies course emphasizes those branches of the behavioral sciences that provide an analysis of human behavior both in groups and as individuals. Areas of focus include sociological point of view, cultural diversity, cultural conformity & adaptation, social structions, adolescents & adults in society, social stratification, racial & ethnic relations, gender & age, and family structure. This class includes a number of “hands-on” activities such as role playing, group work and presentations, and simulations. To help the student understand and participate more effectively in our modern world, the content for this course may be drawn from sociology, psychology, anthropology, and/or geography. Behavioral Studies Honors focuses on the same content as the regular course. At the honors level, students will be required to demonstrate greater proficiency in creating written and oral arguments as well as conducting and completing independent research projects that incorporate primary and secondary sources.