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Social Studies
You are about to embark on a journey through history.
This is a four-year trip you will never forget. It begins with:OVERVIEW OF COURSE OFFERINGS
Students are required to take four years of social studies classes. At the end of their freshman year, students must pass their Global history Course learning the necessary skills to be better historical readers and writers. At the end of their sophomore year, students must pass with over a 65 the New York State Global History and Geography Regents exam. In their junior year, Students must pass their United States History course and pass with over a 65 the New York State American History and Government Regents exam. In their senior year students are enrolled in the last two courses required by New York State: Participation in Government and Economics.
The department also offers qualified students the opportunity to enroll in Advanced Placement classes in their sophomore, junior, and senior years. Advanced Placement course offerings include: AP World History; AP United States History; AP psychology and AP Government.
GLOBAL HISTORY YEAR 1
This year long course begins our journey to examine world history. This course reviews human history from the Paleolithic period through the end of the Middle Ages in Europe and the rise of Islam. The course continues with a focus on the changes that occurred over a 500 year period from the 14th century to the end of the 19th century. Exploring the Renaissance and Enlightenment in Europe and moves forward to include the growth of European nationalism and imperialism.
GLOBAL HISTORY YEAR 2
The second year of Global History focuses on twentieth century changes in world history. It examines the causes and effects of the Russian and Chinese communist revolutions and World War I and World War II. It also looks at the impact of the Cold War and Contemporary world problems. Skill development focuses on teaching students to interpret graphs, charts, maps, timelines, and other primary source documents. Emphasis is placed on the development of essay writing skills with a focus on Regents-style thematic and DBQ essays.
UNITED STATES HISTORY
This one year course investigates America’s earliest democratic roots through the rapid industrialization after the Civil War. The course continues into the early 20th century to the present day. Issues such as imperialism, foreign policy, civil rights and the U.S. emergence as a super power will be explored. Skill development emphasizes the interpretation of primary source documents and the writing of Regents-style thematic essay and document based essays in preparation for the United States History and Government Regents in June.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT
This is a required course that is taken in the fall semester. Students will study the complex structure of our government and analyze, monitor and discuss governmental issues and policies. Real and substantive issues concerning varying national and international levels will be integrated into the framework of the class.
ECONOMICS
This is a required course that is taken in the spring semester. The study of economics will provide students with the economic knowledge and skills that enable them to function as informed and economically literate citizens and our society. The course emphasizes rational decision-making and encourages students to become wiser consumers.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY
Students who may be recommended into an Advanced Placement (AP) World History college-level course in their sophomore year. Students tackle advanced-level questions in world history using primary source documents and a college-level text for reference. In May students are invited to take a College Board exam in World History. Students who do well on this exam can earn college-level credits.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT US HISTORY
The U. S. History Advanced Placement course encompasses two terms. The course begins with the exploration of the New World and ends in May with the Bush administration. Students tackle advanced-level questions in US history using primary source documents and a college-level text for reference. In May students are invited to take a College Board exam in US History. Students who do well on this exam can earn college-level credits.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT
Students who do exceptionally well in their sophomore or junior year may be recommended into an Advanced Placement (AP) US Government college-level course. Students research and analyze political issues and policies using web-based resources and a college-level text for reference. In May students are invited to take a College Board exam in US Government. Students who do well on this exam can earn college-level credits.
WHERE CAN WE GET HELP IN SOCIAL STUDIES?
First please talk to your Social Studies Teacher: Every Wednesday they offer tutoring selected periods.
The following are online resources for additional support in Social Studies:
1. NYSED Office of State Assessment: United States History and Government Regents Examinations
This website has the United States History and Government Regents Examinations from prior years.
2. NYSED Office of State Assessment: Global History and Geography Regents Examinations
This website has the Global History and Geography Regents Examinations from prior years.
Click on “Full Video”, and you will see U.S. History and you will see instruction and videos on Global History and Geography.
4. Khan Academy
Click on “Subjects”, to locate the subject you need help with.
Practice questions in both Global History and U.S. history. The first time you sign on put your Student ID and leave the password blank. You will be instructed to set up a password.
Reading materials to review the topics in both Global History and U.S. History as well as practice questions from past exams.
7. Quizlet
Type in the topic that you need to review in Social Studies. Then review using their flashcard feature, games, and practice tests.
