Social Science

American Studies (Part 1 - Grade 9):

The History and Government of an Emerging Nation
Description:  The American Studies course is an innovative 2-year analysis of American society and government.  Beginning with a study of the indigenous peoples of America, through the formation of the U.S. government, the early struggles of nationhood to the epic struggle of the Civil War and Reconstruction, students will immerse themselves in the early American experience.   Students will carefully examine the events, the people’s lives, and the political decisions that have shaped our nation.  Throughout the first year, particular attention will be given to the evolving structure and identity of the United States government.   Through special focus units, students will experience in “real historical time” the challenges of creating the first modern democracy by debating the fundamental principles upon which our nation rests. While students contemplate the early nation’s struggle to define itself, students will be challenged to apply these principles to issues facing contemporary America.  This educational “time travel” will serve to further excite and enlighten students to a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between past and present. 
American Studies (Part 2 - Grade 10):

The Emergence of the Contemporary American Identity
Description:  In the second year of American Studies, students will seek to apply the lessons of the past.  The students will follow the American experience from the birth of the industrial revolution and its overarching impact on 20^th century society, to an in-depth analysis of America’s role in the world from its emergence on the international scene, the perils of war, to the preeminent establishment and responsibility of “superpowerdom”.  Special focus will be devoted to building a greater understanding of American economic policy, successes and failures, to the establishment of modern economic attitudes.  Throughout this course, the underlying theme will be the experience of average Americans attempting to navigate this changing world and value structure for themselves and their families.  Particular note will be paid to the role of the individual, who epitomizes the emergent American character, time and time again standing strong and ultimately directing the course of American policy.  Upon completion of this 2-year course, students will have a firm understanding of American identity, government, history, and the values that not only link us to our past, but one another.
American Studies – Honors (Grade 10)

Description:  The Honors American Studies course is a rigorous program of study.  The material parallels the American studies course while providing a more in-depth examination of economic, political, social, and intellectual material.  The honors course includes extensive outside readings, writing, meetings, and projects.  Academically talented and motivated students are expected to work independently and approach the subject matter in a more abstract and conceptual manner.  Students fulfilling the Honors Credit Option will be well prepared to take the SAT II in U.S. history in June.

Modern World History (Grade 11)

Description: Modern World History covers more than just European history. The course consists of four major units of study. The first unit focuses on European Renaissance and Reformation, economic changes in Europe, and the impact of European expansionism on indigenous societies outside Europe as well as on Europeans themselves. We will also explore some non-European societies that flourished during this time (Ottoman, Chinese, and Japanese). Unit two examines the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, political revolutions in Europe (French in particular), and the changing economic patterns throughout the world (Marxism, Capitalism, Industrialization). The third unit is an investigation of nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the alliance system of the late 19th and early 20th centuries – in short the forces which led to World War I. Unit four focuses on the world at war (WWl and WWll,) as well as the Russian Revolution, and the inter-war years.

Modern World – Honors (Grade 11)

Description:  Honors Modern World History is a rigorous program of study.  The material parallels the regular World History course while providing a more in-depth examination of the information.  The honors course includes additional outside readings, writing, meetings and projects.  Academically motivated students are expected to work independently and approach the subject matter in a more abstract and conceptual manner.

Advanced Placement – European History (Grade 11)

Description:  This course places attention on understandings equivalent to those gained in a college level introductory course.  Emphasis is on the general narrative of European history from 1450.  The study also includes an examination of the political and diplomatic, intellectual and cultural, and social and economic history of Europe.  Students learn and use higher order cognitive skills that derive from the discipline of the history itself.  The course is facilitated by a heavy emphasis on the development of writing skills.

SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVES – Grades 11-12

Modern Jewish History
This course will cover the past 200 years in Jewish history. The first semester will focus on Emancipation in Europe, the rise of nationalism, reactions to the failure of Emancipation—namely Reform Judaism, Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment), and Zionism, and the response of the orthodox community to those movements. The students will then examine early Zionist movements; their struggles to live in Mandate Palestine, and the birth of the Jewish state. During the second semester, the focus will shift to the impact of the Holocaust and the destruction of European Jewry, eventually leading to the realities of having a Jewish state in the Middle East. The students will debate contemporary issues and learn important Israel advocacy skills.

Government and Street Law
Government and Street Law is a course designed to challenge students to closely examine the inner workings of the American governmental process, contemporary issues, and the basic legal and constitutional rights of every citizen.  Students will come to understand that politics is not an abstract process but a very human enterprise, one involving interaction among individuals from all walks of life.  Students will be encouraged to think critically and write about issues facing American society today.  Through the use of “real life” scenarios, students will learn practical information and problem solving skills.  It is the ultimate goal of this course to promote students’ responsibility and effectiveness in operating within the American legal and political framework.

Technology and Society
This course will look at the social implications of ongoing technological change in four areas:  surveillance technology, such as cameras and databases; computer technology, such as artificial intelligence; biotechnology, such as gene therapy and drugs that enhance human capabilities; and entertainment technology, such as video games.  What are the challenges that these technologies pose for such human values as privacy, human dignity, fairness, equal opportunity, and sense of community? Students will be assigned to read books and other source materials that are at a college level.  They will write papers that summarize and critique the readings.  Class discussion will be an important part of the course and of each student's grade.

Advanced Placement – Comparative Government
The AP course in Comparative Government and Politics is the equivalent of a one semester introductory college course in Comparative Politics. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists in Comparative Politics. The course asks students to compare countries within a wide variety of core political concepts such as legitimacy, political culture, and institutions of government. Major themes of comparative politics such as globalization, democratization, and the importance of economic change will also be addressed. The course requires that students compare six countries (China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia) within the framework of these concepts and themes.

Advanced Placement – Psychology
AP Psychology is equivalent to an introductory college level psychology course.   Students focus on the various philosophical approaches to psychology, familiarize themselves with the types and methods of psychological research, identify and distinguish between the distinct facets of human behavior and cognition, and identify various psychological disorders and treatments.