Social Studies Department

The Social Studies Department offers a curriculum that challenges students to make informed, reasoned, and value-based decisions. Pupils are encouraged to become responsible citizens of our culturally diverse, democratic society and knowledgeable participants in an interdependent world. Learning experiences are active, requiring students to create, role-play, simulate, debate, and present multimedia research projects. The Social Studies curriculum requires students to study United States history, world history, and to select from AP offerings or from a variety of electives in their freshman year.


The completion of a research paper is a requirement of each of these year-long courses.


History Courses

  • Global History and Geography 1

    Grade 9 - Yearlong course

    In this course, students will study world history from ancient civilizations to the early modern period. They’ll explore key events, regions, and cultures that shaped the world. Honors students will dive deeper into historical analysis and engage in more advanced projects and discussions.



  • Global History and Geography 2

    Grade 10 - Yearlong course

    This course continues the study of world history, focusing on the modern era, including the development of nations, conflicts, and globalization. Students will examine how geography and politics influenced global events. Honors students will explore these topics in more detail through research, case studies, and in-depth projects.


  • AP World History

    Grade 9-10 - Yearlong course

    This AP course covers global history from 1200 CE to the present, focusing on the development of nations, global trade, and the rise of modern ideologies. Students will analyze major events and movements that shaped the modern world, preparing for the AP exam through independent research and primary source analysis.


    Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.


  • AP European History

    Grade 9-10 - Yearlong course

    In this AP course, students will study the history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present day, including the Reformation, Enlightenment, World Wars, and European integration. They will analyze historical events and trends through research and discussions, preparing for the AP exam.


    Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.


  • United States History or United States History H

    Grade 11 - Yearlong course

    This course covers U.S. history from the colonial period to the present. Students will learn about important historical events, figures, and trends, and explore how the country developed socially, politically, and economically. Honors students will go deeper into U.S. history by analyzing primary sources and engaging in more complex discussions and projects.


  • AP United States History

    Grade 11 - Yearlong course

    This AP course covers U.S. history from the colonial period to the present, focusing on key events, figures, and historical movements. Students will engage in advanced analysis of primary sources and conduct independent research to prepare for the AP exam.


    Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.



    Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation.


Social Sciences Core Courses

  • AP Human Geography

    Grade 9-12 - Yearlong course

    In this AP course, students will study the relationship between humans and their environment, exploring topics like population, migration, and urbanization. They will analyze data and case studies to understand geographical patterns. 

  • United States Government and Politics or United States Government and Politics H

    Grade 11-12 -Yearlong course

    Students will study the structure and function of the U.S. government, including the Constitution, political parties, elections, and the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Honors students will explore these topics in greater depth, focusing on case studies and the analysis of real-world political issues.

  • AP United States Government and Politics

    Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

    In this AP course, students will study the U.S. political system, including the Constitution, elections, and public policy. They will engage in case studies and analyze current political issues, preparing for the AP exam with advanced discussions and research.


    Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.

  • AP Comparative Government and Politics

    Grade 12 - Yearlong course

    In this AP course, students will compare political systems around the world, including democracies, authoritarian regimes, and political institutions. They will study governments in countries like the U.S., China, Russia, and the United Kingdom and prepare for the AP exam through research and analysis.


    Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.

  • Economics or Economics H

    Grade 11-12 - Semester course

    In this course, students will learn about supply and demand, market structures, and personal finance. They will also study the global economy and learn how economic decisions impact everyday life. Honors students will explore more complex economic theories, such as fiscal policy, and engage in deeper research on current economic issues.

  • AP Economics

    Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course


    AP Economics: Microeconomics

    In this AP course, students will study the behavior of individuals, firms, and markets. Topics include supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior. Students will prepare for the AP exam through case studies, simulations, and advanced problem-solving.


    AP Economics: Macroeconomics

    This AP course focuses on the economy as a whole, covering topics like inflation, unemployment, monetary policy, and international trade. Students will engage in research and analysis of global economic issues and prepare for the AP exam with advanced problem-solving and discussions


    Students enrolled in this course are required to take two AP examinations in May: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.  No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.


    Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation.

  • AP African American Studies

    Grade 10-12 - Yearlong course

    This AP course explores the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans from the colonial period to the present. Students will study major events, movements, and figures, and engage in independent research and analysis of African American history and its impact on the United States.



Social Sciences Electives Courses

  • Civics and Citizenship

    Grade 11-12 - Semester course

    This course introduces students to the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. Topics include voting, political participation, and understanding government. Honors students will take a deeper look at political theory and the role of citizens in shaping government policies.



    Prerequisite: US History 

  • Psychology or Psychology H

    Grade 11-12 - Semester Course

    Students will explore the science of the human mind and behavior. Topics include learning, memory, personality, mental health, and psychological disorders. Honors students will study more advanced psychological theories, conduct experiments, and engage in deeper research projects.

  • AP Psychology

    Grade 11-12 - Yearlong course

    This AP course covers the science of behavior and mental processes, including topics like cognition, development, personality, and mental disorders. Students will engage in research, case studies, and advanced problem-solving, preparing for the AP exam through critical analysis of psychological concepts.



    Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May. No final exam is administered in this course in the spring semester.


    Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students have grades of "A" or "B" in the current honors or AP level Social Studies core course and recommendation from a member of the Social Studies Department.

  • Sociology

    Grade 11-12 - Semester course

    This course covers the study of society and human behavior, including socialization, culture, and institutions. Students will examine how individuals and groups interact within different social structures. Honors students will conduct independent research and study advanced sociological concepts.

  • Criminology

    Grade 11-12 - Semester course

    In this course, students are introduced to the basic concepts of criminology, which is the study of criminal behavior. Students will learn about the different types of crime and why and who usually commits them.


  • World Religions

    Grade 10-12 - Semester course

    In this course, students will explore the major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. They will examine the beliefs, practices, and histories of these religions and their cultural impact. Honors students will analyze these religions in greater depth, focusing on their influence on world events and societies.

  • Social Issues

    Grade 11-12 - Semester course

    This course examines important contemporary social issues like inequality, human rights, and environmental concerns. Students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they study possible solutions to these challenges. 

  • Criminology

    Grade 11-12 - Semester course

    This college-level course focuses on the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Students will learn about law enforcement, courts, and corrections. 

  • World Religions

    Grade 10-12 - Semester course

    In this course, students will explore the major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. They will examine the beliefs, practices, and histories of these religions and their cultural impact. Honors students will analyze these religions in greater depth, focusing on their influence on world events and societies.

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