Social Studies

World History and Geography
This Grade 6 course focuses on a chronologically organized study of world history and geography. Some of the topics covered in this course are: early humans and ancient Middle Eastern cultures; the Egyptian empires; the dynasties of ancient China; the civilizations of ancient Greece; the Roman Empire; Medieval Europe; the origins and impact of Islamic Empires; and the empires of Central and South America. Students will engage in many activities, writing assignments, and projects in order to make world history and geography come alive. It is the goal of this course to achieve each of the New York State Learning Standards in order to help each student build a sound foundation in Social Studies.

United States and New York State History
This Grade 7 course focuses on a chronologically organized study of the United States and New York State history. One of the primary objectives for this course is to teach students the importance of personal responsibility, organization, and interdependence so that these skills can be carried over into future classes. Participants in this course begin their studies with a discussion of the social sciences and the impact it has on their lives. Students will finish this course discussing the differences between northern and southern societies in the 19th century and the impact of slavery on American culture and politics. Some of the topics discussed are: the impact of European exploration and settlement on Native Americans; the causes of the American Revolution; the failures of the Articles of Confederation and the birth of the U.S. Constitution; westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny; and the impact of the first Industrial Revolution and Erie Canal on the growth of New York State and the United States. Students will explore all topics covered in this class by analyzing and evaluating primary and secondary sources as well as engaging in many other activities and writing assignments and projects. It is the goal of this course to achieve each of New York State educational standards in order to prepare students for the New York State 8th Grade Social Studies exam.

United States and New York State History
This Grade 8 course focuses on a chronologically organized study of United States and New York State history. Members of this class will be required to work independently and cooperatively with other students depending on the objectives to be accomplished. Students begin their studies with an in-depth look at the causes of the Civil War and finish with an analysis of post World War II America and the challenges faced by our society. Some of the other topics discussed are: the Second Industrial Revolution and the modernization of the United States; America’s role in global politics and the birth of the United States as a world power; the causes and impact of the Great Depression; and the role played by the United States during World War II and the Cold War. Students will explore all topics covered in this class by researching, analyzing, and evaluating primary and secondary sources. Students are also asked to use these sources of information as a means of creating original pieces of writing. It is the goal of this course to achieve each of New York State educational standards in order to prepare students for the New York State 8th Grade Social Studies Exam.

Global History 9
This course is the first year of a two year Global History Curriculum. It begins by discussing current human rights issues throughout the world and continues with the study of the first civilizations, tracing the development of the ideals of human rights. The curriculum continues through the classic civilizations of Greece and Rome, Medieval Europe, the Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Discovery, Colonization and Colonial Independence. Current international events will be discussed throughout the year. The Global History Regent Exam is administered at the end of Grade 10 and an emphasis will be placed on not only the content needed to prepare for this exam, but also the skills needed for writing the Document Based Question (DBQ) Essay.

Global History 10
This course is the second year of a two-year Global History curriculum. The focus of this course is on Revolutions (French, Russian, Chinese, Industrial), World Wars I and II, and the fall of communism. Current international events will be discussed throughout the year. There is a Global History Regents exam at the end of 10th grade, and an emphasis will be placed not only on the content needed to prepare for this exam, but also on the skills needed for writing the Document Based Question (DBQ) Essay.

U.S. History and Government
This Grade 11 course is designed to give students the knowledge of our country’s history and government that they will need to be active participants in our democracy. After studying the causes of the American Revolution, the study the Constitution and our federal system of government ensues. The remainder of the course looks at historical challenges to our constitution, such as the Civil War, the Great Depression and WW II, focusing on efforts to improve our system of government, such as the Women’s Rights Movement, the Progressive Era, the New Deal, and the Civil Rights Movement. Current events will be discussed throughout the year.
A Regent Exam is administered at the end of the course with an emphasis placed on the content needed to prepare for this exam and also on the skills needed for writing the Document Based Question (DBQ) Essay.
 
Participation in Government
Participation in Government is a half-year course required of Grade 12 students for graduation in New York State high schools. Participation in Government stresses student awareness and involvement in government and governmental process. Through involvement in local government, students become aware of the important role that each citizen plays in their community, as well as on the state and national level. In addition to active involvement, students are involved in in-depth study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights as they relate to the interaction between citizen and government.

Economics 12
Economics is a half-year course for Grade 12 students. Economics is also a NYS required course for graduation. Economics is a survey course that looks at a broad range of economic topics both at home and abroad. The course challenges students to relate academic material to real world situations that they will encounter entering the post secondary world. As part of the course, students look at advertising, decision-making, and economic goal setting as they relate to each inpidual.

Your Parents History
Your Parents History is offered to juniors and seniors every other year. The course looks at U.S. History from 1960 through the present from a social perspective. Students study and evaluate social changes and development in American society. Using decades as units of study, the course effectively provides students with detailed information that standard, non-elective courses cannot. Students are encouraged to look at issues from a variety of perspectives to gain a complete understanding of our history and future.

Conflicts in American History
Conflicts in American History is offered every other year to juniors and seniors as a social studies elective. The course looks at American History from the perspective of its involvement in war. Students look in-depth at the nature of conflict itself as well as the French and Indian War, the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam and conflicts in the gulf region. The course allows for a level of detail that a regular high school history course cannot dedicate the time to. Issues of technological development, strategy and U.S. foreign policy are all incorporated into the discussion of each war. Students leave the course with an appreciation for Americans’ sacrifice and the important role America as had as a world leader.

Adirondack History
Adirondack History is a full year elective course offered to juniors and seniors. The course combines primary and secondary readings, lectures and field studies to enlighten students about the unique and dynamic region they live. In the first half of the course, students survey Adirondack history from the French and Indian War to the present. Logging, mining, recreational development and the romantic era are all covered. Students in the second half of the year focus on economics and development in the region. Issues of land use and development, preservation and the conflicting desires between park residents are all topic that are presented to focus the students on this important and ever-changing issue in the Adirondack Park.

Senior Seminar 12
Senior Seminar is a full year course offered to all seniors. Senior Seminar addresses a wide variety of issues that students face in the post-secondary world. Issues of credit and finance, decision-making, college and dorm life, interviewing and ethical development are all topics which students are confronted with. Students are encouraged to actively discuss the concerns and frustrations they are facing at this critical juncture in their lives. The emphasis is placed on practical, useful, and accurate information that students will be able to use in the very near future.

 

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