Offered Courses

WORLD HISTORY I
Levels 2–4 One Semester One Credit

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Educational Frameworks for Social Studies, this required program will provide students with both a chronological and selected regional approach to the study of World History beginning with a review of the causes and effects of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.  The main thrust of the course is the resulting Renaissance and its effect upon the Reformation, Scientific Revolution, and Enlightenment.  A variety of presentation styles and assessments including research projects, presentations and other performance-based assessments are incorporated within the course.

WORLD HISTORY II
Levels 2 – 4 One Semester One Credit

As a continuation of the World History I course, this required course (in conjunction with the Massachusetts Educational Frameworks for Social Studies) reviews the effects of the European Renaissance on a global scale in the 15th through 18th centuries.  The course, in particular treats:

• The relationship of the Industrial Revolution to imperialism, colonialism, militarism, and nationalism of the 19th century leading to World War I in the 20th century.
• The period between World War I and World War II, including the Great Depression and the rise of communism, totalitarianism, and fascism.
• World War II consequences including the beginning and end of the Cold War.

A variety of presentation styles and assessment including research projects, presentations and other performance-based assessments are incorporated within the course.

UNITED STATES HISTORY
Level 3 One Semester One Credit

This course is designed to provide the students with an in-depth analysis of American historical concepts.  Emphasis will be on the historical developments from the post Civil War period to the present-day.  The study will include the political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural ideas and events of the last 140 years.  Students will be able to analyze historical events, conceptualize factual data, and speculate on the outcome of particular events.  Students will be expected to compare different points of view (perspectives), discuss current events and develop written essays that will include the skills of summation and analysis.  Requirements will be a major research paper, and numerous performance tasks that may include multi-media projects, newspapers, and other tasks to be completed by the end of the course.

UNITED STATES HISTORY
Level 4 One Semester One Credit

This Honors course will provide the students with and in-depth analysis of American historical concepts, which are the foundation of American democracy.  The emphasis will stress the historical developments from the post Civil War to present-day America.  During this course, students will be expected to conceptualize factual data, analyze historical events, and speculate on the outcome of particular events.  Also, students will be expected to compare different points of view, keep abreast of current events, and develop written essays, which include the skills of summation, analysis and critical thinking.  Along with these written expectations, oral presentations will be required, and numerous other performance tasks will be completed including demographic studies, legal briefs, and multi-media presentations.

AMERICAN STUDIES
Level 3 Two Semesters Two Credits

American Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of American history and literature.  This humanities course fulfills the requirement for U.S. History and junior year English.  All students will be required to participate in all phases of the course work from individual reading assignments to group research projects, field trips, and out-of-school activities.  This course is team taught, jointly graded, and carries double weighted grade points reflecting its two period double semester length.

Extensive class participation, independent study, and oral and written projects are supplemented by the use of cultural resources found throughout the community and surrounding areas.  During the year, the class will be split into single discipline periods to allow for instruction of specific content, such as historical overview, vocabulary, grammar, research skills, and writing process.

High expectations, extensive reading, problem solving, critical and creative thinking, use of all available technologies and cooperative learning will be stressed.  Other instructional approaches will include use of multi-media and local resources, simulations, visits to appropriate historical, literary, and cultural sites, as well as more traditional methods.  Public speaking and group presentations will be encouraged.  A research paper with appropriate documentation is required.  Only one section of approximately 50 students.

MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY
Level 3 One Semester One Credit

This course involves a high level of independent work and is geared towards preparing student for the academic requirements of an undergraduate education.  It begins with the lasting consequences of the Renaissance and Reformation and continues through the 20th century.  It will also focus on developing skills versus mastering content.  The first half of the course is reading and writing intensive and includes many “seminar” discussions.   The second half will involve a variety of performance based assessments including skits, oral presentations, research projects, newspapers and a travel journal.  Problem-solving questions will be asked and issues probed to elevate the student’s critical thinking and processing skills.

SOCIOLOGY
Level 3 One Semester One Credit

This semester course is directed at the ways in which environment & social institutions such as government, schools, the economy, social class, and the family effects one’s development and influences our lives.  It is concerned with presenting various ways to understand our relationship to society and ways to change it.  The goal of this course is to discourage racism and discrimination and promote open-mindedness and the acceptance of others.  Several instructional strategies –lectures, discussions, collaborative projects, journal writing, guest speakers and experiments will be utilized.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Level 3 One Term One-Half Credit

Contemporary Issues offer students the opportunity to explore and analyze a number of political, social, economic, and environmental issues that affect Americans today and have implications for all of our futures.  The course will focus on a number of major themes with flexibility to accommodate students’ interest and current events.  Students will be encouraged to examine their own thoughts and beliefs as well as the thoughts and beliefs of others.  The course will stress research analysis, group process, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills, community involvement, and community service.

ECONOMICS
Level 3 One Term One-Half Credit

The course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of our free enterprise economic systems.  By understanding these principles, students will be better prepared as they enter the next phase of their formal education and able to function as informed consumers, workers, and citizens.  By applying the basic principles covered in the course, students will be able to make better choices when purchasing goods and services, investing their money, and borrowing money.  In addition, students will gain a greater appreciation of the advantages of living in an economic system that emphasizes and protects individual freedoms.

PUBLIC SPEAKING/DEBATE
Level 3 One Term One-Half Credit

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to be effective public speakers.  The course will review a number of speeches and give students an idea of the skills necessary for writing an effective speech.  Through the study of speeches, students will acquire insights regarding the habits of intellect through which responsible speakers examine, test and temper ideas.

Through the study of speeches, students will come to realize that speakers can adapt ideas to audiences in meaningful and socially productive ways.  The study of speeches can play an important role in the intellectual development of contemporary high school students.  Through such study, we can expect to increase our knowledge of humanity, to derive standards for the critical appraisal of public discourse, and to develop an appreciation for eminence in public address.

A/P SEMINAR IN U.S. HISTORY
Level 4 One Term One-Half Credit

Advanced placement United States History seminar is a 9-week survey of U.S. history covering the colonial period to the present.  The course will be offered to juniors and seniors for the first time in the spring of 2006.  Students wishing to take this course must have a minimum 85 average in their present U.S. history course and the recommendation of their teacher.

The course is designed to prepare students to successfully complete the advanced placement examination in U.S. history offered in May.  In addition to providing the basic narrative of the political, cultural and economic events in U.S. history, A/P U.S. history will focus on the refining of skills used to analyze historical evidence.  Students will also practice writing persuasive essays and will be exposed to the dominant themes present in American history.