Social Studies Department

For an Advanced Regents Diploma:
4 Credits of Social Studies | Passed Exams: Global History Regents & U.S. History Regents

For a Regents Diploma:
4 Credits of Social Studies | Passed Exams: Global History Regents & U.S. History Regents

Social Studies Course Offerings

Social Studies 7

Social Studies 7 focuses on a chronologically organized study of United States and New York State History. The New York State Department of Education has developed five learning standards that guide this course. These standards are: History of the United States and New York State; Work History as it pertains to the USA; Geography; Economics; Civics, Citizenship and Government.

Social Studies 8

The second half of the chronologically organized study of the United States and New York State History. The New York State Learning Standards provide a framework for this class.

Global History and Geography 9 – 1 Credit

Fulfills 1 of 4 Credits of Social Studies required for either a NYS Regents Diploma or an Advanced Regents Diploma. The curriculum of this course consists of an in-depth study of world history from ancient times to the Age of Revolution. Themes emphasized include belief systems, conflict, diversity, economic systems, environment, geography, human rights, imperialism, interdependence, justice migration, nationalism and political systems.

Global History and Geography 10 – 1 Credit

Prerequisites: Global History and Geography 9

Fulfills 1 of 4 Credits of Social Studies required for either a NYS Regents Diploma or an Advanced Regents Diploma. The curriculum of this course consists of an in-depth study of world history from 1750 to the present. Themes emphasized include belief systems, conflict, diversity, economic systems, environment, geography, human rights, imperialism, interdependence, justice, migration, nationalism and political systems. A Regents examination will be administered in Global History & Geography upon completion of this course.

U.S. History and Government 11 – 1 Credit

Fulfills 1 of 4 Credits of Social Studies required for either a NYS Regents Diploma or an Advanced Regents Diploma. Grade 11 begins with the colonial and constitutional foundations of the United States and explores the government structure and functions written in the Constitution. The development of the nation and the political, social, and economic factors that led to the challenges our nation faced in the Civil War are addressed. Industrialization, urbanization, and the accompanying problems are examined, along with America’s emergence as a world power, the two world wars of the 20th century, and the Cold War. Students explore the expansion of the federal government, the threat of terrorism, and the place of the United States in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. The culminating assessment is the United States History and Government Regents exam.

AP World History: Modern – 1 Credit

Prerequisites: Students will need to have earned a 90% or better overall course average in Global 9, received a recommendation from the Global 9 teacher attesting to the ability to perform in a college-level course, and successfully completed a designated summer assignment prior to the beginning of the course in September.

Fulfills 1 of 4 Credits of Social Studies required for either a NYS Regents Diploma or an Advanced Regents Diploma (in lieu of Global Studies 10) This course is an introductory college-level modern world history course where students investigate significant events, individuals, developments and processes from 1200 to present day. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. In addition to the AP exam in World History administered in May, students are also responsible for passing the New York State Global Studies & Geography Regents in June.

AP U.S. History – 1 Credit

Prerequisites: Students will need to have earned a 90% or better overall course average in Global 10, received a recommendation from the Global 10 teacher attesting to the ability to perform in a college-level course, and successfully completed a designated summer assignment prior to the beginning of the course in September.

Fulfills 1 of 4 Credits of Social Studies required for either a NYS Regents Diploma or an Advanced Regents Diploma (in lieu of U.S. History and Government 11). This course in American History is designed to prepare the self-motivated student in the subject matter and also for college-level work in any Humanities course. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis in both thought and writing. Students in this course take the AP exam in May and the New York State Regents Exam in United States History and Government in June.

Social Studies 12: Political and Economic Systems – 1 Credit

The study of economics and government in Grade 12 aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to function as informed citizens in our society and the world. There is a required 25 hour community service component of the course.

History of Sport (Distance Learning Class) – 1 Credit

This elective will examine the development of sport(s) in America as well as throughout world history. Our historical study will focus on helping students gain a better understanding of the inner relationship that sport has on social, economic, cultural and political forces that are at work in the United States as well as the world. We will examine the historical context as well as the significance of gender, race, ethnicity and social class. We will do our historical investigation through readings, primary sources, audio and visual materials as well as class discussions and guests. We will unlock the mystery “hold” that sport has on the American public through our analysis and discussion.

Academic Intervention Services (AIS) in Social Studies

This course is designed to support students struggling in this academic domain. A class is available for 7th and 8th graders and another is designed for grades 9-12. Eligibility is based on under-performance on a state assessment and/or teacher recommendation.