This survey course will allow students to chronologically examine the evolution of civilization from its earliest origins through the modern era. The students will become acquainted with the basic evolutionary nature of world history while at the same time tracing the origins and development of many modern institutions and values. The social studies high school honors program offers qualified students the opportunity to complete their social studies requirement at a level of commitment that demands increased reading, writing, studying, and self-reliance over the comparable courses. Only students with a dedicated interest in social studies and an eagerness to excel should consider the honors courses.
This survey course will allow students to chronologically examine the evolution of civilization from its earliest origins through the modern era. The students will become acquainted with the basic evolutionary nature of world history while at the same time tracing the origins and development of many modern institutions and values.
This survey course, designed for students enrolled in Literature and English Composition, focuses upon the development of civilizations, will allow the student to examine chronologically and thematically, the evolution of civilizations (e.g. Fertile Crescent, Egypt, Greece, Rome, East and West Africa, etc.). The students will become acquainted with the basic evolutionary nature of world history, while at the same time tracing the origins and development of many modern institutions and values. Additional emphasis is placed on the development of study patterns and skill sets (including reading fluency, comprehension and active retrieval) consistent with a college preparatory model.
Prerequisites: 80% in English Honors OR 80% in previous Social Studies AP Course.
Students are introduced to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study politics in a variety of countries (UK, Russia, China, Nigeria, Mexico, and Iran). The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. Comparison assists both in identifying problems and in analyzing policy making. By using these six countries, the course can move the discussion of concepts from abstract definition to concrete example, noting that not all concepts will be equally useful in all country settings. Additionally, students will develop a foundational understanding of the government of the United States through the process of comparison to various other government systems.
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: 93% in Honors World History, 90% in Honors English, successful completion of Marian’s AP application process.
The Advanced Placement program in European History is designed to provide students with the basic chronology of major events from the Renaissance to the present as preparation for the AP College Board examination. If you enjoy voicing your opinions and actively participating in philosophical classroom discussions, than this is the right class for you. Students will be taught to write thesis-proving examinations and analytical papers equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Admission to the AP program depends upon a student’s completion of an application form which will be reviewed by the Social Studies Department for final approval.
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
Prerequisites: 80% in World History Honors OR 80% in previous Social Studies AP Course.
AP Human Geography is a yearlong course focusing on the spatial variations among cultural groups with an emphasis on analyzing geographic differences in language, religion, economy, and government. In this course students will discern patterns of land usage, internal structures of cities, size and spacing of human settlements, as well as interpret maps, graphs, and tables. Units of study include culture, population, migration, language, religion, ethnicity, political geography, economic development, industry, agriculture, and urban geography.
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
Prerequisite: Completion of World History.
This one semester course requires enrollment in World Geography. This course is largely a chronological investigation of the major historical developments of the 20th century. Through the use of films, lecture, discussion and readings, the student will ideally develop an understanding of the following major topics: (1) colonial and imperialist rivalries, (2) WWI and its origins, (3) peacemaking and the aftermath of the war, (4) 1930’s and the Great Depression, (5) WWII and its origins, (6) Cold War, (7) search for peace in the Middle East, (8) Vietnam, (9) current international conditions.
» Suggested to pair with 262 World Geography
Prerequisite: Completion of World History.
This one semester course requires enrollment in World in the 20th Century. In this course, the student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of physical geography as embodied in the disciplines of meteorology, climatology, geology, geomorphology and oceanography. The student will then apply these skills to specific regions of the world, such as Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, etc., noting the characteristics of climate, topography, agriculture, industry, manufacturing and demography which give these areas their distinctive cultural nature. Extensive use of maps and map skills are included.
» Suggested to pair with 261 World in the 20th Century
Prerequisites: 80% in English II Honors OR 80% in previous Social Studies AP Course.
On completing this course students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Test given in May of their junior year. Students will have the knowledge and analytical skills commensurate with an introductory level college class. This course demands a significant degree of intellectual curiosity, self-motivation, and seriousness of purpose. Special emphasis is given to research and writing skills. Students will assess historical material, its reliability, importance and relevance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course examines U.S. history from its earliest beginnings up through the Clinton Administration.
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
This course traces, in a largely chronological manner, the historical development of the United States. Through the use of films, lectures, discussion and readings, the student will gain an understanding of the following major topics: (1) early settlement and colonial America, (2) the American Revolution, (3) the establishment of a nation and the War of 1812, (4) the Age of Jackson, (5) the causes and conflict of the Civil War, (6) Reconstruction, (7) the Gilded Age, (8)World War I, (9) the Interwar Period: the Roaring Twenties and Great Depression, (10) World War II, and (11) the Modern Era including the Cold War.
Prerequisites: 80% in English II Honors (or English III Honors) OR 80% in previous Social Studies AP Course.
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.” Students will study a variety of topics including: the history of psychology, scientific methodologies and ethical practices, the biology of behavior, consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, personality, and abnormal psychology. This course is open to qualified Juniors and Seniors.
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. In this introductory course, students will study a variety of topics including: the history of psychology, scientific methodologies, the nervous system, consciousness, sensation and perception, memory and learning, motivation, human sexuality, and abnormal psychology. This course is oriented to seniors, but juniors may be allowed in as space permits.
Prerequisites: 80% in English III Honors OR 80% in AP United States History.
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level macroeconomics course. Students will cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
This one semester course will explore the basic fundamentals and workings of modern economics. Through the use of films, lectures, discussions, and readings, the students will gain an understanding of the following major topics: (1) The basic principles of economics, (2) the intricacies of a market economy, (3) the institutions of a market economy, (4) the structure and growth of national and global economics, and (5) the connection between the economy and public policy.
Prerequisites: 80% in English III Honors OR 80% in AP United States History.
In this one-semester course, AP Government students will be able to identify and explain the workings of, as well as the key members of the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Executive Branch of both the federal and state governments. Students will also be able to explain the significant events of the framing of the Constitution as well as the passage of each Amendment. Students will understand the process of elections as well as campaign contributions and current limitations and proposed reforms. A fee is required for those electing to take the AP exam.
» Paired with 462 Economics, or 461 AP Macroeconomics
» A fee is charged for the AP exam.
In this one-semester course, students will ideally achieve an understanding of the structure and operation of our state, local and national governments through the use of political theory and practical application. Emphasis will be placed upon the three branches of government and their operation and interaction on the state and national levels.
» Paired with 462 Economics
Scott Kuschel, Chair – Ex. 2250
Don Ciaravino – Ex. 2256
Doug Filo – Ex. 2252
Lindsay Hoyt– Ex. 2257
