Social Studies Department
Core Social Studies Courses
(All Courses Above are Included in GPA)
Grade 9 History L3
SS130 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 9
Prerequisite:
- None
This course will address skills and standards mandated by the Massachusetts Curriculum and Frameworks. In this course students will grapple with the notions of individual and group identity while exploring six to seven historical concepts organized in a thematic manner. Students will wrestle with each concept using historical case studies from around the world within the time frame of 500 A.D. to the present. Additionally, students will be encouraged to challenge traditional interpretations of historical events and to develop theories of their own. Emphasis will be placed on the development of historical skills and growth of cultural literacy.
United States History I L3
SS230 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 10
Prerequisite:
- None
Continuing to build on the skills and standards introduced in Grade 9, this course will examine the historical origin and developments in United States History from the Colonial era through the Reconstruction (1763-1877) as outlined by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This study will be supplemented with a focus on significant themes, geography, civics/government and current event issues as they relate to the material presented. Finally, this course will enhance and promote the development of organizational, writing, research, and critical thinking skills.
United States History I L4
SS240 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 10
Prerequisite:
- A- or better in Grade 9 History L3; OR
- Recommendation of the Grade 9 History L3 teacher
This course is consistent in purpose and content with US History I L3. However, this course is designed for students who would most profit from a more rigorous investigation of course content. Emphasis will be placed on long and short-term independent study and analysis. Successful performance in a variety of oral reports/discussions and extensive projects, that may include major research and analysis papers, is required. Students can expect a high frequency of independent work.
United States History II L3
SS330 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 11
Prerequisite:
- None
This course is a college preparatory survey of American History from Reconstruction to the present in accordance with Massachusetts Curriculum and Frameworks. Emphasis is placed on how, and why, the United States has evolved as a leader of the free world and how America might successfully deal with the challenges we face in the future. There will be analysis of conflicting points of view, research assignments, and/or book analyses. This course will enhance and promote the development of organizational, writing, research, and critical thinking skills.
United States History II L4
SS340 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 11
Prerequisite:
- B or better in US History I L4; OR
- A or better in US History I L3; OR
- Recommendation of US History I teacher
This course is a college preparatory survey of American History from Reconstruction to the present. It is intended for those students who would most profit from the challenge of intensive investigation of conflicting points of view, the analysis of both secondary and primary sources, independent study, and major research and thesis paper assignments.
AP United States History (Meets Requirement for Grade 11)
SS350 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 11
Prerequisite:
- A- or better in US History I L4; OR
- A or better in US History I L3; OR
- Special written recommendation of a previous social studies instructor.
This is a college level history course designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who have a strong interest in history and have the ability to profit from an advanced program in American History.
The student should expect daily reading assignments, independent study and frequent research assignments. The student is expected to read and analyze both primary and secondary source materials and to demonstrate ability to interpret and evaluate these diverse sources in verbal and essay form. Students are expected to take the AP American History exam in May as preparation for the exam is the primary goal of the course. Therefore, the course is content driven and places heavy emphasis on written critical analysis. Extensive writing and discussion are integral components of the program. Students should expect extensive independent work outside of classroom time.
The student should expect daily reading assignments, independent study and frequent research assignments. The student is expected to read and analyze both primary and secondary source materials and to demonstrate ability to interpret and evaluate these diverse sources in verbal and essay form. Students are expected to take the AP American History exam in May as preparation for the exam is the primary goal of the course. Therefore, the course is content driven and places heavy emphasis on written critical analysis. Extensive writing and discussion are integral components of the program. Students should expect extensive independent work outside of classroom time.