CORE SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES/ICR: 9,10                                                                                    2.5 credits

This course will provide an overview of the history of Africans and their descendants across the globe, including but not limited to African civilizations prior to European colonialism, encounters between Africa and Europe, movements of Africans to the Americas and elsewhere, and development of Black communities in and outside Africa. Learners will explore the complex interplay among the political, economic, and cultural forces that shape our understanding of the historic achievements and struggles of African-descended people in the United States and their relation to others around the world. In addition to the curricular materials, students will have the opportunity to select a topic for further exploration and in-depth research. A variety of texts and community resources will be used to provide applicable and real-world examples related to the content.

All CHPS students must take this course as a graduation requirement.

AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES    9, 10, 11, 12                                                                        5 credits

In this course students will examine the history, politics, culture, and economics of North American people of African descent. This interdisciplinary course reaches into a variety of fields—literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, and science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. Students will learn about the achievements of the African American community and their role in shaping American society and culture. Using an evidence-based approach, students will understand the challenges and triumphs faced by African Americans in helping to shape American history including its institutions and sociopolitical systems.

This course may be taken in lieu of African American Studies/ICR to satisfy the graduation requirements.

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS

         WORLD CIVILIZATIONS H: 9                                                                                                       5 credits

This course examines the cultural and historical developments in the world since 1400. The thematically oriented course includes the study of the impact of religion and trade on society and government; political, social, and economic revolution; war and genocide; nationalism, communism, and global interdependence in the 21^st century. Required readings include primary source documents and literature. This course is designed for students with excellent reading, writing, and oral communication skills.

         WORLD CIVILIZATIONS A: 9                                                                                                       5 credits

This course examines the cultural and historical developments in the world since 1400. The thematically oriented course includes the study of the impact of religion and trade on society and government; political, social, and economic revolution; war and genocide; nationalism, communism, and global interdependence in the 21^st century. Required readings include a variety of primary source documents. This course is designed for students with above average reading, writing, and oral communication skills.

         WORLD CIVILIZATIONS A/ICR: 9                                                                                              5 credits

This course examines the cultural and historical developments in the world since 1400. The thematically oriented course includes the study of the impact of religion and trade on society and government; political, social, and economic revolution; war and genocide; nationalism, communism, and global interdependence in the 21^st century. Required readings include a variety of primary source documents. This course is designed for students with above average reading, writing, and oral communication skills. This course is co-taught and is available for students with an IEP.

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS CONCEPTS: 9                                                                                 5 credits

The course is a survey of the development of major civilizations within Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East from 1400-present. The curriculum is designed to emphasize the development of various skills. These skills include writing and revision, note-taking, content reading, main idea, technology, oral presentations, map interpretations, vocabulary, organization, cooperative learning, critical thinking and problem solving, and current events. Using a thematic approach, the course will explore various topics concerning diverse peoples of the world including gender and minority issues, economic systems, technological advancements, conflict resolutions, art, literature, music, and religious and philosophical traditions. This course is only available to students with IEPs.

UNITED STATES HISTORY I

AP US HISTORY I: 10                                                                                                                 5 credits

This class, the first in a two-year sequence, is one of the most challenging courses offered by the Social Studies Department. It provides a study of historical events, concepts, interpretations, and themes within a framework of a US history survey course from colonial times to 1877. It is designed for highly motivated students with excellent proficiency in reading and well-developed analytic writing skills. The rigors of the course include complex primary source readings, AP-styled assessments including multiple choice, free response and document-based questions, and command of a college-level textbook. Students will be asked to respond to sophisticated questions about the past, relate these questions to the present, identify new questions, and pursue individual topics of interest. In addition, these students should be prepared to analyze multiple interpretations of the past and develop new interpretations that respond to the needs of the present. Participants in this course are expected to prepare for and take the AP US History Exam at the end of US History II AP.

US HISTORY I A: 10                                                                                                                   5 credits

This course allows students to examine historical events, concepts and themes within the framework of a US history survey course from colonial times to 1900. It is designed for students who have above average proficiency in reading, well-developed writing and oral communications skills, and an interest in history. In addition, students will be required to analyze multiple interpretations of American History and explain why these interpretations emerged when they did.

US HISTORY I A/ICR: 10                                                                                                           5 credits

This course allows students to examine historical events, concepts and themes within the framework of a US history survey course from colonial times to 1900. It is designed for students who have above average proficiency in reading, well-developed writing and oral communications skills, and an interest in history. In addition, students will be required to analyze multiple interpretations of American History and explain why these interpretations emerged when they did. This course is co-taught and is available for students with an IEP.

US HISTORY I CONCEPTS: 10                                                                                                 5 credits

This is a full year survey course in American History from colonial times to 1877. The program emphasizes selected events, people and themes from the American past, but, at the same time, it provides a broad overview of American history. This course is not theoretical in nature; rather it emphasizes practical knowledge and practical skills. It is especially designed for Social Studies students who need concentrated instruction and practice to improve their reading, writing, and oral communications skills in a historical context. This course is only available to students with IEPs.

UNITED STATES HISTORY II

AP US HISTORY II: 11                                                                                                               5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of US History I

This course is a continuation of the US HISTORY I AP program, one of the most challenging courses offered by the Social Studies Department. In this course, highly motivated students pursue a rigorous college level survey of historical events, concepts, interpretations, and themes in American History from 1900 to the present. This course is designed for students who are excellent readers, have well-developed skills in research, written and oral communications, an awareness of current events, and a particular interest in American history and government. Students must be willing to participate in a variety of student-centered activities including debates and role-playing exercises. Participants in this course are expected to prepare for and take the AP US History Exam at the end of the year.

US HISTORY II A: 11                                                                                                                  5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of US History I

In this course, students will continue the survey of American History begun in US History I (studying 20^th century to the present day). Following the pattern set in US History I A, students will examine the historical events, concepts, and themes that shaped the Twentieth Century, and discuss and evaluate differing interpretations provided by historians. This course is designed for students who are excellent readers, have well-developed skills in research, written and oral communications, an awareness of current events, and a particular interest in American History and government. Students must be willing to participate in a variety of student-centered activities including debates, role-playing exercises and independently researched presentations and projects.

US HISTORY II A/ICR: 11                                                                                                          5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of US History I

In this course, students will continue the survey of American History begun in US History I (studying 20^th century to the present day). Following the pattern set in US History I A, students will examine the historical events, concepts, and themes that shaped the Twentieth Century, and discuss and evaluate differing interpretations provided by historians. This course is designed for students who are excellent readers, have well-developed skills in research, written and oral communications, an awareness of current events, and a particular interest in American History and government. Students must be willing to participate in a variety of student-centered activities including debates, role-playing exercises and independently researched presentations and projects. This course is co-taught and is available for students with an IEP.

US HISTORY II CONCEPTS: 11                                                                                                5 credits

PREPARATION: Successful completion of World Civilization Concepts and US History 1 Concepts or CST Placement This is a full year survey course in American History from 1877 to Present times. The program emphasizes selected events, people and themes from the American past, but, at the same time, it provides a broad overview of American History. This course is not theoretical in nature; rather, it emphasizes practical knowledge and practical skills. It is especially designed for Social Studies students who need concentrated instruction and practice to improve their reading, writing, and oral communications skills in a historical context. This course is only open to students with IEPs.

CORE SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, ORIGINS TO 1865 H/A: 9, 10, 11, 12                           2.5 credits

African American Studies to 1865 will trace African American history and culture from West African roots to emancipation. As students study the struggles and triumphs of people of West African descent in the Americas, students will consider their efforts to forge an identity within the American mainstream. Topics will include West African empires, the origins and development of the African slave trade, the evolution of slavery in the United States, and the development of American slave culture with an in-depth examination of the slave community, family, and religion. Students will examine the growth of the free black community, analyze the creation of black political, social, and economic ideologies and institutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of the African American struggle against slavery with an emphasis on slave resistance, the abolitionist movement, and the Civil War. Students will also analyze and discuss historical and literary sources, write analytical and creative papers, and engage in debates and other forms of performance assessments.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, 1865 to PRESENT H/A: 9, 10, 11, 12                          2.5 credits

African American Studies since 1865 will trace African American history, culture, and developments post- Civil War through the 21st century. Students will study the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the Jim Crow era. Students will study the contributions of African Americans to American civilization in science, the arts, and humanities fields. Within a historical context, students will analyze historical sources and sample the rich literature written by African Americans. They will experience the art and music of African American artists, composers, and musicians. Topics will include reconstruction, segregation, disenfranchisement, migration, and urbanization, the rise of African American protest organizations, Black Nationalism, the Harlem Renaissance, and the modern-day civil rights movement. Students will also analyze and discuss historical and literary sources, write analytical and creative papers, and engage in debates and other forms of performance assessments.

AP ECONOMICS: MICROECONOMICS AND MACROECONOMICS: 11, 12                            5 credits

The purpose of an AP course in Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. The purpose of an AP course in Macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth and international economics. This course is designed for students who are excellent readers, have well-developed skills in research, written and oral communications, an awareness of current events, and a particular interest in the social sciences.

AP PSYCHOLOGY: 11, 12                                                                                                            5 credits

This course is a challenging one-year study of psychology. It is designed for the highly mature and motivated academic student who is interested in a systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields of psychology. Topics of study include the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, development, personality, abnormal behavior and its treatment, and social psychology. In addition, students will learn about practice and critically evaluate research methods used by psychologists. The expression and preparation for the recommended Advanced Placement examination in Psychology will be emphasized.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY: 10, 11, 12                                                                                        5 credits

AP European History is designed for the highly motivated student who is interested in pursuing an intensive overview of the people, places, and events encompassing European history from 1350 to the present and offers the opportunity to receive dual credit hours through Camden County College. The course is taught at the college level. It deals with events, interpretations, and themes in the context of Europe and traces the global impact of these events. The students will be required to respond to complex questions of the past, identify new questions, and pursue individual topics of interest. The students will also be asked to read various historical interpretations of the past as well as primary and secondary sources written at various times and in various European countries. They should be willing to participate in a variety of student- centered activities and take the advanced placement examination in May.

AP WORLD HISTORY- MODERN: 10, 11, 12                                                                           5 credits

The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course emphasizes relevant factual knowledge deployed in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence. Focused primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience, the course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that along with geography, set the human stage beginning in 1200 CE Periodization, explicitly discussed, forms the organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity from this point to the present. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study.

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: 11, 12                                                  5 credits

The AP course in U.S. Government will give students an analytical perspective on government in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and the analysis of specific examples. It requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government. The students will become acquainted with a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. This course is designed for students with excellent reading comprehension, analytical writing, and oral communication skills.

PSYCHOLOGY A: 11, 12                                                                                                              5 credits

This advanced level course is designed for the college-bound student who is interested in studying psychology. Topics under study include motivation and emotions, sensation and perception, learning, states of consciousness, personality development, and abnormal behavior. Students will also learn about and practice experiments, surveys, and case studies as they are used by psychologists to understand human behavior and mental processes. Students are expected to have advanced reading and writing skills and a willingness to participate in classroom demonstrations, suggestions, role-playing simulations, and to perform outside reading and research. This course prepares the student for college psychology as well as addressing issues relevant to one’s personal life experiences and future careers.

PHILOSOPHY 1: ETHICS & the ART OF THINKING: 9, 10, 11, 12                                   2.5 credits

Who determines what behaviors and practices are considered ethical? How do individuals and cultural groups with varying ethical perspectives co-exist and support one another in their freedoms and outlooks? “Philosophers contribute to public discussions… not by telling you what to think but by providing an assortment of concepts and theories you can use to decide what to think for yourself.” (Kwame Anthony Appiah) The goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation in ethical decision making and moral reasoning. Students will learn the philosophical roots of ethical thought, a variety of ethical

perspectives from around the world, and a framework for moral reasoning. Through the examination and analysis of hypothetical, real-world, and personal dilemmas, students will work to find solutions that are grounded in sophisticated moral reasoning and to make choices that will benefit their long-term goals and improve their relationships and communities.

RESEARCH IN HUMANITIES H: 11, 12                                                                                1-5 credits

Research in Humanities is a course designed for students who are interested in research. It is designed to allow students the unique opportunity to continue exploring the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, while also doing hands-on research that will contribute to the larger scientific research community. As part of the course, students will learn about, practice, and evaluate research methods used by psychologists. Students will conduct their own research based on their knowledge and understanding of research methodology. This course will require critical thinking skills, initiative, responsibility, leadership, and strong written and oral expression.

UNITED STATES HISTORY 1945 TO PRESENT: 10, 11, 12                                             2.5 credits

The purpose of this course is to focus on the major political, social, cultural, and economic events, which have shaped the nation since the conclusion of World War II. It is an area of American history filled with monumental issues, which impacted on the American people at the apex of their power in the “American Century.” This elective is charged with a built-in motivation that it studies a time most recent to the student. Strong analytical skills and the motivation to be critical are necessary for the course.

WOMEN’S HISTORY in the US from the 16TH CENTURY

to the PRESENT: 10, 11, 12                                                                                                        2.5 credits

In this course, students will study the diverse experiences of the women who have played a pivotal role in the development of a modern United States. In combining a variety of research methods students will explore the intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity in shaping the experiences of women over the last 5 centuries in the United States. Additionally, students will participate in a collaborative project that seeks to compare and contrast the lives and roles of American women throughout periods of United States history and they will construct an argument for how these women overcame the different political, social, and economic roles of their times.

UNIQUE ELECTIVES AT EAST

AMERICAN LAW: THEORY AND PRACTICE A: 10, 11, 12                                             2.5 credits

This course was first designed for students who were leaning towards a career in the legal field, but it now offers much more to a wide variety of students. It provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities that may develop knowledge and skills needed to survive in our law-based society. Every purchase, lease, contract, marriage and divorce, and every crime places the citizen face to face with the law. This course will help students understand their legal rights and responsibilities and will provide experience with everyday legal problems and the ability to deal with such situations. Active student involvement is the key to the course, and case studies, role playing problems, mock trials, and other activities provide an assortment of materials and approaches that will appeal to a variety of students.