SOCIAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS: All students must earn at least one credit in Social Studies in each of their high school years. All students must successfully complete the following required courses:
- U.S. History I or College Prep U.S. History I or Honors U.S. History I
- U.S. History II or College Prep U.S. History II or Honors U.S. History II
- Contemporary World History or College Prep Global History I or Honors Global History II or
A.P. European History

United States History I 150, 150S
Grade 9
Prerequisite: None
Social, political, geographical, economic and cultural history is interwoven in this comprehensive survey of America from the Constitutional Convention through the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. Pennsylvania’s history and political concerns are included in the course of study. To build an understanding of the basic political principles of the American system, special emphasis is placed on the structures and functions of the Constitution. Basic reading, writing, and technological skills are developed through three major, but short, research projects.

College Prep United States History I 151, 151S
Grade 9
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “B” in 8th grade Social Studies
Social, political, geographical, economic and cultural history is interwoven in this comprehensive survey of America from the Constitutional Convention to the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. Pennsylvania’s history and political concerns are included in the course of study. To build an understanding of the basic political principles of the American system, special emphasis is placed on the structures and functions of the Constitution. Reading, writing, and research are emphasized and developed through three major research projects.

Honors United States History I 152, 152S
Grade 9
Prerequisite: “A” in Grade 8 Social Studies
This Honors level course is recommended for students reading above grade level, performing at well above average level, and identified by their 8th grade teacher as well qualified. Students should be highly motivated and able to function independently within the classroom environment. Social, political, geographical, economic and cultural history is interwoven in this comprehensive survey of America from the Constitutional Convention through the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. To build an understanding of the basic principles of the American system, special emphasis is placed on the structures and functions of United States government under the Constitution. In addition, Pennsylvania's history and political structures are infused chronologically into the program. Students do extensive reading, writing and research as well as oral presentations and analytical discussions.

United States History II 153, 153S
Grade 10
Prerequisite: D in U.S. History I
Social, political, geographical, economic and cultural histories are interwoven in this comprehensive survey of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. This chronicle of the United States from 1877 focuses on industrialization, urbanization, the major wars, economic patterns and social change associated with the twentieth century global economy. Basic reading, writing and technological skills are developed through three major, but short, research projects.

College Prep United States History II 154, 154S
Grade 10
Prerequisite: “B” in U.S. History I, OR “C” in CP U.S. History I
Social, political, geographical, economic and cultural histories are interwoven in this comprehensive survey of the United States from Reconstruction through today. This chronicle of the United States from 1877 focuses on industrialization, urbanization, the major wars, economic patterns and social change associated with the twentieth century global economy. Reading, writing and research skills are emphasized and developed through three major research projects.

Honors United States History II 155, 155S
Grade 10
Prerequisite: “A” in U.S. History I, OR “B” in CP U. S. History I, OR “C” in Honors U.S. History I
This Honors level course is recommended for students reading above grade level and performing at well above average level. Students should be highly motivated and able to function independently within the classroom environment. This chronicle of the United States since 1877 critically examines our recent past by focusing on urbanization, industrialization, major wars, and twentieth century economic and social change. Relationships are developed among historical events within the United States, Pennsylvania and the local community. Current issues are addressed. Students do extensive reading, writing, and research projects, including oral presentations and analytical discussions.

Contemporary World History 156, 156S
Grade 11
Prerequisite: “D” in U.S. History I AND in U.S. History II
Through a regional approach, Contemporary World History explores global current events. Major cultures are examined through geographical, family, religious, economic and political spheres. Basic principles are used to explain patterns in human culture. Essential reading, writing and technological skills are developed through a minimum of three major, but short, research projects.

College Prep Global History I 157, 157S
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: “B” in U.S. History II, OR “C” in CP U.S. History II
Students with a strong interest in world cultures from Prehistory through the Age of Discovery are challenged by this rigorous course examining the economic, political and social patterns of past and present. It stands as an elective, an alternative to Contemporary World History, or as a prerequisite to either A.P. course. A minimum of two extensive research projects and daily homework build reading, writing and technological research skills.

Honors Global History II 158, 158S
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: “A” in U.S. History II, OR “B” in CP U.S. History II or CP Global History I, OR “C” in Honors U.S. History II or AP American History
Students with a strong interest in world cultures from the Scientific Revolution through the present are challenged by this rigorous course examining the economic, political and social patterns of past and present. It stands as an elective, as an alternative to Contemporary World History, or as a prerequisite to either A.P. course. A minimum of two extensive research projects and daily homework build reading, writing and technological research skills.

Government and Economics 159, 159S
Grade 12
Prerequisite: D in Contemporary World History, Global History I, or Global History II
Government and Economics introduces students to American politics, economics and personal finance. This course offers an intensive study of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of all citizens. With this foundation, students examine the national, state, and local governments in practice. This course surveys the economic relationship of the government and the private sector. In addition, students develop strategies for personal budgeting and investment. Essential reading, writing and technological skills are developed through a minimum of three major, but short, research projects, including a required 3-5 page research paper approved by the instructor. Students also debate and discuss historical and contemporary political issues.

College Prep Government and Economics 160, 160S
Grade 12
Prerequisite: “B” in Contemporary World History, OR “C” in CP Global History I or Global History II
College Prep Government and Economics critically analyzes advanced ideas in government and economics and introduces students to American politics, economics and personal finance. This course offers an intensive study of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of all citizens. With this foundation, students examine the national, state, and local governments in practice. Students also debate and discuss historical and contemporary political issues. This course surveys the economic relationship of the government and the private sector. In addition, students develop strategies for personal budgeting and investment. This course requires extensive reading, writing, and research.

Honors Government and Economics 161S
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: A in Contemporary World History, OR “B” in CP Global History I, OR “C” in AP European History, or Honors Global History II
Honors Government and Economics critically analyzes advanced ideas in government and economics and introduces students to American politics and economics. This course offers an intensive study of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of all citizens. With this foundation, students examine the national, state, and local governments in practice. Students debate and discuss historical and contemporary political issues. This course surveys the economic relationship of the government and the private sector. In addition, major theoretical and philosophic schools of thought in political science and economics are explored. This course requires extensive reading, writing, and research.

A.P. American History/Technology and Research 162Y
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: A in U. S. History II, OR “B” in CP U. S. History II, OR “C” in Honors U.S. History II
Advanced Placement American History is a two-semester college-level survey course in American political, economic and social history from pre-Columbian times to the present. Advanced research and analytical thinking, reading and writing skills are emphasized and developed, with the goal of preparing the student to succeed in university studies. Major projects include research-based essays, a mock trial, a debate, and several simulations. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. A score of 3, 4, or 5 may result in earning college credit. This rigorous course carries two weighted credits and satisfies the technology requirements for graduation.

A.P. European History/Technology and Research 163Y
NOTE: THIS COURSE WILL BE OFFERED ONLY IN ODD NUMBERED YEARS: 2004-05, 2006-07…
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: A in Contemporary World History, OR “B” in CP Global History I or CP U.S. History II, OR “C” in Honors U.S. History II, Honors Government/Economics, or AP American History
Advanced Placement European History is a two-semester college-level historical survey course examining political, economic and social patterns of Eastern and Western Europe. Basic political and economic theories are analyzed and applied in historical context. Art, music, technology and social problems are used to clarify cultural changes. This course has a large research and writing component that helps prepare students for superb work in post-secondary education. Review sessions are offered on a weekly and individual basis. Students utilize a variety of multi-media techniques in completing their research. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. This course meets the technology requirements for graduation and earns two weighted credits.

THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE OFFERED AS ELECTIVES AND DO NOT COUNT TOWARD THE FOUR REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES.

Military History 167
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: D in U.S. History I AND U.S. History II
This elective course for juniors and seniors is designed for students with a strong interest in military history. The course will focus on major topics in world military history. Topics will include the causes of war, trends in strategy and tactics, and the influence of technology on the evolution of warfare. Course requirements will include a research paper and portfolio project.

Social Psychology 164, 164S
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: D in U.S. History I AND U.S. History II
This elective course for juniors and seniors provides a systematic introduction to the field of social psychology, the study of how individuals are influenced by other people and social situations. Topics covered include the self, attitudes and attitude change, group behavior, prejudice and discrimination, pro-social behavior, interpersonal relationships, and conformity. The course focuses on both the historical development of these topics as well as current research and application. Special emphasis is placed on applying social psychological principles to everyday life. Course requirements include three projects which may include a research paper based on an experiment, a debate, and community service.

Technological Evolution of the Information Age 165
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: D in U..S. History I AND U. S. History II
This elective course analyzes world technology from 1500 to today. Each student constructs a working model of a complex technology from 1500 to today or creates a website evaluating a specific technology, and writes a five-page term paper comparing the effects of two different technologies. Students read and study many selected resources about technologies and history.

The 60’s
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Must take the Journalism course that is being run in conjunction with this course
This elective course for juniors and seniors is a 2003 pilot program that links a new course from the Social Studies Department with an existing course from the English departments. The course is intended for students that have both a strong interest in 1960’s history and desire to take Journalism. Students who take this course will delve deeply into such topics as JFK, The Cold War, the Vietnam War and Civil Rights. The 20 to 25 students in this course must also schedule Mr. McGough’s journalism class. The journalism class will be scheduled later in the day and most of the course’s writing will center around the material learned in Mr. Wagner’s 1960’s course.

Women’s Studies 166S
Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: D in U.S. History I AND U.S. History II
This elective course for juniors and seniors will explore the history and roles of women in both the Western and Eastern Worlds. Students will research and learn about the status of women in different societies. Special emphasis will be placed on women who have made a difference in the world. A portion of the course will be spent tracing the female quest for equality in America. Each student will complete two research projects and one or two presentations.