HISTORY
Mr. Kenneth Bentley, Chair
261 - SOCIAL STUDIES 6 – World History
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 6
Final examination: none
The students are introduced to the social sciences and how they are related to each other and conditions in both the past and present. They study the development of civilization from man as a hunter-gatherer to the growth of cities. Then, beginning with Mesopotamia and other early river societies, the class proceeds chronologically through the great civilizations such as Greece and Rome.
271 - SOCIAL STUDIES 7 - American History to 1860
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 7
Final examination: departmental exam
This course will focus on American History beginning with early North American civilizations, into European colonization, the American Revolution, the foundations of an American system of government, the Industrial Revolution through the onset of the Civil War. The course will help to prepare students to develop critical thinking strategies and essay skills that they can build upon as they prepare for the NYS Social Studies examination in the 8th grade.
281 - SOCIAL STUDIES 8 - American History from 1860 to the Present
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 8
Final examination: departmental exam
This course is the second part of a two-year study in American History. The students study the development of modern America from 1860 to the present. The emphasis is on student understanding and the gaining of an appreciation of the political, economic, and social forces that have shaped the United States. The New York State assessment in Social Studies (grade 8) is given at the prescribed time.
211 - GLOBAL HISTORY 1 - Global History to 1603
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 9
Final examination: departmental exam
This course studies the evolution of societies across time and place, from the world’s prehistoric beginnings to the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603. Students will uncover the culture, people, events, geographical, and religious influences, as well as the technological advances in certain historical periods. The course will show that history is a process of change, in which each society, to a degree, borrows and improves upon earlier societies. By the end of this course, the student will understand the benefit of studying a world that seems much different than the one we live in, but is similar to ours in many profound ways. Also, the skills and knowledge they will develop and acquire will benefit them in preparation for the Global History examination at the end of their sophomore year.
214 - GLOBAL HISTORY 1/H (Global History to 1603)
Prerequisite: Placement test Reading and Language Arts scores at or above 90th %ile AND 8th grade History marks in the 90’s
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08
Grade level: 9
Final examination: departmental exam
This course is the first of two years of studying Global History. The curriculum begins with Prehistory and culminates with the end of the Tudor dynasty in England in 1603. The major objective is to provide the students with a better understanding of the different people and their culture in the following regions Africa, India, China, Japan, Europe, and Latin America. A separate textbook covering the literature from those areas is also used. Marking period projects and debates are also required. Two plays are read in conjunction with the material , one each semester.
221 - GLOBAL HISTORY 2 – (from 1603 to the present)
Prerequisite: successful completion of Global History 1
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 10
Final examination: NYS Regents Exam in Global History and Geography in June
This course in Western Civilization starts with the European Enlightenment and continues to the end of the Cold War. Interactions with other non-western cultures are covered during the same time period. Advance studies in geography and map skills are stressed.
224 - GLOBAL HISTORY 2/H (from 1603 to the present)
Prerequisite: 85+ in Global Studies 1/H and teacher recommendation.]
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08
Grade level: 10
Final examination: NYS Regents Exam in Global History and Geography in June
This course is an advance study of the unique growth patterns, spread, and increasing globalization of the civilization in the West, its spiritual, intellectual, and material characteristics within and beyond the confines of the evolving state systems from the early modern period to the 21st century.
The course will include an advance focus on the physical geography, population demographics, spatial behaviors and economical and political geography. Key works of literature will also be read in context with the times.
226 – Advanced Placement EUROPEAN HISTORY {AP exam required}
Prerequisite: 90+ in Global Studies 1/H and teacher recommendation.
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.12
Grade level: 10
Final examination: AP Exam in European History in May AND NYS Regents Exam in Global History and Geography in June
Participation in this course presupposes a keen knowledge and interest in European History. The course spans from the Renaissance(1400), to the conclusion of the Cold War in 1991. Students will develop an understanding of the principal political, economic, and social themes of the period, as well as analyzing historical evidence. Extensive reading and outlining is a must. Debating skills are refined, and oral presentations are frequent. Scholarly research is also expected.
A student must obtain a 3+ on the A.P. European History exam in order to secure a seat in A.P. US History. Otherwise he will be reassigned to US History / H.
231 - US HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT
Prerequisite: successful completion of Global History 2
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 11
Final examination: NYS Regents Exam in US History & Government
This course of study involves the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the study of modern America from 1850 to the present. The students should have an understanding and appreciation of the various political, economic and social forces that have shaped this country. This awareness should lead to a greater appreciation of American values and institutions in preparing students for American citizenship.
234 –US HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT / H
Prerequisite: 85+ in Global History 2/H or 90+ in Global History 2 and teacher recommendation
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08
Grade level: 11
Final examination: NYS Regents Exam in US History & Government
The time period of this course covers the Federal Period to the present. There is an emphasis on interpretation and analysis of the political, economic and social forces and events that have shaped modern U.S. history. This emphasis on critical thinking and writing skills will be accompanied by supplemental readings.
235 - AP US HISTORY (AND GOVERNMENT) {AP exam required}
Prerequisite: 90+ in Global Studies 2/H or AP European History and teacher recommendation.]
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.12
Grade level: 11
Final examination: AP Exam in US History in May AND NYS Regents Exam in U History and Government in June
This course surveys U.S. history from the beginning of the Colonial Period to the present day. Students will explore the various economic, political, and social aspects of American History and how those aspects have changed over time from a variety of perspectives. A substantial amount of time is spent understanding the domestic and international development of the U.S. as well as our constitutional and legal foundations as a democracy. Also, students will play an active and vital role during discussion presentations, and debates in order to understand and make more meaningful the major ideas, eras, figures, themes, developments, and turning points associated with the history of the United States.
241 - ECONOMICS AND DECISION MAKING / PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT (242)
Prerequisite: successful completion of the 11th grade History course
Duration: ½ year, each course
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 12
Final examination: teacher-developed final at the conclusion of each course.
For scheduling purposes, the courses are listed with one course number. However, each semester course is distinct and students must pass BOTH courses in order to graduate on time. The study of economics will provide students with the economic knowledge and skills that will enable them to function as informed and economically literate citizens in our society, and in the world. The course is designed to be used with students of all ability levels. It emphasizes rational decision making , and it encourages students to become wiser consumers as well as better citizens. The purpose of the government semester is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the workings of the American political system. The concept of the “office of the citizen” is taught to reinforce the value and necessity of citizen participation in a functioning democracy. Students are also encouraged to get involved with local government and community service projects to see how they personally can make a difference in their local areas.
245 – Advanced Placement Economics (microeconomics)
Prerequisite: 90+ in AP US History and teacher recommendation.]
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.12
Grade level: 12
Final examination: teacher-developed final
This A.P. course in Economics is designed to meet the needs of students who have taken US History at the Advanced Placement level.
“The purpose of an AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economics 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 college board course description www.apcentral.collegeboard.com
