SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES

GLOBAL STUDIES 9
Global Studies 9 is the first year of a two-year course culminating in a Regents Exam given to all students at the end of 10th grade. In grade 9, students will study in chronological order the Rise of Civilizations and the Emergence of Civilizations. This time frame spans from prehistory to approximately 1700.

GLOBAL STUDIES 10
Global Studies 10 is the second half of a two-year curriculum in World History. The 10th grade program focuses on a chronological approach to the study of World History from approximately 1700 to Modern Day. The course includes an intensive examination of the Age of Industry, Democracy and Reform, Nationalism, Imperialism, WWI, WWII, The Cold War, Asia, The Middle East, Latin America, and the World in Transition.

UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT (Grade 11)
Grade eleven is a chronologically organized course in United States history. The emphasis in this course is on the United States as an industrial nation. Constitutional and legal issues are developed as well as issues of international involvement. Students must pass a Regents examination or Regents Competency Test (where applicable) at the end of grade eleven.

PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT - (Grade 12) - (1/2 Unit – Fall)
One semester of the grade twelve program is a course in Participation in Government. This course emphasizes the interaction between citizens and government at all levels: local, state, and federal. The development of student participation in the processes of government is encouraged. One section will be offered for college credit through North Country Community College. The cost is $50 and will count for three credits.

ECONOMICS (Grade 12) - (1/2 Unit – spring)
One semester of the grade twelve program is a course in economics and economic decision-making. This course includes the basic economic concepts and understandings which all persons need to function effectively and intelligently as citizens and participants in the economy of the United States and the world. One section will be offered for college credit through North Country Community College. The cost is $50 and will count for three credits.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY
The purpose of the Advanced Placement program is to give high school students experience
taking a college level course and to allow students to earn college credit while in high school.

The A. P. course in American History is a Freshman-level college course in history. Thecourse is taught from a topical approach and emphasizes major interpretive questions in American History. Students will use a general two-volume textbook and a two-volume compilation of documents important in American History in addition to various supplemental readings. The course emphasizes reading and essay writing to prepare students for the A. P. exam in May. Debates and other simulations are used to encourage student research and active hands-on learning. A strong interest in history and current events is advised. Students are encouraged to purchase a review book for class. All students are required to pay a deposit fee prior to ordering the exams from the Advanced Placement Service.

ELECTIVES WILL BE OFFERED BASED UPON STAFF AVAILABILITY

TICONDEROGA, PAST AND PRESENT - (1/2 Unit)
Ticonderoga, Past and Present is a half-unit course that will explore our community’s rich historical background. The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 explores the early history of Ticonderoga that includes the role of Native Americans and, of course, the military history of Ticonderoga during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Students will be required to read “Historic Portage” and research primary documents.
Part 2 of the course will explore the civilian history of Ticonderoga and outlying communities. Students will be required to read “Patches and Patterns,” as well as primary source documents. Students will be required to complete one major project on the civilian history of Ticonderoga. It is hoped that students will be able to visit sites of local interest and research topics at both the Hancock House and the Thompson-Pell Research Center.

CURRENT EVENTS – (1/2 Unit)
This course offers students an opportunity to research and explore modern world developments around them in a formal classroom setting. Focus will be placed on argumentative writing and oral debate. Students will also be asked to purchase a yearlong subscription to Time or Newsweek magazine – price approximately $25.

SOCIOLOGY - (1/2 Unit)
Sociology is a one-semester elective course that examines how two or more people act towards or respond to one another. This course includes the study of small groups and large groups in both formal and informal situations.
Particular concepts studied in the course include: how we learn about our society (socialization), how we rank ourselves (stratification), the effect of new inventions on society (social change), and how we are influenced by others (collective behavior).
The primary objective of the Sociology elective is to help students gain a better understanding of human behavior, especially when it deals with other people or organizations which are maintained to meet their basic needs (friends, family, school, work). A second objective of the course is to increase knowledge about social problems (juvenile delinquency, terrorism, race, age, sex discrimination). Another objective is to better prepare students for increasingly important roles in American society.
Methods of study will include discussion groups, case studies, individual and group projects, simulations, and surveys.
This course is available for college credit through North Country Community College. There is a $50 fee for the course if students wish to earn three credits.

PSYCHOLOGY – (Grade 12) – (1/2 Unit)
This course is designed to introduce you to some of the major topics in psychology and to help you begin to understand the true complexity of your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and actions. We will look at historical theories, new research and findings, controversial issues in psychology, and the powerful impact of psychological work on people around the world. By the end of the course, you should be more adept at critiquing statements presented to you as fact and at recognizing the difference between psychological science and folklore. Come join us for a stimulating look into how the human mind works.
This course is available for college credit through North Country Community College. There is a $50 fee for the course if students wish to earn three credits.

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY – (1 Unit) (Not offered 2007-2008)
This course is designed to enhance student awareness of human behavior throughout the world. Anthropology focuses on three basic concepts - society, culture, and evolution. It examines such topics as how people live, what they think, and how they act. Through the anthropological study of the full range of human diversity, we can better understand the history and future of human existence. This course is primarily a discussion/project driven class. It will allow students to creatively research, study, and evaluate various cultures throughout the world. This will help to enhance student comprehension of the different ways to meet present day needs of people all over the world in a more peaceful, civilized manner.