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Social Studies

Students are required to study four years of social studies and pass at least one Regents Exam in either Global History and Geography or United States History and Government in order to graduate from high school. Students can apply passing of a second Social Studies Regents Exam as their fifth required exam. Social studies courses help students understand cultures, observe connections to the past, recognize the community of people across time, appreciate the delicate balance of right and responsibilities in a democratic republic, and develop the habits of thoughtful analysis and reflective thinking.

In social studies classes, students confront questions about the interactions of humankind in the world. They consider essential questions such as: How have humans defined themselves? What characteristics of cultures are similar or different? Who are we as a nation? How has our past shaped our future? How have we found unity in the midst of our diversity? What is the cost of progress? What are our responsibilities to ourselves and our future? From these essential questions, students develop enduring understandings. 

The goal of the social studies department is to develop critical and creative thinking skills among our students. Students read and analyze primary and secondary sources, participate in simulations, develop research techniques, work in cooperative groups, and create performance-based projects in which they apply, evaluate and synthesize what they learn. In their research, students utilize the library media center in order to explore a variety of print and electronic resources. 

The New York State Learning Standards include history, geography, economics, government and civics. The long-term objective of the state’s social studies core curriculum is that students will become responsible and productive citizens and active contributors to a society that is increasingly diverse and interdependent. 

LEVELS OF COURSES 

Social Studies classes develop skills that are specific to the curriculum such as interpreting political cartoons, graphs and charts; reading maps; and analyzing primary and secondary sources. Reading and writing are daily expectations. Emphasis is placed on literacy, historical thinking skills, and content mastery. Recommendations for course levels are based on the demonstrated academic skills, work habits and needs of students.

All Regents courses develop the social studies skills and key themes outlined in the NYSED core curriculum. Through the use of a variety of resources and activities, students read, write and speak about what they have learned. Course material and learning activities help prepare students for college level work. In grades 9 and 10, highly motivated, independent learners have the option of pursuing Honors credit through the Embedded Honors option, described below.

Advanced Placement course options begin in grade 10. AP courses are a good fit for highly motivated students who have demonstrated outstanding skills in content, reading, writing, and historical thinking. AP courses require particularly strong written and analytical skills and are characterized by extensive supplemental reading and intensive research experiences.

International Baccalaureate courses are a good fit for highly motivated students who identify with the IB learner profile and have also demonstrated outstanding skills in content, reading, writing, and historical thinking. Students in IB courses are encouraged to delve deeply into content, ask questions, think critically, and develop into globally-minded citizens. 

FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE YEAR SOCIAL STUDIES

JUNIOR YEAR SOCIAL STUDIES

Accordion

ELECTIVE COURSES