History

What is the purpose of studying history? What can we learn today from people and cultures that existed thousands of years ago? How are we similar and how are we different? In Global Studies I, we will strive to answer and provide historical context to those questions. Through the use of readings, note taking, writing, class discussions, and other interactive activities, students will learn to analyze past events while considering the impact that those events have had on the development of the modern world. Throughout this course, students will be assessed both formally and informally; among the assessments given to students will be: Regents based tests, DBQ essays, argumentative essays, homework assignments, in class dialogue, discussion, and debate, and class participation. Through these evaluative processes, our aim is to bring meaning, order, and a greater sense of understanding to the world that exists around us.

The second year of the global studies curriculum builds off of year one in terms of both content and skills, and prepares students for the New York State Regents Exam in the subject. After finishing year one in 1492, the course’s second year introduces students to the rise and fall of Europe as a world power, the introduction of new political systems such as absolute monarchy, democracy, totalitarianism and communism, the creation and fall of colonial empires, and the rise of an industrialized, globalized world economic system. Students will focus on skills such as integrating primary source evidence with their existing knowledge of world history, building oral and written debates featuring qualified claims, evidence and counter-evidence, and writing essays that feature analytical connections across time and space.

Students will examine the development of United States History in this AP course in a variety of perspectives, sources, and ideologies. Students will think critically about the development of the governments, policies and stratagem of the United States. Students will develop opinions regarding the progression and direction of the United States, as well as their impact on the global community. Students will demonstrate knowledge and develop critical reading and writing skills through this historical discovery. Students must demonstrate understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments and turning points in American History. They must also demonstrate a thorough knowledge of United States geography and map skills. Students will apply this knowledge to in depth writing assignments in the form of thematic essays, debates, Socratic seminars, and multimedia presentations. The course culminates in the United States History AP Exam in May.

Students will examine the development of United States History in this AP course in a variety of perspectives, sources, and ideologies. Students will think critically about the development of the governments, policies and stratagem of the United States. Students will develop opinions regarding the progression and direction of the United States, as well as their impact on the global community. Students will demonstrate knowledge and develop critical reading and writing skills through this historical discovery. Students must demonstrate understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments and turning points in American History. They must also demonstrate a thorough knowledge of United States geography and map skills. Students will apply this knowledge to in depth writing assignments in the form of thematic essays, debates, Socratic seminars, and multimedia presentations. The course culminates in the United States History AP Exam in May.

For students to understand the responsibilities of good citizenship. Using this knowledge, it is the hope that students will be encouraged to become active participants in government. Examples are: voting, political activism, awareness of current events, understanding how the government works from their local governments to the federal level and discussion of the key issues that are affecting our country.

This Psychology course is designed to introduce you to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes. During this course we will examine a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to, human development, cognition, states of consciousness, psychological disorders, and group behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking skills and the acquisition of “psychological language”.