Social Studies
The main objective is to make the student aware of his role as a citizen in our American Democracy and to give an appreciation of one’s responsibility as a citizen of the world. Assigned readings, term papers and book reports are required. The Global History Regents will be administered to all 10th-year students. The Regents in American History and Government will be administered to all 11th-year students. In addition, the department offers courses to prepare serious students for business major courses in college.
Timeline
9th, 10th Year (Required)
Global Studies and Geography
The global studies curriculum is designed to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of different people, places and cultures focusing on the ideas and events that have molded Western, Asian and African people and the role geography has played in the history of the world. Students employ critical thinking in analyzing primary and secondary sources and the accompanying writing assignments develop clarity of expression.
The two-year program is a chronological study of the history of the world. The 9th-grade curriculum focuses on ancient times to the Age of Absolutism. The 10th-grade curriculum covers the Enlightenment to the present. The Global Studies and Geography Regents exam is taken at the conclusion of 10th grade.
11th year (Required)
United States History and Government
The goal of the course is to introduce the students to the history of the United States. This course is a chronological study of the history of the United States from Colonial Times to the present. Special emphasis and time will be taken with the United States Constitution and the workings of the United States Government. The goal is to create civic-minded men who will become active citizens as young adults. To achieve this goal, the students will be encouraged to think for themselves as they analyze primary and secondary sources and develop strong writing skills. This course will culminate with the United States History and Government Regents exam.
11th Year (Scholars)
A.P. U.S. History
The Advanced Placement Program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. An Advanced Placement United States history course should develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment. There is an examination fee set by the College Board.
12th Year (Required)
Social Studies 12
1. Contemporary American Government: This portion of the senior course is geared to help the student understand the ideals, traditions, and events which help shape America’s development during the 20th century. It will attempt to help the student realize his role now and in the future as an active participant in government.
2. Economics: This portion of the course deals with the study of production and consumption, business principles in our economy, the role of Industry, labor and agriculture in our society, the creation and use of money, private and national wealth and income, and comparative economic systems.
12th Year (Scholar)
Macroeconomics
This course is part of the high school extension program of St. John’s University. Students enrolled in this course will, upon successful completion, have three credits awarded by St. John’s University. The course is a study of the overall American economy, including GDP, supply and demand, inflation, unemployment, productivity, etc. and the interaction of the same. It will also provide a detailed analysis of monetary policy in the function of the Federal Reserve as well as fiscal policy. Contemporary economic data and challenges will be discussed.
12th Year (Elective)
Law/Investment
Law contents: deals with the study of legal issues related to life events, including the rule of law, civil vs. criminal law, contracts, warranties, credit vs. debit cards and consumer rights. Investment content: the study and function of the stock market, asset classes including stocks and bonds, financial statements analysis, loan analysis and retirement planning.