This is an in-depth course spanning from the foundations of civilizations to our present day. The first semester covers the Ancient Middle East and Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and the rise of Christianity. Other points of interest include the Middle Ages, Muslim Civilizations, the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment and the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the growth of western democracies. Emphasis is placed on cause and effect of historical data as well as a comparative analysis between the various periods of history. Students are also required to present both written and oral reports. Students will also focus on current events today and their relationships to events of the past. Geography and map skills are also an important part of the curriculum.

The Advanced Placement course 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. Students will learn to assess historical materials and their relevance to a given interpretative problem, their reliability and their importance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Geography and map skills are an integral part of the curriculum. General public speaking and debate skills are also taught and used throughout the year.

This is a chronological survey and analysis of United States history from the Age of Discoveries to Twentieth Century issues. Emphasis is placed on the major periods in United States history: American Colonization, the Revolution, the Constitution, Westward migration, the Civil War, the Age of Industrialization, Imperialism and emergence as a world power, World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Through a rational analysis, not just memorization of facts, students will become more educated about how America has developed over time and become better at critically evaluating information.  Students will be expected to develop ideas which give meaning and relevance to the material of America’s recorded past. Further enhancement in specialized areas comes through a mandatory research paper which will be developed in English III. Communication skills both written and oral, as well as interpersonal skills through group collaboration, will be developed. Geography and map skills are also an integral part of this course.

– The Americans (McDougal Littell; Danzer, et. al.) 

*This book will be made available for online viewing

This survey course provides a coherent portrait of how the American political system works. The emphasis will be placed not only on federal government but also on state and local government. The course will also address the important goal of why American politics and policies take their particular shape. Students will also be exposed to effective citizen participation in the political process and motivated toward positive citizenship. Students will be required to complete two major projects.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Required Senior Year)

The American Government course is designed to investigate the American political system and its changes. National, state and local levels of government are each examined individually. The fundamental institutions, processes and policy issues are presented for analysis and discussions. Students are exposed to effective citizen participation in the political process and motivated toward positive, active citizenship. Geography is an essential skill developed in this course.

Modern America I (1938-1968)

This course will examine the events of the middle part of the twentieth century that have helped shape America. Emphasis will be placed upon how political, economic and social developments have shaped the conditions, attitudes, and values of present-day America. This course will allow for focus to be placed upon major events such as: the origins of the Cold War, the Korean Conflict, the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations, the Civil Rights Movement, and the origins of the Vietnam Conflict. One day of class per week will be dedicated to a current event discussion.