Social Studies

This required course is the first part of the two-year Global Studies program. Grade 9 begins with the Paleolithic Era and the development of the first civilizations, continues with an examination of classical societies, and traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact. The course emphasizes the key themes of interactions over time, shifts in political power, and the role of belief systems. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical and spatial thinking, all of the social studies practices and standards are included in the study of global history and geography The development of geographic, reading, writing, listening, discussion and research skills are an important and integral part of the entire Global Studies program.

Global 9 Honors covers the same content as Global 9 but examines the historical topics on a deeper level while raising the expectations for the quality and rigor of coursework. Time will be devoted to extensive primary source analysis, developing college-ready writing skills, and in-depth class discussions.

This course begins with an overview of the world in 1750 and the power systems in place at that time. As topics of study progress chronologically to the present, students explore concepts such as industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world as they relate to historical developments. This course culminates with students taking the Global History and Geography II Regents Examination.

This course begins with the colonial and constitutional foundations of the United States and explores the government structure and functions written in the Constitution. The development of the nation and the political, social and economic factors that led to the challenges our nation faced in the Civil War are addressed. Industrialization, urbanization and the accompanying problems are examined, along with America’s emergence as a world power, the two world wars of the 10th century, the threat of terrorism, and the place of the United States in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. At the end of the course, students are required to take a Regents Examination.

While this course meets the requirement for students to take the Global History and Geography II Regents Examination, the content covered is more extensive beginning in the year 1200. Students learn about historical developments and processes from a global perspective and participate in in-depth examination of how power systems, technological, social, cultural, and economic changes were all impacted as places across the globe became more interconnected. At the end of this course, in addition to taking the Regents exam they will also take the Advanced Placement Exam.

This course is a survey of micro and macroeconomics. The course is intended to introduce the student to the world of economics and to give them the opportunity to examine the application of economic principles in their daily lives. The student is introduced to the central problem of scarcity and its meaning in their personal lives as well as in the life of their country and society. An examination of principles and differing economic philosophies will be included. The course is designed to assist students in becoming effective economic citizens in their political, social, and work-related life experiences.

This required course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of governmental operations on the local, state and national level. It will emphasize how public policy is formed, implemented and evaluated at all levels of government in a democratic society. It will also concentrate on providing students with knowledge of how citizens can directly or indirectly interact with the public policy process. Building on a base of knowledge that the students have already acquired, it will attempt or create opportunities for students to refine and develop skills necessary for participating in a democratic society, engaging in civic action, and becoming aware of their role in the decision making process. A public service project is required for successful completion of the course.