Social Studies

Suggested Course Sequence

Overview

Based on Vermont standards, the social studies curriculum consists of a variety of courses that allows all students to explore their role as informed citizens of a democracy and the world at large. Core social studies knowledge and skills in all courses include researching print and digital information; reading and interpreting an atlas, globe, and map; writing reports, research papers, and persuasive essays; engaging in critical analysis of texts; and giving presentations. All courses use differentiated instruction techniques in order to address the learning styles of all students.

Geography and Ancient History  (M20130) Grade 7

Students study the history of ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia, Mesopotamia, Maya and the Anasazi, and engage in research projects throughout the year. Students choose topics to study and present their learning in class. Some of the topics explored during this course are map skills, latitude and longitude, plate tectonics, reasons for climates and seasons, country and landform identification, human geography and culture. The text World Studies: Foundations of Geography is used.

Early American History  (M20140) Grade 8

Students study the history of what is now the United States from pre-Columbian Native America to 1865. Major historical topics include exploration, colonization, revolution, and civil war. Students learn about imperialism, terrorism, political ideology, and food production, both historically and currently. Students have opportunities for experiential learning, such as dramatic interpretation of historical events, debate, and cartooning. In addition, students learn the foundations for research and persuasive writing.

Global Studies  (H20301) 1 credit Grade 9 Social Studies credit

In this course, students examine issues, cultures, and geography in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a focus on the factors leading to conflict. Students develop research, reading, and writing skills in a variety of assignments. They read a variety of materials, including newspaper articles and primary and secondary sources.

European History  (H20403) 1 credit Grade 10 Social Studies credit

This course starts with the Reformation and continues through modern day. Topics include the Age of Exploration, Enlightenment, Age of Revolution, World War I, World War II, the Cold War and Modern Europe. Students analyze the impact that Europe has had on world events and in shaping the current global situation. In this class, students strengthen research, critical analysis, writing, and reading skills.

United States History  (H20500) 1 credit Grade 11, Level 1 Social Studies credit

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in Twentieth Century American Literature, Level 1

Covering the period of time from Industrialization through the twentieth century, this course challenges students to consider the political, social, economic, and military history of America. Through the use of primary sources, current articles, and supplemented by Cayton’s Pathways to the Present and Zinn’s People’s History of the United States, students aim their skills in research, critical analysis, and writing at the college level. Students participate in public speaking and collaborative work. This course includes two interdisciplinary research projects with English 11-1.

United States History  (H20510) 1 credit Grade 11, Level 2 Social Studies credit

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in Twentieth Century American Literature, Level 2

Through a hands-on study of the twentieth century, students learn the political, social and military history of America. Through the use of primary sources, current articles, and the text, Cayton’s Pathways to the Present, students strengthen reading, writing, critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. This course includes two interdisciplinary research projects with English 11-2.

Advanced Placement United States History  (H20520) 1½-2 credits Grades 11-12 Social Studies credit

Prerequisite(s): Summer work completion

AP U.S. History is designed to provide students with the critical thinking skills and lifelong understanding of the problems and events in U.S. history. Students evaluate historical materials – their importance, their interpretations, and their reliability – and judge the evidence presented in historical scholarship. Students develop the skills essential to make conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and present reasons and evidence persuasively. Although not required, students may complete U.S. History before enrolling in this course.

Chinese Studies (H20900) 1 credit Grades 9-12 Social Studies credit

China is the fastest-growing economic power and is home to the largest population in the world. Its diversity and complexity can be found in its history, geography, religions, and conflicts. Students learn about China’s struggle with the West in the 1800s, the rise of the Communists, the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and current issues. Students study their belief systems, including Chinese philosophy, Confucian thought, Buddhism, Taoism, Legalism, and Islam and their cultures among Chinese families, education, interpersonal relations, gender, and ethnic minorities.

Western Civilization (H20601) 1 credit Grades 11-12  Social Studies credit

This course starts with the dawn of written history through the present. Topics range from Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, the Age of Monarchies, the French Revolution to the twentieth century. The text is McKay’s A History of Western Society. Students read a supplementary novel, such as All Quiet on the Western Front and The Prince. Students write thesis papers, give oral presentations, and teach their classmates based on their research.

Economics: It Makes the World Go Around (H20801) 1 credit Grades 9-12 Social Studies credit

In this course, students learn economic and related social issues, emphasizing the relationship between the economy and their lives. Topics include money, banking, investments, employment practices, and world events that affect the American economy.

Current Events and Political Action (H20506) 1 credit Grades 9-12 Social Studies credit

In the first part of this course, students learn about issues of importance today, such as health care, the federal deficit, environmental issues, global climate change, the War on Terror, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, presidential powers, Congressional hearings, and nuclear proliferation. During the second part, students design a research or political action project, taking an active role in a political campaign or social issue about which they feel strongly.

Psychology  (H20702) 1 credit Grades 9-12 Social Studies credit

This class focuses on the development of the individual in a social context. Areas of exploration include learning theories, personality studies, aggression, conformity, dream analysis, and psychological disorders. Students study from a historical perspective and compare cultures. In additional to frequent writing assignments, students keep journals and participate in a field study at the Springfield Correctional Facility.