Social Studies Department

Elective Courses

Contemporary World Issues (8-12)
This course provides an opportunity to study current world issues before the United Nations. Students will be able to develop an understanding of the purposes and functions of the United Nations. They will also gain insight into specific international issues through investigative research and assess international political systems and forces which determine a nation's foreign policy. They will also analyze the impact of global geography on national and regional interests and acquire an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. Students will prepare for and participate in a Model United Nations where they will demonstrate such skills as persuasive writing and extemporaneous speaking, the art of compromising, caucusing, consensus building and use of parliamentary procedures.

Criminal Justice (10-12)
The course will investigate the different aspects of the criminal justice system and process. Students will study the history of American Law, the administration of criminal justice, and the nature and problems of crime in contemporary society. The course content is divided into the following general units: The Criminal Justice System and Process, The Adversary System, Lawmaking, Crime, Corrections and Police Procedures and Criminal Justice as a profession.

Global Connections (10-12)
This course will enable students to understand and appreciate the major themes in world history that connect the present to the past, and one world region to another. More importantly, students will be able to express their abilities in writing. Some units include: Religions and Philosophies," "Rise and Fall of Empires," and "Great World Figures." Emphasis will be placed on mastering thematic essays and document-based questions (DBQ's). The five Learning Standards in Social Studies are infused into each unit, and performance indicators provide the basis for all lessons.

American Connections (11)
This course will enable students to develop a connection between issues, themes, decisions and developments in American History, from one era to another. More importantly, students will be given extensive practice in analyzing and evaluating documents, and in writing thematic essays and document-based questions. The five Learning Standards in Social Studies are infused into all units, which include: "America's Wars," "Great reforms," "We, the People...," and "Presidential Decisions." New York State performance indicators provide the basis for all lessons and projects.

Psychology (11-12)
Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. This introductory course provides useful insight into your own and other people's behavior. Observable behavior, unconscious processes, individual differences and psychology as a profession are analyzed and stressed.

 

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