Social Studies 9-12

Freshman

Foundations in Civics, Economics, and Geography

This course is an introduction to the three disciplines of: American Civics & Citizenship, Economics & Personal Finance, and Cultural Geography. Students will strengthen their skills in reading, writing, note taking, critical thinking and research while exploring the varied content of this course. Students will receive additional support for their reading and writing skills as the majority of classroom work will be completed in class. The course includes an in-depth look at the three branches of our national government, elections, the US Constitution, macroeconomics, personal finance, the five themes of geography, and a survey of the cultures of different regions of the world.

CP Foundations in Civics, Economics, and Geography

This course is an introduction to the three disciplines of: American Civics & Citizenship, Economics & Personal Finance, and Cultural Geography. Students will strengthen their skills in reading, writing, note taking, critical thinking and research while exploring the varied content of this course. As a process/skills-based course, specific instruction in content reading, writing, note taking, critical thinking, and research will be emphasized while covering an in-depth look at the three branches of our national government, elections, the US Constitution, macroeconomics, personal finance, the five themes of geography, and a survey of the cultures of different regions of the world.

Honor Foundations in Civics, Economics, and Geography

This course is an introduction to the three disciplines of: American Civics & Citizenship, Economics & Personal Finance, and Cultural Geography. Students will be expected to use advanced skills in reading and writing to critically analyze and research topics involving the three branches of our national government, elections, the US Constitution, macroeconomics, personal finance, the five themes of geography, and a survey of the cultures of different regions of the world.

Sophomores

Western Civilization

The first semester of the Western Civilization course begins with the study of the birth of civilization in Mesopotamia c.3000 B.C. and focuses on the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The remainder of the first semester includes the Byzantine Empire and the European Middle Ages. In the second semester the course then focuses on the major historical periods of Europe including the Renaissance, Reformation, Exploration, Absolutism, Enlightenment, French Revolution, Agricultural & Industrial Revolutions, Imperialism, and finally concluding with World War 1 c.1920. A.D. This course is designed chronologically to educate students with the historical knowledge of major European events, people, and themes. From this information, students will learn to recognize the relationships of certain events and people and their impact on future situations. Primary and secondary source documents, maps, artworks, videos, and literature, along with the selected textbook, are used in presenting content and in evaluating historical events and descriptions.

Students taking this general level course will be working on reading comprehension skills, using guided notes, and learning test preparation strategies. Students will be working both independently and collectively depending on the task. This course is designed for students who are reading below grade level or struggle with academics. Most assignments take place right in the classroom under teacher supervision. Students learn to utilize their resources to help them be successful on quizzes, tests, and midterm/final exams.

CP Western Civilization

The first semester of the Western Civilization course begins with the study of the birth of civilization in Mesopotamia c.3000 B.C. and focuses on the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The remainder of the first semester includes the Byzantine Empire and the European Middle Ages. In the second semester the course then focuses on the major historical periods of Europe including the Renaissance, Reformation, Exploration, Absolutism, Enlightenment, French Revolution, Agricultural & Industrial Revolutions, Imperialism, and finally concluding with World War 1 c.1920 A.D. This course is designed chronologically to educate students with the historical knowledge of major European events, people, and themes. From this information, students will learn to recognize the relationships of certain events and people and their impact on future situations. Primary and secondary source documents, maps, artworks, videos, and literature, along with the selected textbook, are used in presenting content and in evaluating historical events and descriptions.


In addition to subject content, College Prep level students will also be working on reading comprehension, various note taking methods, test preparation strategies, and content essay writing. Students will work both independently and collectively depending on the task. Students should be able to read right around grade level. Assignments such as taking notes, review questions, essays, quizzes, chapter tests and midterm/final exams are given.

Honor Western Civilization

The first semester of the Western Civilization course begins with the study of the birth of civilization in Mesopotamia c.3000 B.C. and focuses on the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The remainder of the first semester includes the Byzantine Empire and the European Middle Ages. In the second semester, the course then focuses on the major historical periods of Europe including the Renaissance, Reformation, Exploration, Absolutism, Enlightenment, French Revolution, Agricultural & Industrial Revolutions, Imperialism, and finally concluding with World War 1 c.1920 A.D. This course is designed chronologically to educate students with the historical knowledge of major European events, people, and themes. From this information, students will learn to recognize the relationships of certain events and people and their impact on future situations. Primary and secondary source documents, maps, artworks, videos, and literature, along with the selected textbook, are used in presenting content and in evaluating historical events and descriptions.

In addition to subject content, Honors level students will also be working on reading comprehension, various note taking methods, test preparation strategies, and content essay writing. Students need to be able to work both independently and collectively, as well as, read at or above grade level. Assignments such as taking notes, review questions, essays, quizzes, chapter tests and midterm/final exams are given. This level covers the basic curriculum plus goes into more depth when covering certain events/time periods.

Juniors

U.S. History

Successful completion of U.S. History is required for graduation from Winslow High School. Students will study a survey of U.S. History. First semester will cover topics from the drafting of the United States Constitution through the Reconstruction era. Second semester will focus on the periods from Reconstruction through the modern era. In addition to content area, students taking this general U.S. History course are expected to be proficient or improve in the following areas: Note taking, reading, writing, and analyzing new material.

CP U.S. History

Successful completion of U.S. History is required for graduation from Winslow High School. Students will study a survey of U.S. History. First semester will cover topics from the drafting of the United States Constitution through the Reconstruction era. Second semester will focus on the periods from Reconstruction through the modern era. In addition to content area, students taking this general U.S. History course are expected to be proficient or improve in the following areas: Note taking, reading, writing, and analyzing new material.

Honor U.S. History

Successful completion of U.S. History is required for graduation from Winslow High School. Students will study a survey of U.S. History. First semester will cover topics from the drafting of the United States Constitution through the Reconstruction era. Second semester will focus on the periods from Reconstruction through the modern era. In addition to content, Honors students are expected to be proficient in the following areas: Note taking, reading at or beyond grade level, writing at or above grade level, and analytical thinking.

Electives

CP Psychology

This course is desgined for Jrs and Srs. Psychology is a full-year elective that surveys the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations. Units of study include: social cognition, social perception, attitudes, the self, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, social influence, prosocial behavior, aggression, and group dynamics.

CP American Law

Seniors and juniors: American Law is a full-year elective that focuses on the legal institutions in the United States. Units of study include: An Introduction to Law, Constitutional Law, The Bill of Rights, Criminal Law, Family Law, and Civil Law. Students will participate in several projects and activities including Supreme Court simulations, mock trials, problem-solving opportunities, case studies, and much more. The aim of the course is to develop in students the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding American jurisprudence and the rule of law.

CP Life Topics

Prerequisite: Career Prep; juniors and seniors only - This course is designed to provide a review for students in some basic living skills. It is a multi-disciplinary approach using community and school resources. Students will take away from class a portfolio of activities and materials as well as a list of resources that could be used by them, as they become independent householders. Some of the topics covered will be relationships, family life, consumerism, money management, career preparation and legal services.

Advanced Placement Courses

College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought the most challenging curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students. Each AP teacher’s syllabus is evaluated and approved by faculty from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, and AP Exams are developed and scored by college faculty and experienced AP teachers. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant credit, advanced placement, or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores; more than 3,300 institutions worldwide annually receive AP scores.

AP U.S. History

AP U.S. Government and Politics

AP European History

AP Macroeconomics

AP Microeconomics