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SOCIAL STUDIES

The Social Studies Department has a commitment to providing a strong background in human history. As the current Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks so aptly states: “Historical time is the lens through which we see change and continuity in human affairs. History allows us to know our place in time, the first mark of educated citizens. To know ourselves and others, we compare our lives with those people in other eras and other circumstances. Ignorance of history isolates us from human realities, a mortal weakness in a democratic society, leaving us prey to mere nostalgia, or censored versions of the past spread by partisan interests...” .

In addition to history, the social sciences are introduced through Psychology courses, Economics electives, a Senior Issues course, and a new Junior Senior elective entitiled Advanced Cultural Studies of China. An Advanced Placement course in the History of the United States is provided for students in grades eleven or twelve who desire a rigorous college equivalent experience.

The Social Studies Department also participates in two multidisciplinary course offerings. One is the Senior Humanities program in which students engage in an integrated study of Western Civilization through the examination of art, literature, history, and music. The other program is a Junior American Studies program in which students explore America since the Civil War through an examination of history, literature, music and art.

0304 WORLD HISTORY I (H) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

This course begins with a rigorous examination of human history from the time of the Byzantine Empire to the Congress of Vienna. Topics will include (but not be limited to) the following: the origins of Islam, western feudalism, Middle Empire China, Japan’s classical age, the rise of Kiev and Muscovy, the African states, European High Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, China under the Ming and Manchu, the Tokugawa Shogunate, European expansion, the Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment era and the American and French Revolutions. During the course there will be a number of experiences in reading primary and secondary sources and an emphasis on writing short descriptive and analytical papers including essay examination questions. Students also participate in the National History Day program in this honors course.

0303 WORLD HISTORY I (C1) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

History as a discipline will be introduced through an in depth examination of world history from the time of the Byzantine Empire to the Congress of Vienna. Topics will include (but not be limited to) the following: the origins of Islam, western feudalism, Middle Empire China, Japan’s classical age, the rise of Kiev and Muscovy, the African states, European High Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, China under the Ming and Manchu, the Tokugawa Shogunate, European expansion, the Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment era and the American and French Revolutions. This course will bring the student into contact with other social sciences including geography, economics, and political science. The interrelationships of the past and the present are continually noted. During the course there will be an emphasis on comprehension of the text and supplemental readings, note taking, and the writing of short essays.

0302 WORLD HISTORY I (C2) (9, 10, 11, 12) Y 5

The history of the world between 500 and 1815 will be introduced through the study of a number of in-depth topics. As with other World History courses the social sciences of history, geography, economics, and political science will be used to examine topics in European, African, and Asian cultures. This course has a special emphasis on comprehension of historical sources, appropriate study skills, and the variety of ways that students can demonstrate their understanding of the material.

0307 WORLD HISTORY II (H) (10,11,12) Y 5 (Prerequisite: A “B” grade in World History I Honors and/or the recommendation of the Ninth Grade Social Studies Teacher)

This rigorous course is a continuation of the World History course students began in ninth grade. The topics will cover the time frame of 1800 to the present time. Content will include the industrial revolution in Europe, the revolutions of 1848, the unification of Italy and Germany, the Opium Wars and European domination of China, the changes in government and expansion of Japanese economy following its opening to Western influences, the First World War, the Russian and Chinese Revolutions, the rise of dictators and World War II, the end of colonialism in Africa and Asia, and Latin America in the 20th century. There will be a number of experiences in reading primary and secondary sources and there will be an emphasis on writing short descriptive and analytical papers. Students also participate in the National History Day program in this honors course.

0306 WORLD HISTORY II (C1) (10,11,12) Y 5

Beginning with Europe in the industrial revolution this course will continue the story of world history through to the present time. Besides Europe in the last two hundred years, students will study the various revolutions that impacted both the West and East, the First World War, the rise of dictators and the resulting Second World War, the end of colonialism around the world, and recent developments in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Writing, investigation, inquiry, and library skills will be integral parts of the student’s development in this course.

0305 WORLD HISTORY II (C2) (10,11,12) Y 5

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who learn best with a slower paced coverage of content and who have had limited success in previous social studies courses. The content will cover the period of world history from Napoleon to the present and will focus on developments in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America during the last two centuries. The activities will stress the use of individual and small group learning and will emphasize reading material appropriate for the student, audio-visual resources, and skill development. The course will build upon what was learned in the ninth grade.

0313 UNITED STATES HISTORY AP (11, 12) Y 5 (Prerequisite: Must receive permission of Department Director)

The variety of historical interpretations of the major themes of American History forms the backbone of this course. A wide range of historical readings provides students with the information to write a number of analytical papers. Since the course prepares for the Advanced Placement Examination, only those juniors and seniors with outstanding academic records are considered as applicants. It is expected that students enrolled in the course will take the Advanced Placement Examination in the year the course is taken. Students applying for the course are approved by the Director of Social Studies after recommendations of social studies teachers. The course will serve as the third year of the social studies requirement or it may be taken in the senior year after completing the World and American History sequence.

0310 AMERICAN HISTORY, RECONSTRUCTION TO THE PRESENT (H) (11, 12) Y 5 (Prerequisite: A "B" grade in World History II, Honors and/or the recommendation of the tenth grade social studies teacher.)

This course is the third year of the social studies graduation requirement. The course is designed for students who are seeking a challenging approach to the study of American history. There will be emphasis on reading and writing, including the examination of original as well as interpretative sources. A major term paper is a requirement of this course. Students will investigate a number of different themes shaping America between 1865 and the present. The roots of twentieth century thought as evident in the events and legislation of the period of Reconstruction and the Industrial Revolution will begin the course. The examination of Progressive era, Imperialism and World War I will follow. In addition, students will study the Great Depression and its impact on America and the world, World War II, and America since 1945. A combination of social, economic and political themes will encourage students to develop a better understanding of America’s emergence as the sole super power in the world as we enter the 21st century.

0309 AMERICAN HISTORY, RECONSTRUCTION TO THE PRESENT (C1) (11, 12) Y 5

This course is the third year of the social studies graduation requirement. This course is designed for college bound students who will be expected to further refine skills in reading and writing that demonstrate their understanding of the material and illustrate the ability to make connections between various historic events and their lives today. Original as well as interpretive sources are used in this course. A major term paper is a requirement of this course. Students will investigate a number of different themes shaping America between 1865 and the present. The roots of twentieth century thought as evident in the events and legislation of the period of Reconstruction and the Industrial Revolution will begin the course. The examination of the Progressive era, Imperialism, and World War I will follow. In addition, students will study the great Depression and it impact on America and the world, World War II and America since 1945. A combination of social, economic and political themes will encourage students to develop a better understanding of America’s emergence as the sole super power in the world as we enter the 21st century.

0308 AMERICAN HISTORY, RECONSTRUCTION TO THE PRESENT (C2) (11, 12) Y 5

This course is the third year of the social studies requirement. This course is designed for students who can benefit from a variety of approaches to learning, a slower pace, or who have met limited success in previous social studies courses. Students will be expected to further refine skills in reading and writing. This skill development is an important component of this course. Original as well as interpretive sources are used in this course. Students will investigate a number of different themes shaping America between 1865 and the present. The roots of twentieth century thought as evident in the events and legislation of the period of Reconstruction and the Industrial Revolution will begin the course. The examination of the Progressive era, Imperialism and World War I will follow. In addition, students will study the Great Depression and its impact on America and the world, World War II and America since 1945. A combination of social, economic and political themes will encourage students to develop a better understanding of America’s emergence as the sole super power in the world as we enter the 21st century. A research paper is a requirement of this course.

0147 AMERICAN STUDIES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH (C1) (11) Y/Double 10
0148 AMERICAN STUDIES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH (H) (11) Y/Double 10

This new double credit course for juniors offers an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of Modern America. Through a study of American history, literature, music and art, this course will enrich the depth of a student’s understanding of American culture, especially in the twentieth century. The thematic approach includes a focus on a number of different themes including Race in America, Prosperity and Depression, Technological Innovation and Change in America, and Protest. Students will examine the works of major American writers such as Crane, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Hughes, Hurston, Morrison, Carver and Kingston. They will also explore the roots and development of American art and music during this same time period. Papers and projects are both analytical and creative. A major term paper is a requirement of this course. Students may elect to work at the honors level in this course with the recommendation of their sophomore social studies teacher.

0321 ADVANCED CULTURAL STUDIES of CHINA (C1) (11, 12) S 2 1/2
0322 ADVANCED CULTURAL STUDIES of CHINA (H) (11, 12) S 2 1/2

The advanced cultural study will focus on various themes relating to China including its geography, its philosophies, its arts and literature, and the role of women. There will be specific emphasis on China’s response to the West from 1800 to the present and how China’s philosophical beliefs have influenced this response. The era following Mao’s death in 1976 and the position of China in the world as we enter the 21st century will be the final focus of the course. Field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Peabody Essex Museum will also enrich student exposure to China. This course may be taken for C1 or Honors credit.

0315/0316 MICRO ECONOMICS (C1 or H) (11, 12) S 2 1/2, Y 5

This course stresses the general concepts and analytical models of economics and how they can be used not only to explain events but also to help individuals, groups, or nations decide how best to improve their welfare. Semester one emphasizes micro economic analysis, considering theories of production, value, price, and economics of the firm, and functional distribution under varying conditions of the market. Semester two emphasizes macro economic analysis. Topics considered include national income analysis, money and banking, economic growth and stability, unemployment, inflation, and the role of government in the economy. This course may be elected for either or both semesters and may be taken for C1 or honors credit.

0317/0318 MACRO ECONOMICS (C1 or H) (11, 12) S 2 1/2, Y 5

0319/0323 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (C1 or H) (11, 12) S 2 1/2

This first semester course is designed to introduce students to a certain set of basic ideas in the field of psychology. The focus of the course is to answer the questions: What is psychology? When, where and how did psychology get started? What fundamental ideas are the foundation of modern psychology? Topics covered include developmental psychology, the brain and the nervous system, altered states of consciousness, sensation and perception, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, cognitive and humanistic psychology. This course may be taken before or after the second semester course.

0320/0324 ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY (C1 or H) (11, 12) S 2 1/2

This second semester course is designed to introduce students to an additional set of ideas in the field of psychology. The focus of the course is to investigate a variety of issues that modern psychologists study. As in the first semester, additional emphasis is placed on the personal side of psychology, and the specialized vocabulary. Topics covered include current issues in the areas of experimental psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. This course may be taken before or after the first semester course.

SENIOR SEMINAR SERIES

Senior Seminar Series is going to replace Senior Focus. This offering will be a series of one semester courses offered to seniors examining a number of areas of interest to faculty members in the Social Studies Department. The offerings will include Senior Focus I, Senior Focus II, An Introduction to Sociology, An introduction to Political Philosophy, The American Political System, From Watergate to the Present, U.S. Women’s History, and The Service Learning Project. Students will have the opportunity to sign up for courses offered in the Fall semester and courses offered in the spring semester. These semester offerings will involve discussion, research, reading and the development of writing and critical thinking skills, as well as hands on active learning experiences. The following offerings for 2009-2010 are:

0323 SENIOR FOCUS, FALL SEMESTER (12) S 2 1/2

Besides an examination of various issues that impact our democratic society in the 21st century, students will examine other contemporary non-Western societies from an Asian, African, or Latin American perspective. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, read a variety of articles and write a series of short papers on controversial topics examined in the course. Students may elect to take one or both semesters of Senior Focus.

0324 SENIOR FOCUS, SPRING SEMESTER (12) S 2 1/2

During the second semester of Senior Focus, students will consider other contemporary and Global issues of our time. Besides an examination of various issues that impact our democratic society in the 21st century, students will examine other contemporary non-Western societies from an Asian, African, or Latin American perspective. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, read a variety of articles and write a series of short papers on controversial topics examined in the course. Students may elect to take one or both semesters of Senior Focus.

0325 SOCIOLOGY - PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL INTERACTION (12) S 2 1/2

This is an introduction to sociology examining the individual in social situations. Why to groups follow certain leaders? What makes a leader successful? How are they able to inspire, manipulate and control others? The course explores the social development of the person, the development of interpersonal relationships, and the problems of integrating the individual and social system. We will examine various theories, studies and examples, from Julius Caesar to Tony Soprano; from Mohandas Gandhi to Michael Scott.

0326 AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (12) S 2 1/2

The Introduction to Philosophy course will take a look at a number of the great intellectual achievements of Western civilization. Starting with the philosophies of ancient Greece, we will take a journey through western civilization and study how man has answered questions such as: What is the nature of being? Is our perception a reality or an illusion? And, What is man's purpose on earth? Philosophers studied will include Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Locke, Hegel, Kant, Nietszche, and a selection of others.

0327 U.S. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT (12) S 2 1/2

This course is an introduction to how the American government works and how it changes to meet the needs of each generation. Using primary documents and a wide range of multimedia sources, students will look at the policies and processes that impact their world. Go beyond the three branches of government and how a bill becomes a law to debate controversial topics, question the role of our leaders, learn about your rights, and ponder if you really do have what it takes to Rock the Vote.

0328 INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN’S STUDIES (12) S 2 1/2

How does gender shape our lives on individual, cultural, and social levels? What does it mean to study "women" as a group? What does a feminist look like? This semester you will become acquainted with many of the critical thinking questions surrounding the gendered experience. This class will be an historical examination of how sex and gender issues have changed throughout history. This class promises lively discussions and debates, historical perspectives and pop-culture, hands-on research and film analysis and a better understanding of the world we live in.

0329 THE SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT (12) S 2 1/2

This course is particularly designed for students who want to get out into the community and find businesses, community organizations and other groups who would like to mentor seniors in various career paths. The projects will depend on the interests of the students, the needs of the community and the availability of opportunities. Students will be expected to record their experiences in journals and write a reflection at the end of each of their service learning projects and experiences.

0330 US HISTORY: 1970-PRESENT (12) S 2 1/2

This class will cover American history from Nixon to Obama. Areas of discussion will include the Watergate scandal, the Reagan Revolution, the Clinton Impeachment, the attacks of September, 11, the Iraq War, etc. Students in this class will be expected to discuss and debate controversial issues, read articles and primary documents, and write position papers. We will also use a wide variety of media resources.

0111/0112 HUMANITIES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH (C1 or H) Y/Double 10 (Prerequisite: Requires a “C” average or better in previous English and/or Social Studies courses, for honors must meet the requirements of the English and/or Social departments.)

Humanities is a double-credit course for seniors in the literature, history, art and music of Western civilization. Organized chronologically and interdisciplinary in approach, Humanities emphasizes especially the classical and medieval periods, the Renaissance, and selected aspects of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Students study the work of many of the major writers, artists and composers of the Western tradition. Papers and projects are both analytical and creative.

Students taking Humanities must have a "C" average or better in their previous high school English courses. Students may elect to work at the honors level in this course by meeting the requirements of the English and/or Social Studies courses for honors level work.

Humanities fulfills the Fine and Applied Arts requirement as well as the senior English requirement.