In this required course, students explore a variety of peoples, events, and movements in world history with a focus on inquiry-based learning. Students engage in activities that promote the development of research, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as part of the inquiry cycle. Students build off of their understanding of non-Western and Western civilizations that they gained during their world regions courses in middle school. Students explore previous eras to establish historical causation and better understand what makes the world modern, how previous conflict resolutions created future problems, and how cultural experiences shaped perspectives. Specifically, students will investigate the following course essential questions: Who are the winners and losers of Imperialism? How did the Industrial Revolution impact the modern world? How have contrasting political ideologies influenced the modern era? How will universal human rights ever be realized?

American History, part 1 covers the period from European exploration of America and the birth of the United States through the Civil War period. Student examine history from multiple lenses to ensure that they gain a comprehensive and fuller understanding of what it means to be an American. Student examine howideals set forth in The United States Constitution have been challenged and upheld. Student will examine course essential questions such as : Whatjustifies a revolution? What is the ideal balance between government and the governed? Was Manifest Destiny helpful or harmful to all Americans? Was the pre-Civil War era dominated by conflict or compromise? Did the Civil War have the same meaning for all Americans?

This required course will acquaint students with significant historical events that occurred between 1865 and the present. Curriculum units reflect the philosophical, historical, moral, and social forces that have defined the American way of life. Specifically students will examine essential questions such as: What were the short and long-term consequences of Reconstruction for black and white Americans? How did the Depression lead to fundamental economic, social, and political changes in American society? In what ways did the events of World War I help set the scene for World War II? How did the Cold Warimpact America's domestic and foreign policy? To what degree did the United States live up to its founding principles? A research experience will be a required component of this course.

This college-level course adheres to the suggested University of Connecticut syllabus, and surveys the political, economic, social and cultural development in American history from the colonial period to the present. Numerous primary and secondary sources are examined, and students are asked to make independent conclusions about different aspects of America's social, political, cultural, and economic development based on these readings. All students are required to read extensively, take thorough lecture and discussion notes, and write a number of analytical and document-based essays, several book analyses and at least one major paper. All tests are cumulative. Only students willing to do an exceptional amount of work both in and out of class and meet rigorous grading standards should enroll in this course.

ECE Psychology is a comprehensive and detailed examination of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It adheres to curriculum standards established by SCSU (Southern Connecticut State University). Topics covered include, but are not limited to, research methodology, human development, personality, cognition, culture, conformity, aggression, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and treatment. As part of the course requirements, students participate in an approved research study or an equivalent non-research activity. Specifically students will examine a series of essential questions such as : How can psychology help me to better understand myself and others? How do we know whatis true? To what extent does biology influence human behavior? Are individuals negatively or positively influenced by others? Are people with psychological disorders misunderstood? A college-level textbook with complementary ancillary materials constitute the resources for this course. Cumulative assessments will be administered throughout the year. Students who are enrolled in ECE Psychology and successfully pass PSY 100 and PSY 227 earn 6 SCSU college credits. Students may also choose to take the AP Psychology College Board Exam in Mayto potentially earn college credits. There is a SCSU fee to enroll in this course.

This course is concerned with social relationships and group behavior. Particular attention is given to the various aspects of culture, social structure, race and gender equality, social control and deviance. In this course students will examine social patterns to understand how such patterns change over time and among different settings. Inherent in the study of sociology is the opportunity to examine social theories and exchange perspectives on contemporary social issues. Specifically, students will examine essential questions such as: How does culture shape societies? Is the American Dream and myth or reality? How do social institutions vary and change over time? Is white collar crime or street crime more detrimental to society? Is deviance necessary for social progress?

This course is designed to give students an in depth view of the events leading up to and including America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Students will explore the politics, people and military events of the time period from 1945-1975. Students will be asked to use a variety of primary sources to examine the impact this war had on world politics and howit shaped modern America. Upon completion of this course students will have a better understanding of how countries use their military as an extension of their political ideologies.

Advanced Placement World History is a college-level course that adheres to the standards established by the College Board. It surveys the history of the world from the Neolithic time period through the year 2000 CE at a rigorous pace. Students will answer the following essential questions: Whatis "civilization"? Does change occur by diffusion or independent development? Should we study cultural areas or states? To what extent did Europe dominant the world during the 1400's through the 1700's? Through what processes did the influence of industrialization spread throughout the world? To what degree did new types of social conflict emerge during the nineteenth century? How and with whom did the idea of "The West" as a coherent and leading force in history gain currency? How do ideological struggles provide an explanation for many of the conflicts of the 20th century? Students enrolled in Advanced Placement World History will use a college-level textbook along with numerous primary and secondary supplemental sources to develop the ability to identify what patterns of development, progress, and decline they see repeated throughout world history. All students are required to read extensively, take thorough lecture and discussion notes, and write a number of analytical and document-based essays. One of the goals of this course is to prepare students to take the College Board Advanced Placement World History Exam in May. for which there is a fee.

This class will introduce students to the field of philosophy as well as the major ideas and people behind it. The class will examine the major branches of philosophy along with their impact on the individual. The course will offer a historical introduction to philosophy, aimed at discovering how some well-known philosophers have answered the major questions in philosophy. Students will read and discuss challenging and relevant philosophical articles. Oral and written communication skills will be developed through specialized vocabulary used to express concepts of philosophy. Research will be a required component of this course.

Course may be taken multiple times. This course is not NCAA approved. The purpose of this course is to teach leadership skills, parliamentary procedure, problem solving, decision making, communication skills, group dynamics, time and stress management, public speaking, human relations, public relations, team building, and other group processes. In addition to theoretical activities, students will apply these skills to real world activities. Class projects include planning and overseeing school and community service projects including Homecoming, pep rallies, fundraisers, and other school spirit events.

Students in this Economics course are exposed to the basic principles of economics with emphasis on the United States economy, macroeconomics, taxation, money and banking.

he Middle East is considered one of the most dynamic and vital regions in the world today. The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times and it is the geographic origin of three of the world's most influential religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In this course students will examine the historic forces that shaped the Middle East and explore the religious, political, and economic influences that continue to affect its development and its impact on the world stage. Specifically students will examine five essential questions: Is the Middle East misunderstood? Can the three monotheistic religions peacefully coexist? What are the roots of nationalistic growth in the Middle East? How can the Arab-Israeli conflict be resolved? What does the future hold for our global society?

Two hundred years ago President Washington espoused the principles of international cooperation and justice. In his Farewell Address he said, "Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all." Today more than ever before Americans understand that they are not simply citizens of the United States, but members of a larger global community. Contemporary World Issues is the ideal class for 21st century students who will inevitably face the challenges of solving global problems. Contemporary World Issues students will investigate the responsibilities individuals, groups, nations and international organizations have in the global community. Specifically students will examine four essential questions: Does the United Nations live up to its ideals? How can the international community protect the rights of all human beings? Is world peace possible? Whatis the path to sustainable development? Throughout the course students may engage in United Nations simulations and may culminate with participation in a Model United Nations Conference hosted by a university.

This one-semester course is designed to give students an introduction to the world of law. Topics to be covered include: criminal and civil law; the state and federal court structure; the nature of contracts; employment laws; and laws that meet the changing needs of society. Its purpose is to make students aware of legal principles that affect their everyday life.

This course will focus on exploring the roots of the Holocaust in order to accurately study how the Holocaust occurred. We also promote teaching and learning about the moral, political, and social implications of the Holocaust and human behavior. Literary genres will include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and film. Although the main format of this course will be lecture-based lessons and in-class discussions, students will also engage in outside reading, independent learning, film analysis, researching and persuasive/expository writing.