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Department Head: Chris Genthner
Economics (Grade 12)
Economic forces form the fundamental basis for our nation and the world. This course will merge the traditional economic theory of microeconomic and macroeconomics with the ever increasingly important worlds of finance and entrepreneurship. It will prepare students to be productive, involved, and informed democratic citizens. As a state graduation requirement for social studies, this course will be designed so that it is adaptable to various levels of academic achievement and motivation. (.5 credit)
Economics - Advanced (Grade 12)
As the advance course offering, the academic expectations of student work, participation, and preparation are increased. The additional expectations and requirements ensure that the course will be academically challenging and rigorous for all students.
(.5 credit)
European History - AP
Pre-requisite: Teacher recommendation
May be taken for college credit
AP Exam Required
Advanced European History is a college-level course specifically designed for students who wish to earn advanced college credit through the Advanced Placement program. Students are required to take the AP exam and will incur the cost of approximately $84 for the AP exam. The course is structured around the themes of cultural, diplomatic, economic, intellectual, political, and social history as applied from 1450 to the present. Successful completion of the AP examination in the spring may allow students to earn up to six college credits. Students are also required to take the NYS Regents examination in Global History and Geography that is given at the end of the sophomore year. There are entrance requirements for this course. Students have the option of obtaining three credit hours from GCC. (1 credit)
Global History and Geography 10
This history course is organized in a chronological, thematic approach. The course concentrates on the history of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Extensive practice in the analyzing of documents and the writing of both document-based and thematic essays will be a major emphasis in this second year Global History course. Successful completion of the NYS Regents exam is required for high school graduation. (1 credit)
Participation in Government (Grade 12)
Responsible citizenship requires continuous engagement in clarifying issues and contributing to the greater good. This course will emphasize the role of students as active members of the community. In addition to classroom topics such as the public policy process, the foundations of American Representative Democracy, political participation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, students will also fulfill out-of-school requirements. These include public service, political candidate research, and the engagement of public officials. The course concludes with a public policy final project that gives students the opportunity to work with community leaders.
(.5 credit)
Advanced Participation in Government (Grade 12)
As the advanced course offering, the academic expectations of student work, preparation, and participation are increased.
(.5 credit)
Leadership In Action
In this one-semester elective, students will experience the true meaning of leadership. The student will research leaders in our community and world. Students will develop their own style of leadership through hands-on activities. The course allows the student directed time for learning, planning, coordinating, and evaluating school and community projects. This course will also focus on communication skills, self-awareness, self-esteem, stress management, human relations, team building, and meeting skills. The student who participates in this course will reap the benefits in all aspects of his/her life. (.5 credit)
Psychology (Grade 12)
May be taken for college credit.
This course introduces the scientific study of human and animal behavior. Students will begin by learning the basic methodology of psychological study. Other topics that are covered include: motivation, emotion, learning, memory, human development across the lifespan, personality, psychological disorders, sleeping and dreaming, and therapy. This course can be taken for college-credit through Genesee Community College. (.5 credit)
Sociology (Grade 12)
May be taken for college credit.
As a social science, sociology provides students with a unique and diverse perspective to view our nation and the world. The course will engage the sociological imagination to explore our culture, the socialization process, our societal structures, institutions, and organizations, as well as examples of social deviance, collective behavior, and social inequality. A theoretical examination of current issues provides a driving force for this elective. Students may earn 3 credit hours through GCC. (.5 credit)
U.S. History and Government
Grade 11 curriculum is organized in a chronological approach. The topics covered include: Constitutional Foundations of the U.S., Industrialization of the U.S., The Progressive Movement, At Home and Abroad- Property and Depression, The U.S. in an Age of Global Crisis, and A World in Uncertain Times. While consideration will be given to an overview of U.S. History in general the emphasis in this course will be on the United States as an industrial nation. Constitutional and legal issues will be developed as well as issues of international involvement. Successful completion of the NY State Regents exam is required for graduation. (1 credit)
U.S. History - AP –11
Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation
May be taken for college credit.
AP Exam Required
Advanced Placement U.S. History is a college level course specifically for students who wish to earn advanced college credit through the Advanced Placement program. Students are required to take the AP exam and will incur the cost of approximately $82 for the exam. During the first semester, students examine various issues impacting American history from Colonial times through the period of Reconstruction. During the second semester, students examine the debates and conflicts surrounding issues in our national life from the late 1800s to the present. Students are required to take the AP exam in May, and the NYS Regents examination in U.S. History and Government in June. Students have the option of obtaining six credits through GCC. (1 credit)
Social Sciences department homework and notebook requirements:
Weekly homework assignments are a major requirement for all social sciences courses and may count for a substantial portion of each ten-week average. All classes require students to maintain a notebook of information presented during class lessons. This notebook may be graded and figured into each ten-week average. |