011 – 012 – World Understanding I and II – 1/2 cr. each – 1 cr. total - Required in Grade 10
These courses study the different areas of the world as they developed through history. The following themes are focal points throughout the year: Social, political, economic and cultural aspects of society as they relate to diffusion and cause and effect. Honors credit is available as a component of this course.
003 – 004 – U.S. History I and II – 1/2 credit each – l credit total – Required in Grade 11
Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Understanding I and II
It is the goal of the course to present an overall view of our nation’s heritage. In this process we will examine the problems and successes that have marked the growth of our nation. Honors credit will be available as a component of this course.
009 – United States History – Advanced Placement – 1 credit Grade 11,12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Understanding I and II
This course is offered to students who desire the opportunity to earn college credit in United States
History. This course will require summer study as part of the curriculum. Students will be required to pay the fee charged by the College Board for the administration of their examination.
001 – Contemporary Issues – 1 credit – Required Grade 12
The purpose and scope are to give the student an opportunity to focus twelve years of formal education on the vital issues facing America and the impact these issues have on the individual. The concern is with the individual and how the individual in our society must recognize the importance of keeping up with an understanding of current affairs and, above all, reaching intelligent opinions on current issues. Furthermore, considerable time and effort will be devoted to independent study.
008 – Co-op - Modern European History – 1 credit Grade 12
May be taken in place of Contemporary Issues
Prerequisite: Approval of United States History instructor and minimum grade of 90 in U.S History. Modern European History corresponds with History 101 at the University of Connecticut. For the three university credits, the student must pre-apply to the Co-op program and receive a grade of at least a 73 upon completion of the course. This course is the study of the transformation of traditional Europe, emphasizing the origins of the issues confronting the contemporary world.
007 – Sociology – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year Grades 11,12
Grade 10 by teacher approval only
Sociology is the study of groups of people. This course focuses on the various aspects of social interaction and culture including the socialization process, the nature of culture, conformity and deviance, and collective behavior. In addition, students will evaluate current social problems from a sociological perspective and begin to gain a greater understanding of the problems facing our world today through classroom discussion as well as community involvement.
002 – Psychology – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year Grades 11,12 Grade 10 – by teacher approval only
Psychology is a science that studies human behavior. This course offers an introduction to the various disciplines within psychology including how we learn, intelligence, personality, human development, dreams, and consciousness, and mental health. In addition, students will be introduced to the process of psychological research as well as to current ethical issues in the field of psychology.
010 – Youth and the Law – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year All Grades
This course deals with the idea of justice - the principles and practices that society employs to determine right and wrong. Students will study criminal and civil law, with an emphasis on how law impacts young people.
016 – World Events – 1 credit – 1 year Grade 10
The purpose and scope of this course are to give the student an opportunity to apply the four themes introduced in 9th grade World Understanding to Contemporary Issues occurring globally. This course will explore democracy in America and its impact on other nations. The role of economics, technology, societal values, conflict and the individual in the world events will also be studied. Due to the strong emphasis on the structure and function of American democracy, the successful completion of this class will count toward a student’s state mandated Civics requirement.
017 – Geography – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year – Workshop I & II All Grades
Geography allows us to compare, contrast, and understand the peoples and places of the world. This course is designed to examine connections between humans and the natural environment. Students will complete labs related to the environmental sciences and study current issues that concern geographers and scientists from various regions of the world. (Offered odd years)
021 – Introductory Economics – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year Grades 10,11,12
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the practical aspects of contemporary economics. The course presents the basic concepts necessary to an understanding and appreciation of the American Free Enterprise system. The focus of the course is on microeconomics including basic economic principles and personal finance. (Offered odd years)
019 – Connecticut History – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year All Grades
Connecticut History’s main focus will be to give the student an understanding of the important events that have occurred throughout the state’s history. The course will use original documents to gain a view of the people who lived the events. The part Connecticut played in helping shape our nation’s history is stressed. (Offered even years)
022 – History of Revolutions – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year Grades 10, 11,12
In this course, students will examine selected major historical revolutions. Students in this course will ask and answer questions such as “what is a revolution,” “what social, economic, political, and cultural situations and events motivate people to revolt,” and “what will be the major revolutionary movement of the twenty-first century?” Comparisons between the revolutions will be emphasized. Extensive reading, a major paper, and a strong interest in history are required for this course. (Offered odd years)
005 - Women’s Studies – ½ credit – ½ year Grades 10 – 12; Grade 9 by teacher approval only
Women‘s studies is a discipline that focuses on the various roles played by women as a social group. Students will investigate a variety of topics relating to women including their roles in history, politics, science, the arts, family and public life. In addition, students will conduct independent research on a selected topic to learn about women’s issues in greater depth. Classroom discussion, guest speakers and a range of activities will facilitate our studies.
Interdepartmental
018 – History of Art – Western Civilization – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year Grades 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Students must have taken the course Art Fundamentals offered by the Art Department.
This course will focus on the history of Western Art and Architecture. Students will be introduced to the forces that distinguish periods of Art in Western Heritage. Social, political and economic factors will be used to explore cultural developments in the visual arts. (Offered even years)
162 – History of American Music – 1/2 credit – 1/2 year (Offered both semesters)
This course will chronicle the history of our nation through music. The focus will be on innovative American composers who borrowed from the music of the past and from music of other cultures to create songs that truly reflect our American heritage. The units will trace Americans’ responses, through music, to significant events from the American Revolution to the present.
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