Social Studies Program

 

 

 

 

Social Studies Courses acquaint students with information, concepts and methods in a variety of the social sciences.  All ninth graders must take and pass “World Cultures and Civilizations,” which enables students to deveolop broad historical, cultural, and geographic perspectives.  To satisfy both a CCHS and a State of Massachusetts requirement, all students must take and pass “United States History,” which is designed for sophomores.  The elective courses offer a wide range of options to juniors and seniors.

 

There is no tracking or leveling in social studies courses; learning in an academic classroom with students of varying interests and abilities is an important part of the program.  Engaging in discussions, encountering different views, and appreciating the worth of one’s own thoughts as they grow out of analysis of information and concepts are central parts of the social studies experience.  Because courses are not identified according to tracks or levels, it is especially important to know what is required in each course.  The course descriptions use terms, which may be unfamiliar.  Here are some of them along with definitions.

 

Text Box: ANALYSIS - breaking down material into parts to understand the organizational structure of the whole. SYNTHESIS – putting parts together to form a new whole. EVALUATION - making judgments about the material.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The required courses, World Cultures and Civilizations and United States History are offered every year.  In the elective program, however, not every social studies course is offered every year.  The chart at the beginning of the course descriptions gives a quick summary of when electives are offered.

 

Any person not receiving his or her first choice will be assigned his/her second selection.  Please make your decisions with this mind.  We encourage students to select a balanced program of both history and social science electives.

 

 

Freshman and Sophomore Programs

(Offered every year)

 

Grade 9                               World cultures and civilizations (full year)

grade 10             united states history (full Year)

 

 

 

 

 

                   Electives for grades 11 and 12 on next page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electives for grades 11 and 12

 

 

Offerings in school year 2003-2004                                               Offerings in school year 2004-2005

(Offerings in odd numbered school years)                                      (Offerings in even-numbered school years)

 

 

Semester I                                                                                        Semester I

 

History                                                                                              History

Advanced Topics in US History – The19th Century                      Advanced Topics in US History – The19th Century

Advanced Topics in US History – The Presidency                       Advanced topics in US History – The Presidency

Ancient History – Greece                                                                   Ancient History – Rome

European History – The 18th & 19th Centuries                 European History – The 18th & 19th Centuries

 

        Social Sciences                                                                  social Sciences

Political Science – International Issues                                            Political Science – Government

Psychology – The Brain, the Mind, and Behavior                         Psychology – The Brain, the Mind, and Behavior

Religion – World Religions                                                                Religion – World Religions

Sociology – Introduction to Sociology                                            Sociology – Introduction to Sociology

 

Semester II                                                                                       Semester II

 

History                                                                                              History

Advanced Topics in US History – The 20th Century                     Advanced Topics in US History – The 20th Century

Advanced Topics in US History – The Constitution                    Advanced Topics in US History – The constitution

Area Studies – Africa and African Americans                                Area Studies – Modern Russia

European History – The 20th Century                                               European History – The 20th Century

 

       Social Sciences                                                                   Social Sciences

Economics – Introduction to Economics                                         Economics – Introduction to Economics

Psychology – Normal and Abnormal Behavior                              Psychology – Normal and Abnormal

Psychology – Senior Psychology                                                     Psychology – Senior Psychology

Sociology – Marxism                                                                           Sociology – Social Problems

 

 

World Cultures and Civilizations                               Full Year – 5.00 credits                                     Course #201

For students in grade 9 – All freshmen are required to take and pass this course.

Prerequisites: None

 

Description:  This course is a study of the cultures of the world from 500 AD.  The focus is on Europe, the Near East, the Middle East, the Far East and Northern Africa.  Students are introduced to the geographic, religious, social, and political history of these regions.  Emphasis is placed on developing cultural literacy, research skills, critical writing skills and the respect for cultural diversity.  The course draws upon primary, secondary, artistic, and archaeological sources to supplement the textbook.

 

Evaluation:  Student progress is assessed through homework assignments, library research work, class participation, quizzes, tests, projects and semester exams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States History                                            Full Year – 5.00 credits                                                     Course #250

For students in grade 10 – All students are required to pass this course for graduation

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This course is a chronological survey of the political, social and economic development of the United States.  We begin our study with the American Revolution and our Constitution.  Emphasis is then given to the Twentieth Century including Imperialism, World War 1, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, and the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, Watergate and current events.  This course develops and reinforces the use of primary sources, library and research techniques, formulation and testing of hypotheses, map reading and geography skills.  Students are also taught to collect, organize and interpret data, and understand cause and effect relationships within a chronological structure.  Students write book reviews and research papers in conjunction with the instruction they have received in their sophomore English program.

 

Evaluation:  Student progress is assessed through homework, class participation, quizzes, tests, essays, book reviews, a research paper, and semester exams.

 

Advanced Topics in US History – The 19th Century               Semester 1 – 2.50 credits                 Course #251

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  This course studies the controversies surrounding the founding of the great U.S. Experiment: Could people govern themselves democratically?  It will begin with the inauguration of George Washington and culminate in Abraham Lincoln’s death.  The issue of slavery, the movement of the country west, the political division’s north and south, and the fascinating personalities of the era will be the focus of the course.  Students will analyze concepts and situations, synthesize ideas and evaluate events and individuals.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement will be assessed through homework assignments, quizzes and tests, class discussion, written reports and a final exam.

 

 

Advanced Topics in US History – The Presidency                 Semester I – 2.50 credits  Course #253

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  This course will involve the exploration of the institution of the American Presidency.  The course will consider questions such as: What did the founders intend when they designed the Presidency?  How has the office evolved over time?  How does someone get nominated and elected President?  In what ways do such entities as the media, public opinion, special interest groups, parties, the judiciary, the Congress and the bureaucracy enhance and restrain the power of the President?  What is the President’s role in foreign and domestic policy?  Does the character and psychological make-up of the President matter?  What is it really like in the West Wing?  Is there any merit to proposals to change the manner in which presidents are elected?  Examples from many different presidencies will be used to illustrate and discuss each of these topics.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement will be assessed through homework assignments, tests, active participation in class discussions and debates, a book report and a final exam.

 

Advanced Topics in US History – The 20th Century               Semester II – 2.50 credits Course #252

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  This course studies controversial domestic and foreign policy issues.  Specific issues such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the Persian Gulf War are studied by teams of students, presented to the class, and summarized in a short typed paper.  Supreme Court cases such as Dred Scott v. Sandford, Roe v. Wade and University of California at Davis v. Bakke will be analyzed.  Teamwork is absolutely necessary, but an individual’s grade is not to be held hostage to the performance of others in the group.  Students are required to synthesize data from a variety of sources and to evaluate the reliability of differing interpretations of historical events.  In addition, students complete outside reading on an important person from this era and complete an oral exam with the instructor.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement will be assessed though classroom presentations short paper, an oral exam, written exams, and classroom participation.

 

 

Advanced Topics in U.S. History – Constitutional Law Semester II – 2.50 credits Course #254

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  Every major issue in United States History has ultimately come before the United States Supreme Court for adjudication.  Slavery, segregation, affirmative action, right to life or the right to choose is only the tip of the iceberg.  Students through research, oral arguments, and analytical writing assignments will study a selection of some of the most controversial cases in United States History.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement will be assessed through homework assignments, quizzes, tests, class presentations, essays, and a final exam.

 

Ancient History – Greece*                                                   Semester I – 2.50 credits                  Course #238

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description: This course focuses on the development of ancient Greek civilization and its impact on world history up to the present day.  Topics addressed include the archeological and mythical origins of Greece, a comparison of Athens and Sparta, the Persian Wars, Classical Athenian art, architecture, drama and philosophy, the Peloponnesian War and Alexander the Great.  The Greek legacy will be explored, particularly in terms of its impact on the Roman Empire and the United States.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on homework, class participation, book reports, tests, and a final exam.

 

*this course is offered in odd numbered years.

 

 

Ancient History – Rome*                                                       Semester I – 2.50 credits                  Course #238

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This course examines the rise of Rome from Republic to Empire and its impact on world history up to the present day.  Topics addressed include the archeological and mythical origins of Rome, the rise and fall of the Republic, the rise and fall of the Empire.  We will focus on the movers and shakers of Roman history, the evolution of Roman government, the impact of Greece on Roman art, architecture, and literature, the rise of Christianity, the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the roots of the Dark Ages.  We will explore the Roman legacy, particularly in terms of its impact on the United States.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on homework, class participation, book reports, tests, and a final exam.

 

*this course is offered in even numbered years.

 

Area Studies – Africa & African Americans*                         Semester I – 2.50 credits                  Course #234

For student in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of US History

 

Description:  “Africa and African Americans” surveys the societies, cultures, and state formation in West African medieval kingdoms, Ethiopia and the Swahili states of East Africa, and Monomutapa and Great Zimbabwe or Southern Africa.  Student will study the initial period of European contact with subsaharan Africa and the establishment of the transatlantic slave trade.  Africans in the “New World” are an integral part of the Western Hemisphere and the course then focuses primarily on the history and the contributions of African-Americans to the history of the United States up to World War I.  Student will read secondary and primary sources, write responses t assigned reading develop a collection of original research materials, and make a presentation of their own research.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on daily preparation and informed class participation, graded reading responses, tests on factual information, and an oral presentation.

 

*Offered in odd numbered years.

 

Area Studies – Twentieth Century Russia*                               Semester II – 2.50 credits Course #235

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This course investigates a revolutionary society in the Twentieth Century through a consideration of the following topics: economic, political and social conditions in Russia before the 1917 revolution; the impact of a Western set of ideas (Marxism) on a non-Western nation; and the leaders of the Soviet Union: Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and Gorbachev.  This course is designed for students with a strong interest in history and who are willing to undertake extensive reading.  It requires students to synthesize data from a variety of sources and to evaluate the reliability of differing interpretations of historical events.  Major assignments should be typed.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement is assessed through homework, demonstration of preparation for class through recitation, examinations, essays, reports and a final exam.

 

*Offered in even numbered years

 

Area Studies – Modern China*                           Semester II – 2.50 credits                 Course #239

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites Successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  This course will study the impact of the West upon the course of China’s history through the 19th and 20th centuries.  Topics studied will include the Treaty Ports period, the Taiping Rebellion, the Chinese Revolution, World War II, Mao and Communist Party rule, Deng and the changes in China.  The course is designed for students with a strong interest in history who are willing to undertake extensive reading.  It requires student to synthesize data from a variety of sources and to evaluate the reliability of differing interpretations of historical events.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement is assessed through homework, demonstration of preparation for class through recitation, examination, essays, reports and a final exam.

 

*Not offered this cycle

 

 

Economics – Introduction to Economics                Semester II – 2.50 credits Course #221

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  This course introduces the students to the ideas, methods, and data of microeconomics and macroeconomics.  Topics include supply and demand, price, factors of production, organization of production, money and banking, and the business cycle.  There is also a section on personal economics which seniors may find especially helpful.

 

Evaluation:  Achievement is assessed through homework, class participation, tests, essays, and a final exam.

 

 

 

European History – The 18th and 19th Centuries     Semester I – 2.50 credits                  Course #261

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This course investigates the history and society of modern Europe from the Age of Absolutism through the Victorian Era.  Students will examine the political, social and economic development of Europe and its place in the world.  What was the process of modernization?  What brought Europe to a point of such tremendous power by 1900?  Students will be required to analyze and synthesize data from a variety of primary and secondary sources.  In addition, students will be expected to complete outside reading and undertake independent research.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement will be assessed though homework, demonstration of preparation for class through class participation, tests, essays, reports, and a final exam.

 

 

European History – The 20th century                            Semester II – 2.50 credits                 Course #262

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This course investigates the history, society, and challenges of twentieth century Europe.  Students will examine the political, social and economic history of Europe and its place in the world.  What caused European supremacy to decline in the last century?  Where will Europe go now?  Students will be required to analyze and synthesize data from a variety of primary and secondary sources.  In addition, students will be expected to complete outside reading and undertake independent research.

 

Evaluation: Student achievement will be assessed through homework, demonstration of preparation for class through class participation, tests, essays, reports, and a final exam.

 

 

Political Science – Government*                   Semester I – 2.50 credits                                  Course #222

For students in grades 11 and 12                                                    

Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States History

 

Description:  The topics included in this course are the Political Theory, Comparative Government, United States Government, and Change and Revolution.  Although a wide variety of students take this course, each student must be willing to read a variety of different materials.  In addition to mastering a large body of factual material about government, students must also undertake independent work and complete assignments, which require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement is assessed through homework, class participation, daily quizzes, chapter tests, unit exams, and final exams.

 

 *Offered in even numbered years

 

Political Science – International Issues*                              Semester I – 2.50 credits                  Course #223

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of United States History              

 

Description:  The topics included in this course are Theories of International Relations, Human rights, International Law, International Economics, United States Foreign Policy, the United Nations, and the Causes, Conduct and Prevention of War.  Each student must select a geographical area of the word for some independent work.  Reading a daily newspaper is also required.  A wide variety of student’s take this course, but they must all be willing to read a variety of different materials.  In addition to mastering a large body of factorial information, students must also undertake independent work and complete assignments, which require analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement is assessed through homework, class participation, tests, a book review, a journal review, a clippings file report and a final exam.

               

*Offered in odd numbered years

 

Psychology – The Brain, The Mind, and Behavior                Semester I – 2.50 credits                 Course #216

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  Psychology is an in-depth study of human behavior.  Topics are chosen that focus on the individual as a functioning organism.  During the first semester these topics include the biological bases of behavior, learning, intelligence, memory, perception, and altered states of consciousness.  Students, who take both psychology courses #216 & #219, will have had the equivalent of an introductory course in psychology at the college level.  Discussion is central to the class and requires an ability to view all perspectives and behaviors with an open mind.  Students must be able to synthesize material and apply content and concepts novel situations.  Daily homework includes reading and writing; major written assignments must be typed.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on preparation for class, written and oral reports, unit tests, individual projects and a semester exam.

 

Psychology – Normal and Abnormal Behavior Semester II – 2.50 credits Course #219

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None  (Psychology I is not a prerequisite)

 

Description: Psychology is an in-depth study of human behavior.  Topics are chosen that focus on the individual as a functioning organism.  During the second semester these topics include human growth and development, personality theory, normal and abnormal behavior, and approaches to addressing abnormal behavior.  Students who take both psychology courses #216 and #219 will have had the equivalent of an introductory course in psychology at the college level.  Discussion is central to the class and requires an ability to view all perspective and behaviors with an open mind.  Students must be able to synthesize material and apply content and concepts to novel situations.  Daily homework includes reading and writing; major written assignments must be typed.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on preparation for class, written and oral reports, unit tests, individual projects, and a semester exam.

 

 

Psychology - Senior Psychology                                  Semester II – 2.50 credits Course #220

For students in grade 12 only

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This course is an investigation of issues in developmental psychology from a personal perspective.  Topics include the nature of family, parent/child relationships, childhood, adolescence, and search for identity, love and friendship, and developmental issues of adulthood.  Students must be able to synthesize materials, apply content and concepts, and integrate the theoretical with the experiential.  Students must also be willing to participate actively in class discussions.  All assignments must be typed.

 

Evaluation:  Student progress will be assessed through weekly papers, class participation, and a semester exam.

 

 

Religion: World religions                                  Semester I – 2.50 credits                                  Course # 225

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  This class examines the origins of religious thought and identifies the themes common to all religions. Students study the living religions of the world with special emphasis on Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in terms of their history, their theologies, and their contemporary expressions.  The conflicts arising between people of differing religious views will serve as a focus for independent study and student reports.  Finally, contemporary religious issues will be discussed.  A summary will allow for a comparison of the religions studied and an investigation of the relationship between religion and culture. Students are expected to synthesize material, apply content and concepts, and integrate the philosophical with the experiential.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement is assessed through on-site visitations, tests, papers and a final exam.

 

Sociology – Introduction to sociology                 Semester I – 2.50 credits                  Course #244

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  this course is an invitation to the discipline of sociology.  The topics include an introduction to sociology and research methodology, how an individual learns to behave in society, social stratification, and the treatment of minorities based on race, gender and sexual orientation.  Class room listening and discussion is important, as all students should be willing to examine the roles they play and the values they hold.  Reading includes a demanding textbook as well as contemporary publications in the field.  Students will be expected to complete both individual and group research projects.  These involve elementary statistics and must be typed.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on papers, research projects, tests, and a final examination.

 

 

Sociology – Social Problems in the United States*        Semester II – 2.50 credits                Course #245

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  None

 

Description:  A variety of current social problems are examined in this course.  At the beginning of the semester, students assist in choosing the particular issues to be studied and take some leadership in planning class activities.  Topics selected in the past have included crime, poverty, illicit drugs, and race and ethnicity.  Students must be willing and able to undertake individual and group projects using resources outside of the classroom.

 

Evaluation:  Evaluation will be based on tests, book reviews, class presentations, essays and a final exam.

 

*Offered in even numbered years.

 

Sociology – Marxist Studies                                             Semester II – 2.50 credits                 Course #247

For students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisites:  Completion of another course in sociology, psychology, or philosophy is recommended but not required.

 

Description:  This course will examine the idea of Marxism as a theory and the reality of Marxism in practice.  Questions to be considered will include: What is the responsibility of an individual to his/her society?  What is the responsibility of the society to the individual?  How can we motivate people to work?  Should a government provide equality, or equality of opportunity?  Can democracy exist under capitalism, socialism or communism?  What is justice?  What is freedom?  What role does religion play as an institution in society?  Students will be expected to read serious literature in the social sciences.  Some readings will be primary sources in Marxism; some will be contemporary criticism.  The course will have both a philosophical and historic dimension.  Students will analyze concepts and situations, synthesize ideas and evaluate events and ideologies.  At times, the work will be individual in nature; on other occasions, work will be done cooperatively.

 

Evaluation:  Student achievement will be assessed through homework assignments, quizzes and tests, class discussion, individual and group projects, written reports and a final exam.

 

·         Offered in odd numbered years.

Consortium Study from Concord-Carlisle

 

 
 
Social Studies Consortium

 

Three seniors are selected in their junior year by the Social Studies Department

to participate in this four-school consortium program including:

 

Concord-Carlisle High School

Concord Academy

Middlesex  School

Weston High School

 

For complete information about this program,

which is designed to recognize outstanding students of social studies,

please contact the chairperson of the Social Studies Department