Social Studies

2102 Human Geography

(1 credit) 9th Grade Requirement

Students in Human Geography will investigate the physical and cultural aspects of our world. They will explore concepts related to our spatial world through the study of map topography, earth science, history, politics, and environmental studies in order to understand more completely the earth’s history and culture. This course provides all freshmen with an appropriate level of learning in physical and cultural geography, as well as more general skills (reading, writing, organization, presentations, etc.) for ongoing success in school and life.

2103 AP Human Geography

(1 credit) Fulfills 9th Grade Requirement

May be taken as 10th, 11th, 12th grade elective

Prerequisite: Students must apply to be considered for this course if taken as 10th, 11th, or 12th grade elective. Department approval required.

This introductory course in Human Geography follows the curriculum outlined by the College Board. As such it introduces students to a more sophisticated study of the patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding of the physical and cultural elements of our planet. The course also provides an advanced skill set in the areas of reading, writing, verbal communication, and analysis. Students will use spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine social organization and its environmental consequences. Students will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. The course aims to provide students with the level of learning necessary for success on the Advanced Placement Examination in Human Geography, which is given in the spring by the College Board.

2203/2204 World History

(1 credit) 10th Grade Requirement

Register for both semester courses.

The first semester begins with the study of the Ancient and Medieval worlds with an emphasis on Western traditions of history, culture, intellectual and religious life. The second semester emphasizes the modern world (circa 1500-present). It too focuses on the West, but expands to include world cultures, especially as the nineteenth and twentieth centuries unfold. The course examines the political, religious, social, and cultural development of the civilizations under review.

2202 AP European History

(1 credit) Fulfills 10th Grade Requirement

May be taken as 11th or 12th grade elective Prerequisite: Students must apply to be considered for this course. Department approval required.

This is a college-level course in European history from the Renaissance (c.1400) to the present day and includes an introductory overview of Ancient and Medieval European civilization. It is meant to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in European History (given in the spring by the College Board). Students will study the European/Western past by examining primary and secondary sources and will spend more time refining their reading and writing skills.

2302 AP United States History

(1 credit) Grades: 11th, 12th

Fulfills 11th Grade Requirement

May be taken as a 12th grade elective. Prerequisite: Students must apply to be considered for this course. Department approval required.

This course is a college-level, chronological survey of United States History. It includes an in-depth look at many special topics in U.S. History using scholarly papers, original documents and works, and major secondary works.

2300/2301 United States History

(1 credit) 11th Grade Requirement

Register for both semester course

This course begins with a review of American history from its colonial period, the formation of an independent nation, and the struggle for a permanent union. It emphasizes our nation’s history since the Civil War, its varied cultural components, the development of regional interests, domestic issues and foreign relations, and its role in the world today.

2401 Economics/Financial Literacy

(1/2 credit) 12th Grade Requirement

Seniors that are not taking AP United States Government and Politics must register for 2401 and 2403.

Students in this course will study the basic economic concepts that drive the American and global economies and use this study to investigate strategies that will affect their own economic futures. Among the topics covered will be major concepts in micro, macro, and international economics, as well as the Catholic Church’s view of economic life. Topics of financial literacy include the use of a rational decisionmaking process to set and implement financial goals, examine sources of income and the relationship between income and career choices, and finally the class will investigate the principles of money management, saving, investing, and retirement planning.

2403 American Government

(1/2 credit) 12th Grade Requirement

This course offers a basic overview of the United States constitutional system, fundamental concepts of government, and contemporary political issues. The electoral system and voting are topics discussed. Social justice and civic duty are values taught in this course.

2404 AP United States Government and Politics

(1 credit) Grade: 12th Fulfills 12th Grade Requirement

Prerequisite: Students must apply to be considered for this course. Department approval required

AP Government and Politics is a year-long collegelevel course that provides an in-depth study of the government and politics of the United States. The course focuses on detailed knowledge, critical thinking, and expression through strong rhetorical skills. The content of the course follows the guidelines in the Advanced Course Description provided by the College Board. The course thus prepares students for the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam in the spring as well as for intermediate and advanced college courses.

Social Studies Electives

2405 AP Comparative Politics and Government (1 credit) Grade: 11th, 12th Prerequisite: Students must apply to be considered for this course. Department approval required.

AP Government and Politics is a year-long introductory college-level course that serves as an introduction to the rich diversity of political life outside of the United States. It uses a comparative approach to study the political, economic, and social aspects of the six countries selected by the AP Board: Great Britain, Mexico, Russia, China, Iran, and Nigeria. The content of the course follows the guidelines in the Advanced Placement course description provided by the College Board, and it prepares students for the AP Examination that is given in May.

2709 Creating Change Through Leadership: Becoming Builders of a More Just Society

2023-2024 Leadership Course Description - Year

Long Course Leadership I (semester one)

Designed for students with or without leadership experience. This course will explore leadership styles, methods, and effectiveness through a historical and modern lens. The focus of this semester course will be how leadership skills can be utilized to build and create a more just society. The course will explore historical and contemporary examples of large and small scale leadership action with a focus on creating impactful change. There will be an analysis of the effectiveness of leadership methods, and how those methods can be implemented at a variety of levels. This course is recommended for students who would like to be active participants in their community through civic engagement, and who are looking for opportunities to lead on our campus and in our community.

Leadership II (semester two)

Designed for students with or without prior leadership experience who are looking to advance their skills and effectiveness. This course will help students to identify their own leadership skills, practice fundamental components of effective leadership, and explore a variety of methods to improve their community. The course offers a practical and hands-on experience where student leaders are expected to design, facilitate, and implement a meaningful change or provide an additional opportunity for their peers and our wider community. Students will begin to implement their leadership skills within their community, while continuing to learn how to manage teams and facilitate change. This course is recommended for students who are interested in promoting a particular initiative that will help our school fulfill its mission.

Together, these courses will prepare students to be effective leaders in and out of the school

2713 AP Psychology

(1 credit) Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th

Prerequisite: Students must apply to be considered for this course. Department approval required.

Students in AP Psychology learn the principles of psychology by reading foundational studies in the field, summaries and criticisms of psychological theories and research, participating in studies and demonstrations, and designing their own studies. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to take and pass the AP Psychology examination, and to take college psychology beyond an introductory level. Students will also gain greater understanding of the scientific method and its use in the social sciences.