Social Studies
The Social Studies Program of Schreiber High School has a responsibility to educate and prepare students who will be able to understand, cope with and help direct societal changes in a manner consistent with the system of values derived from our American heritage. Ours is a unique discipline concerned with the processes of thinking, decision making, values analysis and inquiry skills. The Social Studies program consists of a four-year continuum.
In the Global History and Geography and the United States History and Government courses the Regents examination is counted as a final exam. It carries the same weight in determining the final average as the first marking period. In the AP European History, AP World History: Modern, and the AP United States History courses the Regents examination is counted as one part of the fourth marking period grade. Students who retake a Regents examination after the conclusion of the course will have the higher score reported on their transcript, but it will not affect the final grade calculation for the course.
REQUIRED COURSES
Graduation from high school requires the successful completion of the following four-part year program.
1. GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 1 – Full Year- 9th Grade
NOTE: All students upon completion of Global History and Geography 1 will take a departmental final.
2. GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 2 – Full Year- 10th Grade
The Global History 2 requirement may be fulfilled by the successful completion of ONE of the TWO OPTIONS listed below:
Option I: Global History and Geography 2 – Full Year
Option II: Advanced Placement European History – Full Year
Option III: Advanced Placement World History: Modern – Full Year
NOTE: All students upon completion of Global History and Geography 2 will take a Regents examination. In order to graduate with a Regents’ diploma students must pass a Social Studies Regents exam.
3. UNITED STATES HISTORY – Full Year- 11th Grade
Option I: United States History and Government – Full Year
Option II: Advanced Placement United States History – Full Year
NOTE: All students upon completion of United States History and Government will take a Regents examination. In order to graduate with a Regents’ diploma students must pass a Social Studies Regents.
4. PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC DECISION MAKING – Full Year- 12th Grade
NOTE: A full year of social studies for seniors has been mandated by the State Education Department. Study of public policy decision-making, the political process, and basic concepts and principles of economics will be studied. There are five course options available for students to complete this requirement.
Global History and Geography 1
GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 1 **
Term: Full Year
This full year course is the first part of a two-year course in Global History. It is designed to focus on the five social studies standards, common themes that recur across time and place, and eight historical eras. The units included in this part of the course include: Introduction to Global History, Ancient World: Civilizations and Religion (4000 BCE – 500 CE), Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter (500 CE – 1200 CE), Global Interactions (1200 CE – 1650 CE), The First Global Age (1450 CE – 1750 CE).
Global History and Geography 2
OPTION I — GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 2 **
Term: Full Year
This full year course is the second part of the two-year Global History course. The units included in this part of the course include: An Age of Revolutions (1750 - 1914), A Half Century of Crisis and Achievement (1900 - 1945), the 20th Century Since 1945, Global Connections and Interactions, and Regents Review Unit.
OPTION II — ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 10
Note: Available for interested 11th and 12th grade students as an elective.
Prerequisite: Description in note below:
The goals of the course include: gaining an understanding of the principal themes in modern European history, becoming aware of the consequences of European contact with other areas of the world, improving the student’s ability to analyze historical evidence. The course covers the period from the Renaissance (ca 1400 CE) through the present. Among the major themes included in the course are: Political and Diplomatic History, Intellectual and Cultural History, and Social and Economic History. A wide variety of primary and secondary sources will be used by students to analyze the various themes in the course. Written assignments including research paper, essays in historic controversy and methodology will enable students to acquire the basic skills needed in historiography. Verbal skills will be developed through a variety of in-class activities. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination which they will take in May of the school year.
OPTION III — ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY: MODERN **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Description in note below.
In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
NOTE: Sophomores may take either of the two AP courses in lieu of Global History and Geography 2. Admittance will be based on the following criteria: teacher recommendation and an entrance exam based upon the score received on the Global History and Geography 1 midterm exam. Sophomore students must take the Regents exam in Global History and Geography upon completion of this course and will take the Advanced Placement Examination given in May of the school year. Juniors and Seniors may take this course as a social studies elective if their schedule permits. If a freshman does not meet the standard admissions criteria, a parent does have the option of completing a waiver form in the Guidance Department. This waiver acknowledges that the student is being admitted to the course against the recommendations of the counselor, teacher, and department chair and the parent is taking responsibility for the student’s placement in the course.
Please note that students will not be allowed to switch from AP World History: Modern to AP European History or vice versa. Any student who drops from either AP course will be placed in Global History & Geography II.
ENL GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY II **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 10
This lab course is the second-year course for the Global History curriculum ELL students will receive experience with and preparation for the Global History and Geography Regents examination. This course will continue to focus on developing student’s understanding of essential historical terms and vocabulary. The laboratory sessions will focus on the writing process and prepare students for both the thematic and DBQ essays required on the Regents exam. Through the lab, students will be offered the opportunity to become familiar with the format of the Regents and will be provided test-taking skills needed in order to be successful on the Regents examination. This course is a 6 x 6 and meets the AIS requirements for students who are identified as at risk as determined by their performance on the social studies assessments (level 1 or 2).
United States History and Government
OPTION I — UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 11
This is a full year course that emphasizes the history of the United States A thematic and chronological approach is followed concerning such topics as: Constitutional Development 1607-1865, Industrialization, War, Prosperity and Depression in the 20th Century, America and the Global Community and Contemporary America 1950-Present.
OPTION II — ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY **
Term: Full Year
Prerequisite: Description below.
Juniors may take this course in lieu of United States History and Government. Admittance will be based on the following criteria: teacher recommendation and an entrance exam based upon the score received on the Global History and Geography 2 midterm exam. Juniors must take the Regents exam in American History and Government upon completion of this course and will take the Advanced Placement Examination in May of the school year. Seniors may take this course as a social studies elective with teacher recommendation. If a sophomore does not meet the standard admissions criteria, a parent does have the option of completing a waiver form in the Guidance Department. This waiver acknowledges that the student is being admitted to the course against the recommendations of the counselor, teacher, and department chair and the parent is taking responsibility for the student’s placement in the course.
This is a college-level course for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in social studies. Students enrolled in this course receive rigorous training in historical research, writing and argumentation. Writing assignments include research papers, comparison essays, and reduction of historical writings to the precise form with terse, compact thesis statements. The course places central emphasis on the exploration of controversial issues in this nation’s history. Students are required to criticize and analyze clashing interpretations by prominent historians. They also emulate historians by manipulating primary source materials as evidence upon which to base hypotheses and conclusions. A chronological approach is followed, but certain periods, events and personalities receive in depth study. Other topics may be treated more briefly, and students are required to master these independently. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination which they will take in May of the school year.
ENL UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 11
This lab course is intended to prepare ELL students for the US History and Government Regents examination. The course will focus on developing students’ understanding of essential historical terms and vocabulary. The lab sessions will focus on the writing process and prepare students for both the thematic and DBQ essays required on the Regents examination. This lab will offer students the opportunity to become familiar with the format of the Regents and will provide test-taking skills they will need to utilize in order to be successful on the Regents exam. This course is a 6 x 6 and meets the AIS requirements for students who are identified as at risk as determined by their performance on the social studies Regents assessments.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 12 only
This is the standard curriculum that combines topics in government and economics into a full year format. It satisfies the state requirement for graduation. This course will provide for analysis of public policy issues and the ways to implement policy decisions. Basic concepts and principles of economics, the major elements of economic systems, and the role of various components of these systems (i.e., consumer, business, labor, agriculture, and government) will be explored. The focus of this course will be on the American government and economy.
Senior Experience
OPTION I — PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS: URBAN STUDIES **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 12 only
This course examines the 20th Century development of human behavior in cities and the production of urban space. Students will examine and explore theories and ideas that reflect historical problems, perspectives and issues of modern cities such as governmental structures, economic issues, urban poverty, immigrant assimilation, urban development and public safety with a strong emphasis centered on the New York City area. To grasp these issues students will read classic works in urban studies as well as examining urban trends displayed in audio and visual imagery. Students will conduct qualitative and quantitative research on cities and make their own theoretical propositions and synthesis in discussions, group assignments, and exams. This course is part of the Senior Experience program and will have a project/internship/community service component.
OPTION II — PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS: 20th CENTURY AMERICAN CULTURE **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 12 only
This course will examine the evolution of cultural trends and attitudes in the United States throughout the 20th Century. The course will investigate how historical events impact American culture and values through investigating changes in music, architecture, film and the visual arts. Students will engage in the analysis of great works of art, architectural designs, cinematic themes, and musical trends throughout the 20th century and evaluate how these trends reflect their historical context and American values of the era. This course is part of the Senior Experience program and will have a project/ internship/community service component.
OPTION III — CIVIC CAPSTONE
Term: Semester
The Civic Capstone course provides an opportunity for second semester seniors to work with a civic or community-based project in an area of interest. The civic-based project will run throughout the 3rd and 4th quarter of senior year. A project can be defined as civics based if it promotes democratic processes and functioning, encourages participation in local or national government, helps address critical issues facing members of the community, fosters a sense of community and belongingness, promotes a sense of community service and responsibility, or works to bridge gaps within a community.
The project can take many forms, but it ultimately must be created with the goal of identifying a local or national problem, assessing potential solutions to the problem, attempting to implement a plan of action to help alleviate the problem, and presenting the results of their findings. They will work with a community member to create this plan of action. The students may not be paid for their work, nor can they be supervised by a family member.
A half credit of Social Studies, fulfilling the Participation in Government requirement, will be awarded. The work is done above and beyond the minimum course requirement for students. To complete the graduation requirement, seniors must also enroll in either a full year or semester Economics course.
ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC DECISION-MAKING**
Term: Semester
Grade: 12
This course will deal with the basic concepts and principles of economics, the major elements of economic systems and the roles of various components of those systems, including the consumer, business, labor, agriculture and government. The major focus is on the economy of the United States, but attention will be given to the world economy as a whole and the other economic systems. There will be emphasis on economic decision making, finance and entrepreneurship. Open only to seniors who are taking AP Government and/or Senior Options in another department.
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT**
Term: Semester
Grade: 12
Be aware of the people, the events and the actions of the government and how they affect your life. This course will give you the skills to analyze public policy issues, determine the groups involved, the options available and the ways to implement policy decisions. You can influence the outcome. Be a part of the decision-making process. Open only to seniors who are taking AP Economics and/or Senior Options a Senior Experience course in another department.
ELECTIVES
These courses are for all students enrolled in Schreiber High School unless otherwise indicated.
THE HISTORY OF WORLD WAR II **
Term: Semester
Grades: 10-12
This course will enable students to explore many different facets of World War II. They will be able to complete a research project on a topic of their own design, write several essays on a variety of topics, complete group activities involving classroom presentations, and debate some critical issues associated with the war. The content of the course will cover the failure of pre-war diplomacy, the impact of the war on science and technology, the impact of the war on the home fronts of the Allied and Axis powers, the strategies and tactics employed during the war, and the diplomatic, political, and cultural ramifications of the war.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: For twelfth grade students. Satisfaction of Participation in Government requirement.
This course may be taken for Honors credit and college credit based on the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the course. This college level course will critically examine American National Government. To accomplish this, both the formal and informal structural components of the federal system will be analyzed. Relationships between the major branches of government will be studied in detail. Students enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement American Government examination given in May by the College Board. To complete the graduation requirement, seniors must also enroll in either a full year or semester Economics course.
SOCIOLOGY **
Term: Semester
Grades: 10 - 12
This introductory course will explore the basic structure of human society, identify the main forces that either hold groups together or weaken them and will enable the student to recognize the conditions that transform social life. Class time will be divided between a study of basic concepts and their application to current social issues. Basic concepts treated will include: Family, Marriage, Religion, Government, Economy and Education. Current social issues will be determined by the student and instructor. More recent topics have included: AIDS, Date Rape, Changing Nature of Family Unit, Crime, Aging, Death, Future Shock, Race Relations and Practices in the Mass Media.
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE**
Term: Semester
Grades: 10-12
This course will teach students how our criminal justice system operates. You will learn how to analyze both State Laws and Constitutional Law with an emphasis on the influence the Supreme Court has had on our society. Cases are examined in class in order to learn the reasoning, rules and procedures that apply to criminal and police conduct. The focus on the relevant criminal law and criminal procedure case law is meant to spark discussion in class concerning whether the decisions made by the court were correct or not. From these discussions, students learn the current state of the law. Topics to be discussed include the moral and legal foundations of the Criminal Justice system in the United States, murder, the death penalty (capital punishment) rape, arson, burglary, gambling, search and seizure, sentencing, insanity, trial, and what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Students are encouraged to bring to the attention of the class various criminal law/criminal procedure issues in which they are most interested. Finally, the structure of the class is meant to mimic the structure a typical first year law student would face (without the pressure of law school). The course may be used as a way to determine interest in a career in the law or law enforcement.
LEGAL PROBLEMS
Term: Semester
Grades: 10-12
This course will teach students how the United States Supreme Court interprets laws in regard to their relation to the Constitution. Together as a class we will look at laws that cover controversial topics such as affirmative action, women’s rights, the right to privacy, government surveillance and spying and stop and frisk to name a few. Students are encouraged to bring to the attention of the class various Constitutional Law issues in which they are most interested. Finally, the structure of the class is meant to mimic the structure a typical first year law student would face (without the pressure of law school). The course may be used as a way to determine interest in a career in the law.
SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 10, 11 HONORS, 12 HONORS **
Term: Full Year (One NCAA Credit Max)
Prerequisite: Open to all students who meet the selection criteria of the Social Studies Department.
This course will provide an opportunity for a select group of students to undertake advanced research in social science. Students with an outstanding record of achievement in their social studies courses will be trained in the methods and techniques of contemporary research and problem solving in the social sciences. Course participants will be required to undertake extensive research projects and compete in national, regional, state, and local research competitions.1 unit maximum for NCAA consideration
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MACROECONOMICS AND MICROECONOMICS **
Term: Full Year
Grade: 12
The first semester of the course, Macroeconomics will present students with a methodical understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the economic system as a whole. The second semester of the course concentrates on Microeconomics which will provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. Students enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement Macroeconomics exam and the Advanced Placement Microeconomics exam given in May by the College Board. To complete the graduation requirement, seniors must also enroll in either a full year or semester Government course.
BASIC CONCEPTS IN PSYCHOLOGY **
Term: Semester
Grades: 10 – 12
Basic Concepts in Psychology is a survey course in psychology. Major consideration will be given to social psychology, biology of behavior, nature v. nurture, gender issues, human development, personality, learning, cognition, emotion and abnormal psychology. Class time will be divided between lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY**
Term: Full Year
Grades: 11- 12
Advanced Placement Psychology will offer course work and an exam in psychology to students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to an introductory course in psychology. This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and other phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. In addition to psychological principles, the scientific nature of the field will be explored with an emphasis on landmark, field altering studies. Etiology of prevalent disorders and current treatment modalities will also be explored in a comprehensive manner. Students enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam given in May by the College Board. Students will engage in advanced analysis of major theories in psychology.
COMMUNICATIONS: RADIO PODCASTING 1
Term: Semester
Grades: 9-12
Communications: Radio Podcasting I is an introductory course which will prepare the novice DJ/Artist to have a successful show on the school radio station, WDOT. Students will learn how to work equipment and podcast their own show. In addition, students will learn FCC guidelines and regulations, the history of radio, marketing of shows, commercial propaganda techniques, and the science of sound. Hands-on projects will bolster the student’s ability to broadcast and think creatively. Students are permitted to have complete creative control over their podcast and will receive their own webpage to share with the masses. This class is a 2 X 6 course.
COMMUNICATIONS: RADIO PODCASTING 2
Term: Semester
Grades: 9-12
Communications: Radio Podcasting 2 is a continuation of Communications: Radio Podcasting I. Here, students will work on public speaking, interviewing techniques, Improv, sports broadcasting, public affairs shows (investigating political/social issues), jingles, and will construct professional news shows. Students will be encouraged to make their own pre-recorded packages. Technical, as well as on-air skills will be enhanced in this class. Class material will be podcasted for rebroadcast on the radio station’s webpage. This class is a 2 X 6 course.
INTRODUCTION TO STEM
Term: Full Year
Grade: 9 Only
Co-Requisite: Students who are part of Introduction to STEM must take the appropriate corresponding science, mathematics, and social studies level courses.
This course provides students with an introduction to materials and methods for independent study. Topics include an overview of physical and life science techniques; application of technological tools, programs and resources; prototype design and modeling; and analysis of collected data from direct measurement and surveys. This includes developing a project plan, supporting evidence through the use of college libraries, completing statistical analysis, and writing research papers. Students will be required to submit technical essays to online competitions. This class is a 2 x 6 course.
SPORTS BROADCASTING AND INFORMATION
Term: Full Year
Grades 10-12
Recommended: One of the following: Radio Podcasting I and II, Movie Making, Digital Photography. *Students without recommended prior courses must meet with the Department Chairperson.
Sports Broadcasting and Information is a self-directed, hands-on, multimedia course that will allow Schreiber students to cover Varsity Athletics as if it were the MLB, NHL, NBA, or NFL. Students will have access to fields, athletes, coaches and PW’s Athletic Director to produce video and social media content. Some students in this course will participate in play-by-play announcing, while others will help film, produce, direct, interview, and/or edit video packages. All of the above skills will be taught in this class. Throughout each quarter students are highly encouraged to attend Schreiber athletic events. It is recommended that students in this class have experience with either Radio, Video Editing, Movie Making, Digital Photography, or have interest in Social Media and/or journalism.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
Term: Semester
Grades 10-12
Students in African American studies will look at the history, politics, culture, and economics of North American people of African descent in this semester-long course. From the slave economy to the civil rights movement, and from the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have had a huge role in shaping American society and culture. Students will examine the hardships African Americans faced during their history. Further, students will dive into the difficult issues, such as unequal educational opportunities, they deal with today.
* This course meets NYS Music/Art graduation requirements
** This course is approved by the NCAA