SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS A balanced and effective social studies program prepares students to be active, informed, and responsible citizens. Social studies increases students awareness of their world, their nation, their state, and themselves, giving them fundamental understandings of their society and others, both past and present. Students acquire and perfect skills of individual and group inquiry and examine a broad range of peoples and cultures. Student s gain from social studies programs the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that enable them to be effective problem-solvers, good decision-makers, and wise planners. Ultimately, social studies provides a context for students to use the skills introduced in other areas they learn to understand and practice the art of living and working together in a productive and constructive manner. Twelve credits are required for graduation from Exeter High School: 4 in World History, 4 in US and NH History, 2 in US and NH government/civics, and 2 in Economics. The world history requirement can be fulfilled by courses in world history or geography. The US and NH government/civics requirement can be fulfilled through the government courses. Honors World History SS 0101 Full Year 4 Credits FRESHMAN COURSES This full year course is designed for students willing to commit to a class that will challenge their analytical thinking and writing skills. The purpose of World History is to develop a greater understanding of how geography along with cultural institutions and beliefs shape the evolution of human societies. The course covers world history from 8000 B.C.E. to the modern age with an emphasis on non-western civilizations. There is a large amount of reading and writing required in this course. It is imperative that students understand that he/she will be responsible for all reading and writing assignments throughout the year. Assignments for each unit include historiography reviews, primary source reviews, document-based essay, and either a compare/contrast essay or a change-over-time essay. In addition, students complete chapter outline assignments and short answer analysis questions on readings. This course fulfills the world history requirement. World History SS 0101 (Honors) SS 0201 (CP) SS 0301 (Academic) Full Year - 4 Credits World History traces the development of civilization from the Neolithic Revolution to the Age of Industrialization. This course includes the study of past civilizations and their influences on modern societies. Students focus on reading for comprehension, evaluating sources of information, and writing analytical essays. Learning activities include lecture notes, seminar discussions, films, website activities, and library research so students practice library and research skills. World History is offered at three levels of difficulty. Please speak with your social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and refer to the General Information pages of this guide to help you determine the appropriate level.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES OPEN TO SOPHOMORES Advanced Placement U.S. History SS 0113 Full year 4 Credits Prerequisite: Recommendation from ninth grade teacher is highly recommended Advanced Placement U.S. History is an opportunity for students to pursue a college level survey course of American History while still in high school. This course follows the prescribed Advanced Placement American History curriculum and covers the Age of Exploration and Discovery to the present-day. This course fulfills the NH state requirement for U.S. history. This course may also be taken for junior/senior elective credit if not taken to fulfill the US/NH history requirement. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit through the Southern New Hampshire University Dual Enrollment Program. Refer to the General Information pages for more information regarding Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment. United States History SS 0122 (Honors) SS 0222 (CP) SS 0322 (Academic) Full year 4 Credits This course will primarily focus on the Age of Imperialism (1898) through present-day. Included in the course is an overview and political analysis of America s continual search for its appropriate role in the world. The course examines the assumptions, theories, and concepts that have shaped and continue to influence American policies domestically and in the international arena. Students approach their study of world affairs by the use of contemporary analytic methods and investigative techniques of the social sciences and the historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts in which events have occurred. This course also includes the component that satisfies the New Hampshire History state requirement. Skills development is enhanced with a concentration on critical thinking, writing, and developing the ability to reason and experiment with solutions to issues that challenge citizens in a democratic society. U.S. History is offered at three levels of difficulty. Please speak with your social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and refer to the General Information pages of this guide to help you determine the appropriate level. This course fulfills the US/NH history requirement. American Studies SS 905 and EN 905 (register for both courses) Full Year 8 Credits - 4 English and 4 Social Studies This course, which offers dual credit for Social Studies and English, meets daily for a double period. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the American Experience is presented as a correlation and reliance on both of these subjects. It incorporates music and art into the curriculum as well. Success in this course requires the student to complete homework assignments, to contribute to class discussions, to listen to peers and teachers, and to keep a journal to explore thoughts on class work or personal issues. Students should expect regularly assigned homework, including reading, writing, and long-term projects.
Honors Economics SS 0133 Semester 2 Credits SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES OPEN TO JUNIORS Micro-Macro Economics focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the basic principles and concepts of economics. Emphasis is placed on developing an appreciation for the intellectual, historical and present-day context in which economic models are applied. The course is composed of four units: fundamental concepts, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the global economy. This course fulfills the requirement for economics. Economics SS 0233 (CP) SS 0333 (Academic) Semester 2 Credits Contemporary Economics introduces the student to the principles, theory, and application of economics to their daily lives. Students study the allocation and utilization of limited resources to meet society s needs and wants. Through economics, students examine the relationship of costs and benefits. They come to understand the United States economic system as a market economy as well as compare it to other economic systems. The goal of an economic education is to prepare students to make effective decisions as consumers, producers, savers, investors, and as citizens. Economics is offered at two levels of difficulty. Please speak with your social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and refer to the General Information pages of this guide to help you determine the appropriate level. This course fulfills the requirement for economics. U.S. Government SS 0153 (Honors) SS 0255 (CP) SS 0355 (Academic) Semester 2 Credits U Government explores the constitutional frameworks of our government system, with an emphasis on the role of the citizen in the democratic process. Students study the ideas and concepts that our system of government is founded on, the evolution of the role of political parties and media, and both the theory and the practice of governing and creating public policy. Students will also explore the need for both government and citizens to protect our civil rights and liberties and to adapt to the forces of globalization as the US takes our democratic system of government into the 21 st century. Open to juniors and seniors, this course fulfills the NH requirement for civic/government and is offered at the three levels of difficulty. Please speak with your social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and refer to the General Information pages of this guide to help you determine the appropriate level. SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE COURSES OPEN TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS Comparative Religions SS 904 Semester 2 Credits This course introduces students to the major religions of the world. The belief systems studied are approached from the cultural perspective of each faith. Major religious texts, doctrines, rituals, customs, and artistic expressions from each tradition are presented in order to increase understanding and respect. Students will rationally evaluate these belief systems and the implications of how people should interact when ideologies collide. Attention is paid to major historical turning points in each religion as a way for students to gain insight into how belief systems impact the larger culture. Students also examine current events that are connected to religious issues and explore how religious issues affect secular societies. This course is recommended for grades 11 and 12.
International Relations SS 0123 Semester 2 Credits This honors level course introduces students to the interactions of nations on a global stage, the concepts and theories involved in analyzing the international system, and key issues in contemporary international relations. Topics include but are not limited to: the interpretation of power politics; the function of international law; international and regional organizations; non-state actors, and issues of political economy; globalization; and the defining characteristics between cultures and civilizations in the modern world. Ultimately, the course seeks to engage students with an understanding of overall global dynamics. Students in this course must possess the ability to think incisively, to handle problems in both micro and macro terms, be able to process information that may seem to be unrelated and find the ties that connect them. This course is highly recommended to prepare students for the AP Comparative Government course. This course is recommended for grades 11 and 12. It may be taken to partially fulfill the world history requirement. Law and Society SS0207 (CP) Semester 2 Credits Law and Society introduces students to the many issues and topics that comprise our criminal justice system. Areas examined include concepts of justice, terrorism, civil law, correctional systems, and psychopathy/serial behaviors. Through class discussions, reading, and guest speakers, students are encouraged to develop their opinions about how society can best balance what is good for the individual with what is good for society as a whole. This course is recommended for students in grades 11 and 12. Sociology SS0154 (Honors) SS 0214 (CP) Semester 2 Credits Are humans free? What makes society possible? Does social inequality exit? What and how does society change over time? The world is changing very quickly. Sociology provides tools to understand our own lives and those quite different from us. Students will learn academic theories and empirical research methods to develop a sociological perspective from which to better understand patterns of human interaction and the formation of behavior. Topics include: social networks, community, family, unanticipated consequences, social capital, race, class, and gender. The honors level allows students to immerse themselves more deeply into the course material through simulations, online seminars, and research projects that utilize current academic research and experiments. This course is recommended for students in grades 11 and 12. US History Through Film SS 906 Semester 2 Credits This course examines film representations of US and international history, including the evolution of American opinion and cinematic representations of topics and events. From both American and global viewpoints, students will examine issues such as war, civil rights and immigration. Students are responsible for viewing most films outside of class and will be expected to engage in discussion, presentations, projects, and analytical writing assignments. The class focuses on the historical ideological content of films, not their technique. A background in US and world history is strongly recommended. Human Geography SS 0178 Semester 2 Credits The purpose of this honor s level course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth s surface. Students are introduced to the importance of spatial organization-the location of places, people, and events, and the connections among places and landscapes in the understanding of human life on Earth. Geographic concepts emphasized throughout the course are location, space, place, scale, pattern, regionalization, and globalization. These concepts are basic to students understanding of spatial interaction and spatial behavior, the dynamics of human population growth and movement, patterns of culture, economic activities, political organization of space, and
human settlement patterns, particularly urbanization. A significant outcome of the course is students awareness of the relevance of academic geography to everyday life and decision making. This combination of the academic and the applied gives students a sophisticated view of the world in the context of domestic/foreign policy and international relations. Students in this class have the opportunity to earn college credit through the Southern New Hampshire University Dual Enrollment Program. Students may also sit for the Advanced Placement Human Geography Examination in May. See the General Information Section for information on Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement. Psychology: A Humanistic Perspective SS 0206 Semester 2 Credits This college preparatory course focuses on the thinking and behavior of humans from a scientific perspective, making connections to spiritual and philosophical approaches to understanding the human experience. Students will also study the following thinkers and texts: Freud, Skinner, Maslow, Gardner, Seligman, Pavlov, Plato, Marx, Confucius, and Kant. In addition to class discussions, research papers, article analysis, and simulations, students will design and conduct their own psychology experiments and studies. Topics include, but are not limited to: Gender and Sex, Intelligence and Creativity, Motivation and Emotion, The Brain and Perception, Consciousness, Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence. This course is recommended for grades 11 and 12. Advanced Placement Psychology SS 0135 Full Year 4 Credits The course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. This course is recommended for grades 11 and 12. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. See the General Information Section for information on Advanced Placement. Advanced Placement Economics SS 0144 Full Year- 4 Credits AP Economics (Micro and Macro combined) is a yearlong course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics in examining both the behavior of the individual consumer, firm and industry, as well as economic behavior in the aggregate. Students taking the course can expect to learn how the measures of economic performance, such as GDP, inflation and unemployment, are constructed and how to apply them to evaluate the macroeconomic conditions of the economy. Students will also learn the basic analytical tools of macro/microeconomics used to evaluate economic growth and stability. Emphasis is placed on the nature and function of product markets, and includes study of factor markets and the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Recognizing the global nature of economics, students will have ample opportunities to examine the impact of international trade and finance on national economies. This course fulfills the NH state requirement for economics. Students may take this course for elective credit if not previously taken to fulfill the economics requirement. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement exams in both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. See the General Information Section for information on Advanced Placement. Advanced Placement Comparative Governments & Politics SS 0114 Semester 2 Credits This course will provide students with the conceptual tools necessary to develop an understanding of some of the world s diverse political structures and practices. The course will encompass the study of both specific countries and their governments and general concepts used to interpret the political relationships and institutions found in virtually all national politics. Six countries form the core of the AP Comparative Government and Politics AP examination. These six countries - Great Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria and Iran - are
commonly covered in college-level introductory comparative politics courses because they provide a foundation for developing paradigms of different types of political systems, as well as allowing students to examine the political implications of different levels of economic development. It is highly recommended that students take International Relations prior to this course. This course may be taken to partially fulfill the world history requirement. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Refer to the General Information pages for more information regarding Advanced Placement. Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics SS 0124 Semester -2 Credits This course is driven by the rigorous Advanced Placement curriculum prescribed by the College Board. It is meant to simulate a college course experience and to culminate with taking the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students will explore both the general concepts used to interpret US government and politics and analyze current issues used to illustrate these concepts. Students will also study the constitutional framework of our government system; the evolution of the roles of political parties, interest groups and media within our democracy; the struggle to develop and protect our civil rights and liberties; and the process of debate and creating public policies. Open to juniors and seniors, this course may be taken to fulfill the NH requirement for government/civics or additional elective credit. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Refer to the General Information pages for more information regarding Advanced Placement. SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE S OPEN TO GRADES 10, 11, AND 12 Close-Up 1 Credit Close-Up Washington D.C. is offered to 10 th, 11 th and 12 th grade students at EHS. This one credit course is an unforgettable government experience/adventure in a classroom without walls. It is designed to help students understand how they can influence their community, their state and their nation by becoming an active citizen. During their five days in Washington, D.C., students attend small group workshops, topical seminars, and political debates where current issues are studied. They meet political leaders and concentrate on politics, government and American History in this one credit course. Special Information: 10 hours of pre-program study and a post-program 2-page paper on a choice of topics covered are required. Close-Up meetings are held after school. Close-Up Washington D.C. will appear on the student s high school transcript sent to any college. If students are interested in visiting one of Washington s distinguished colleges and universities, appointments can be arranged. Close-Up Pacific Basin is offered to 11 th and 12 th grade students at EHS. This one credit course if focused on the Asia-Pacific region of the world. Study includes the history of WW II and global economic patterns. This program suggests effective citizenship in today s rapidly changing world requires understanding of international issues and players, knowledge of global geopolitics and realities and a strong awareness of and appreciation for different cultures. Your classroom without walls: will include intensive workshops, seminars and historical study visits throughout the island of Oahu. Special Information: 10 hours of preprogram study and a post-program 3-page paper on a choice of topics covered through the program are required. Close-Up meetings are held after school. Close-Up Pacific Basin will appear on the student s high school transcript sent to any college. If students are interested in visiting one of the nearby colleges and/or universities, appointments can be arranged.