Social Studies

This year-long course in economics covers the skills and concepts of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics that form the basis of the tasks on the AP exams. Topics in Microeconomics give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and function of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Topics in Macroeconomics give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole, placing particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination and also developing familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Every student is required to take both AP exams in May.

This course focuses on the major themes of European History from the High Renaissance (1450) through the 21st Century. This course also traces the development of Europe through the major categories of historical studies in a broad intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social, and economic context.

AP Government and Politics is a yearlong course that braids together the course content, concepts, and skills practiced in both the AP U.S. Government and Politics course and the AP Comparative Government and Politics course. The course, therefore, results in two separate AP exams, and participation in both the U.S. and Comparative AP exams in May is expected. Students will analyze the political institutions and systems of the United States and six other case-study countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom, representing a range of authoritarian to liberal democratic regimes. The course will familiarize students with the theoretical frameworks of political science and civics education, including topics such as how best to balance liberty and order, sources of power and authority, the roles and responsibilities of citizens, the impacts of globalization, and the economic and social development of states. Many students credit the course with preparing them for future studies in public policy, law, and international relations.

This course is particularly useful for students looking to work in the fields of public administration, town planning, architecture, anthropology, sociology, geographic information science (GIS), marketing, or any field that takes account of the spatial dimensions of human activity. The course introduces students to an analytical study of the social, cultural and economic landscapes that characterize our world. Students will study the evolving locational patterns of human activities and examine a range of theories and theoretical models, which may account for their spatial distribution. Topics for study include: population studies, the political organization of space, cultural patterns, urban and rural landscapes, economic development and industrialization.

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic, scientific, and in-depth study of behavior and mental processes. Throughout the year, students will focus on making connections between course content and applications in daily life by in class interactive activities and out-of-class assignments. During the first semester, learning will focus on areas including history and systems of psychology, understanding research and critical thinking, understanding statistics, neuroscience and behavior, the nature/nurture debate, human diversity, lifespan development, sensation & perception, states of consciousness, theories of learning & understanding memory and cognition. During the second semester, students are expected to enhance their ability to continue to describe theoretical perspectives, acquire and use the terminology of psychology, describe measures of intelligence, identify theories of motivation, emotion, and personality, understand the relationship between stress and health, acquire knowledge of psychological disorders and their treatment, and understand group processes and the relationships between groups and individuals. The AP curriculum provides students with challenging learning experiences equivalent to that obtained in most US college level introductory psychology courses. This involves approximately 15 pages of textbook reading per class meeting in addition to other supplemental homework assignments. Successful students have an interest in psychology and psychological research and good critical thinking skills. Students who complete the yearlong course must take the College Board administered AP Examination.

Advanced Placement U.S. History is a college-level course that studies the history of the American republic from the colonial period to modern times. A heavy emphasis is placed on an analysis of the conflicting interpretations of the great events that comprise the American saga. Key primary and secondary sources are used in research.

The purpose of AP World History: Modern is for students to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. AP World History: Modern offers balanced global coverage, with Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe all represented. U.S. history is included in the context of the country’s interactions with other societies. The time period covered is from approximately 1200 C.E. to present. 

This course uses business as a context for the development of leadership skills. Students will analyze the role of a leader in business, with a focus on decision-making, management of group dynamics, workplace stress and conflict, motivation of employees, and planning. Effective business communication skills, ethics, and social responsibility are also emphasized.

Introduction to Psychology surveys the scientific study of psychology, introducing students to topics such as perception, consciousness, development, cognition, emotion, motivation, psychopathology, decision-making, and social behavior. Psychology studies both human and animal behavior by employing observational and experimental studies. This is a practical course that explores how people perceive, learn about, remember the world around them, and how they interact with others.

Learning Service in Action is an experiential learning elective for students who want to align their passion for service with personal academic interests. Students will explore their vision for social change and develop leadership skills that enhance their positive impact in the community. Forming collaborative partnerships with professionals in the field, students will analyze different models of engaging in humanitarian work and learn how development leaders empower local communities. Relevant issues include defining poverty and inequality, evaluating assets and needs, choosing practical solutions, achieving measurable results, creating accountability, conducting effective advocacy, and empowering beneficiaries.