Academics » Social Studies
American Government Honors Description
Students gain understanding of American government and political behavior that is essential for effective citizenship and active involvement in contemporary American society.
The content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- interrelationship between American government and the American economic system
- documents that shape our political traditions, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers
- roles of the three branches of government at the local, state and national levels
- the evolving role of political parties and interest groups in determining government policy
- career opportunities available in government services
- changing nature of citizen rights and responsibilities in a democratic state
- importance of civic participation in the democratic political process
- role of women and diverse cultural groups in the development of our political system
- changing nature of civil rights and liberties in U.S. society
Credit: 1/2 (Semester)
9th Grade
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in English I Honors or above
American History Description
Students understand the development of the United States within the context of history by examining connections to the past to prepare for the future as participating members of a democratic society. They use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social and employment settings.
The content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- time-space relationships
- significant turning points and trends in the development of United States culture and institutions
- impact of expansion on the United States character
- origin of United States documents, ideals and characteristics
- the changing role of the Constitution over the centuries
- political, social and economic conflicts and resolutions
- technological and urban transformation of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries
- changes in lifestyles of United States citizens through the centuries
- changes in United States foreign policy from regional to global
- cyclical characteristics of United States economic development through the centuries
- contemporary domestic and foreign issues that affect the United States with projected scenarios through the 21st century
Credit: 1 (Year)
11th Grade
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Placement American History Description
Students understand the development of the United States within the context of history by examining connections to the past to prepare for the future as participating members of a democratic society. Students use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social and employment settings. The Advanced Placement College Board will specify the content.
Per the Providence Pupil Progression Plan the student must take the advanced placement exam as part of the requirements in order to pass any and all AP classes.
Credit: 1 (Year)
11th Grade
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation and concurrent enrollment in English III Honors
Economics Honors Description
Students understand choice they must make as producers, consumers, investors and taxpayers. The study of economics provides students with the knowledge and decision-making tools necessary for understanding how society organizes its limited resources to satisfy its unlimited wants.
The content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- use of economic reasoning and principles in reaching decisions in the market place
- opportunity costs and trade-offs
- economic incentives
- comparative and absolute advantage
- interdependence
- role of pricing and price determination
- savings and investment
- role and function of government and governmental policy
- function of money and financial institutions
- labor supply and demand
- distinction between micro and macroeconomic problems
- monetary and fiscal policy
- socioeconomic goals
- growth
Credit: 1/2 (Semester)
9th Grade
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in English I Honors or above
European History-Advanced Placement Description
This course follows the format of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. The chronological period begins with the high Renaissance and concludes with present day. It focuses on political and diplomatic history, intellectual and cultural history, and social and economic history and is designed to build on the students knowledge of the factual narrative and includes, but is not limited to the following:
- an understanding of the principle themes in modern European history
- an awareness of the world
- an ability to analyze historical evidence
Per the Providence Pupil Progression Plan the student must take the advanced placement exam as part of the requirements in order to pass any and all AP classes.
Credit: 1 (Year)
Open to grades 11-12
Prerequisites: None
Law Studies I/II Description
Students learn that the American legal system is the foundation of American society. In order to function effectively, students examine those laws, which have an impact on citizens' lives and are provided with an introduction to fundamental civil and criminal justice procedures.
The content includes, but is not limited, to the following:
- need for law
- basis for our legal system
- civil and criminal law
- adult and juvenile courts
- family and consumer law
- causes and consequences of crime
- individual rights and responsibilities
- career opportunities in the legal system
Credit: ½ (Semester) or 1 (Year)
11th and 12th grades
Prerequisites: None
Psychology I Description
Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behavior, behavior interaction and the progressive development of individuals. This will better prepare them to understand their own behavior and the behavior of others.
The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- major theories and orientations of psychology
- psychological methodology
- memory and cognition
- human growth and development
- personality
- abnormal behavior
- psychological therapies
- stress/coping strategies
- mental health
Credit: 1/2 (Semester)
Open to grades 11-12
Prerequisites: None
Psychology-Advanced Placement Description
To introduce the Advanced Placement student to the systematic and scientific study of the behavioral 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 methods psychologists use to explore the processes involved in normal and abnormal perceptions, thoughts, feelings and actions. The Advanced Placement Program of the College Board sponsors the course work.
Per the Providence Pupil Progression Plan the student must take the advanced placement exam as part of the requirements in order to pass any and all AP classes.
Credit: 1 (Year)
Open to grades 11-12
Prerequisites: None
Sociology Description
Through the study of sociology, students acquire an understanding of group interaction and its impact on individuals in order that they may have a greater awareness of the beliefs, values and behavior patterns of others. In an increasingly interdependent world, students need to recognize how group behavior affects both the individual and society.
The content includes, but is not limited, to the following:
- methods of study employed by sociologists
- social institutions and norms
- social classes
- relationships between the sexes
- racial and ethnic groups
- societal determinants
- group behavior
- socialization process, including the transmission of group behavior
- social deviation
- social conflict
- social stratification
- social participation
- role of social organizations and institutions, including their interrelationships and interdependence
Credit: ½ (Semester)
11th and 12th grades
Prerequisites: None
World History Honors Description
Students understand their connections to the development of civilizations by examining the past to prepare for their future as participating members of a global community. They use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social and employment settings.
The content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- geo-historic development in time-space
- comparative views of history
- origin and development of contrasting civilizations cultural universals
- role of religion in historical change
- varieties of contrasting political theories and philosophies
- role of science and technology as a social catalyst
- nationalism as a cohesive force in history
- diversity of economic thought and practices in the world
- influence of the major figures and events
- interpretations of the historical development of our present world order
Credit: 1 (Year)
10th Grade
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in English II Honors