The aim of the history program is to give students a comprehensive knowledge of events, geography, and diversity both domestically and globally to become active and responsible members of their communities. Throughout their course of studies, students will be taught the fundamentals of analytical thinking, primary source analysis, and how to recognize patterns of events. Students will access the skills and knowledge learned in English, mathematics, and science as they relate to their course of study. To ensure a safe learning environment and equal opportunities for all students, the curriculum and classrooms are designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Parental engagement is also important to the history program and to that end teachers maintain communication to ensure full engagement in the classroom. The program is aligned with the Massachusetts History and Social Sciences Frameworks, which incorporate the Common Core State Standards. As a result, teachers have designed units and projects that are rigorous and allow for students to scaffold on prior knowledge and skills from one course of study to the next.

 

U.S. History I (9th grade)

As aligned with the Massachusetts History and Social Sciences Frameworks and the Common Core Standards, this course will examine U.S. History from 1763 to World War I. As part of this course, students will investigate the origins of the Constitution and American democracy and the challenges the new nation faced postwar. Other units of study include the Civil War, westward expansion, immigration, and industrialization. The course will conclude by examining the political, social, and economic changes the U.S. experienced during the Progressive Era and U.S. entry into World War I.

 

U.S. History II (10th grade)

As aligned with the Massachusetts History and Social Studies Frameworks and the Common Core Standards, this course will chronologically examine American History following the end of World War I. The course will review the impact of the Roaring 20s, World War II, and economic growth and consumerism postwar. The course will conclude by examining U.S. involvement in global affairs and in depth look into the Civil Rights Movement.

 

Advanced United States History I and II (9th & 10th grade)

The topics and events that are covered in the advanced classes are the same as those that are covered in the non-advanced class. However, the review of the topics and events will be more in-depth, will require deeper critical thinking, and the examination of primary and secondary sources. Students can expect to work at a more rigorous pace, work cooperatively, and have outside reading and writing assignments.

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AP United States Government and Politics (11th grade)

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AP® U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level year-long course that not only seeks to prepare students for success on the AP Exam in May, but also provide students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes to participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society.

 

AP U.S. Government and Politics accomplishes these goals by framing the acquisition of political knowledge around enduring understandings and big ideas about American government and politics that can be applied to a set of disciplinary practices by using a set of reasoning processes. Through the development of this set of political knowledge, disciplinary practices, and reasoning processes, students will be able to analyze current and historical political events like a political scientist and develop factually accurate, well-reasoned, thoughtful arguments and opinions that acknowledge and grapple with alternative political perspectives.”

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Human Geography (11th & 12th grade)

This is a survey course exploring humans and their culture around the world. This course is rooted in critical thinking and problem solving. Throughout this course, students are exposed to cultures from all six of the inhabited continents. The units of study range from maps, an academic look at culture, world health systems and population, folk culture and pop culture, religion, language, food, colonization’s impact on modern society and industries.

 

Modern America and Global Affairs (11th & 12th grade)

This course is a study of American history following World War II through present day. Students examine events, policies and themes that have shaped the nation during the 20th and 21st centuries. Connections between present day events and the past are emphasized as we look to our future.

 

Citizenship and Government in the 21st Century (11th & 12th grade)

The focus of this course will be to prepare students to participate in exercising their civic responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Civics provides a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities for being an American citizen and a framework for competent and responsible participation. Teaching and learning will focus on the historical development of government and political systems, including: the United States Constitution; federal, state and local government structure; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Students will actively investigate local, state and national issues, read and participate in discussions, and develop informed arguments through a variety of writing assignments and projects.

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Psychology (12th grade)

The course is a study of scientific psychology and the many diverse fields within psychology. It is based on scientific methodology, which gets to the root of how we know what we know both about others and ourselves. Units include: the biological basis for behavior, child and adolescent development, learning, development, theories of personality, psychological disorders, and therapies.