Social Studies

1 Credit 

 Grade 9 

A study of the geography, history, and cultures of regions around the world. Students will learn valuable reading, comprehension, and writing skills while studying the important societies of our world. The class takes students through regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Students will examine the languages, religions, art, and traditions that define the cultures found within them. They will use a variety of resources, tools, and technology to deepen their understanding and achieve success. This course introduces students to the skills and concepts necessary to begin their study of history and provides them with the knowledge and opportunities to more fully understand and participate in the global community. 

1 Credit  

Grade 9 

World Cultures is a study of the geography, history, and cultures of regions around the world. Students will learn valuable reading, comprehension, and writing skills while examining societies and cultures around the world. The class takes students through regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In each region, students will explore concepts of language, religion, and cultural patterns along with current events. They will use a variety of resources, tools, and technology to deepen their understanding and achieve success. This course introduces students to the skills and concepts necessary to begin their study of social studies and provides them with the knowledge and opportunities to more fully understand and participate in the global community. 

As an honors-level class, students will complete more complex readings and more frequent writing assignments. The class will take topics into more depth, therefore, students in this program must prepare to work independently, participate in focused class discussions, and share their ideas and insights through a variety of channels. 

Prerequisites: Student must demonstrate a high proficiency in the verbal, language, and reading sections of the Gwynedd Mercy Academy Entrance Exam to be offered placement.

1 Credit  

Grade 10 

In this course, students will study U.S. history from the American Revolution to recent decades. Through research, discussion, writing, and long-term projects, students will analyze a wide variety of social, political, economic, and cultural changes in American life. Topics will include the founding and expansion of the American republic, the spread of slavery and rise of sectionalism, the Civil War 
and Reconstruction, industrialization and innovation, immigration, imperialism, U.S. emergence as a world power, the world wars and the interwar period, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and important trends and developments since the 1970s. Students will learn not only historical facts, but how to analyze point of view, make connections between events, and assess the actions of American leaders over the past century. The course will require a great deal of participation from the students.

1 Credit  

Grade 10 

This course is a thematic survey of American historical, cultural, political, and social developments from the Revolution to the present. Topics of study include the founding and expansion of the American republic, the spread of slavery and rise of sectionalism, the Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization and innovation, immigration, imperialism, U.S. emergence as a world power, the world wars and the interwar period, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and important trends 
and developments since the 1970s. Students will learn how to evaluate primary and secondary sources and apply them as evidence in argument-based essays, discussions, and presentations. Students will further develop research methodology and critical thinking skills, place historical events in context, and relate the causes and effects of historical events to contemporary issues. Class discussions, essays, and a long-term research-and-writing project will assess students’ mastery of content and historical thinking skills.

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in World Cultures; 85 or higher in Honors World Cultures
 

1 Credit  

Grade 10 

Designed to provide students with the factual knowledge, historical thinking, and composition skills necessary to complete the Advanced Placement exam and prepare students for future college level courses. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands equivalent to those made by introductory college courses. This APUSH course will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of a well-informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. This course begins with the Native Americans that lived on the land and goes through ideas of colonization, the creation of the United States post-Revolutionary War and through the various ages beyond including conflicts at home and abroad. The course will focus on the nine historical periods determined by the College Board. 

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors World Cultures; 85 or higher in AP Human Geography

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.

1 Credit Grade 11 

This course offers a foundational exploration of the United States political landscape, examining its historical evolution, established structures, and enduring principles across two centuries. Key areas covered include the constitutional foundations of the United States government, the workings of national governmental bodies, the roles of political parties, interest groups, and media, as well as the dynamics of political ideologies and actions. Additionally, civil rights, liberties, and public policy are examined. Through analysis of contemporary events, students will gain practical insights, applying theoretical frameworks to their everyday observations. 

1 Credit  

Grade 11 

This honors level American Government course offers an in-depth exploration of the U.S. political system, tracing its evolution, core principles, and cultural values across two centuries. Covered topics include the constitutional foundations of U.S. governance, the structure of national institutions, the roles of political groups like parties, interest groups, and media, along with an examination of political ideologies and behaviors. Additionally, students will explore concepts of civil rights and liberties. By examining current events, students will have the opportunity to apply 
theoretical frameworks to real-world situations, developing a deeper understanding of government and politics in the United States. The course demands a comprehensive understanding of the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and concepts shaping U.S. politics, with emphasis placed on historical research and analysis of relevant documents.

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Topics in United States History; 85 or higher in Honors Topics in United States History

1 Credit  

Grade 11 

This course is offered to students who wish to do college level work in U.S. Government and Politics. It is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of politics of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. Themes/topics include the constitutional underpinnings of the U.S. government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups, and mass media; institutions of the national government; public policy; and civil rights and civil liberties. Historical research and analysis of historical documents will be required as well as assigned summer readings. The course requires independent study by the student and extensive individual participation in group discussions. 

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors Topics in United States History; 85 or higher in AP United States History

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees

1 Credit  

Grades 9-12 

Human geography examines the patterns and processes of human activity on Earth, using spatial data and analysis to answer geographic questions that apply to our world today. Topics introduced in this course include geographic inquiry, population and migration, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, development, and both agricultural and urban land use. Students are 
required to read college-level texts, understand, interpret, and analyze maps and other forms of spatial data, and think critically to solve problems. At this class's completion, students will be able to interpret geospatial data and analyze the relationships among people, places, and human activities around the world.

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors United States Government and Politics or Honors Topics in US History (current course); 85 or higher in AP United States Government or AP United States History (current course); Department approval based on placement test for grade 9

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.
 

1 Credit  

Grades 11, 12

In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 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 also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and 
scientific innovations.

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors United States Government or Honors Topics in U.S. History (current course); 85 or higher in AP United States Government or AP United States History (current course)

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.

0.5 Credit

Grades 11, 12  

How has the natural world shaped human cultures over time? How have humans in turn shaped and thought about nature? Students in this course will examine these questions about the past as a way to ponder the ecological quandaries of our own time. Key topics include the domestication of nonhuman species, the process of turning natural resources into commodities, the preservation of beautiful spaces and wild animals, the rise of modern environmentalism, and the ongoing history of climate change. 

 0.5 Credit

Grades 11, 12 

As the historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich once wrote, "well-behaved women seldom make history." Students in this course will explore American women—well-behaved and otherwise—who have shaped life in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Key topics include women's labor in and out of the home, girl's and women's education, women as political actors and social activists, debates over women's rights and freedoms, and shifting norms and assumptions about femininity and womanhood. 

0.5 Credit

Grades 11, 12

Global Horizons provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global historical events, trends, and movements from the late 19th century to the present day, while incorporating the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. Through an exploration of diverse cultures, political developments, social movements, and technological advancements, students will develop the analytical skills necessary to critically assess the impact of historical forces on the contemporary world. By the end of the course, students will understand the complexities of the modern world and be equipped with the skills and perspectives necessary to contribute positively to their communities, guided by the principles of the Sisters of Mercy. 

0.5 Credit 

Grades 11, 12

This course is designed to explore the principles and theories of sociology. The course will cover topics such as culture, social institutions, collective behavior, social deviation, gender roles, and social stratification among others. Throughout this course, students will develop the skills to not only look at the dynamics surrounding them, but also understand how sociological principles work through the entire world. We will also discuss how the critical concerns fit into sociology.     

1 credit

Grades 11, 12

This course is designed for students seeking advanced study in Developmental Psychology. It provides an in-depth exploration of human thought, emotion, and behavior through major psychological perspectives, including psychoanalytic, biological, cognitive, behavioral, sociocultural, and humanistic approaches. Students will be introduced to essential vocabulary, foundational concepts, influential theorists, and key principles of psychology, as well as differing viewpoints on how these ideas can be interpreted and applied. Beyond academic content, students will be encouraged to develop greater self-awareness, emotional insight, and empathy, and to participate openly and thoughtfully in class discussions.

1 Credit

Grades 11, 12

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health. Throughout the course, students apply 22 psychological concepts and employ psychological research methods and data interpretation to evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Prerequisites: General Average of 94 or higher

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.