Social Studies

2 semesters 

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.   

2 semesters 

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.   

2 semesters 

In this course, students will study United States history from the Industrial Age to the present. Cultural, economic, political, and social events of the period will be explored through research, discussion, writing assignments, and long-term projects. Topics will include industry and innovation, immigration, desire to build an empire, U.S. emergence as a world power, World War I, the Roaring 20s, the Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and recent presidential administrations. 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.    

2 semesters 

This course is a thematic survey of American historical, cultural, political, and social developments from Reconstruction to the Modern Era, including America’s emergence as a global power, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, including a study of the Holocaust, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and recent presidential administrations. Students will analyze and evaluate primary and secondary sources and be able to apply them as evidence in arguments for essays, discussions, or presentations. Students will further develop research methodology and critical thinking skills, place historical events in context, and relate the cause and effect of these events to history and today. Students will write extensively through research papers and essays and demonstrate their understanding of the content in class discussions and in writing.  

Prerequisite: Must have a 94 average in College Prep level course to move to Honors. To maintain Honors Level, must have an 87 average.  Department approval is required for admission into this course.    

2 semesters 

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.   

Note:  AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees.  There will be a summer reading requirement.  

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors; College Prep to AP must be approved by faculty 

2 semesters 

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 analyzing contemporary events, students will gain practical insights, applying theoretical frameworks to their everyday observations.  

2 semesters 

Designed to give students a critical perspective of politics and government. Students will analyze and discuss the importance of various constitutional principles, rights and procedures, institutions, and political processes that impact U.S. citizens. Units of study include the constitutional foundation of U.S. government; the branches of government, civil liberties and rights, political beliefs and behaviors; and linkage institutions. Students will analyze 9 foundational documents and 14 required Supreme Court cases and learn how to effectively write free response questions that demonstrate their skills in concept application, quantitative analysis of data, comparison of Supreme Court cases, and argumentative essay writing.  

Note: AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees.  There will be a summer reading requirement. 

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors; College Prep to AP must be approved by faculty 

2 semesters 

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.   

 Prerequisite: Must have a 94 average in College Prep level course to move to Honors. To maintain Honors Level, must have an 87 average.  Department approval is required for admission into this course.     

2 semesters 

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.  

Note:  AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees. There will be a summer reading requirement.   

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors ; College Prep to AP must be approved by faculty 

1 semester  

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. 

Students must take 1 semester of H Sociology or H Developmental Psychology with H Global Horizons  

Prerequisite:  GPA of 87 or above. 

2 semesters

AP Comparative Government and Politics is an introductory college-level course in comparative government and politics. The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students cultivate their understanding of comparative government and politics through analysis of data and text-based sources as they explore topics like power and authority, legitimacy and stability, democratization, internal and external forces, and methods of political analysis.​​​​​​

Note: AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees.  There will be a summer reading requirement

Prerequisites: 94 or higher in Honors; College Prep to AP must be approved by faculty

1 Semester 

This honors-level psychology course delves into the complex processes of human development from adolescence through adulthood, with a focus on psychological theories, applications, and research. Students will investigate the multidimensional aspects of development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes that occur during these crucial life stages. Students will explore the unique challenges and experiences encountered during adolescence, such as identity formation and peer relationships. As the course progresses into adulthood, students will examine the complex interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping individuals' development.  

Note: Students must take 1 semester of H Global Horizons with H Developmental Psychology 

Prerequisite: GPA of 87 or higher. Department approval is required. 

2 semesters  

This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. 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. Units of study include History and Research Methods; the Biological Bases of Behavior; Sensation and Perception; Learning; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Motivation, Emotion, and Personality; Clinical Psychology; and Social Psychology. Students will learn how to effectively write free response questions that demonstrate their skills in concept application and application of research methods.  

Note:  AP students must take the exam for AP, and families are financially responsible for the associated fees.  There will be a summer reading requirement 

Prerequisite:   GPA of 93 and approval from the instructor.    

1 semester 

This Sociology 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 of groups surrounding them, but also how sociological principles work through the entire world. This course is great for those interested in sociology, social change, social research, and cultural awareness.   

Note: Students must take 1 semester of H Global Horizons with H Sociology 

Prerequisite: GPA of 87 or higher.