U.S. History

U.S. History is designed to develop historically literate citizens with an empathetic understanding of the complexity of the American experience as well as a love for the critical study of our nation’s past. Emphasis will be placed on three core themes: 1) constancy and change in economic and social realities; 2) watershed changes in American political life and interpretations of government’s role in protecting life, liberty, and property; and 3) America’s place in the world. Students will conduct research on a topic of their choosing that is within the unit selected by the instructor specifically for the research paper. In the final unit of the course, there will be an oral history project that is connected to recent American history. Core readings will be supplemented with numerous primary source documents. 

 

AP United States History (Grade 11-12, Full Year)
This course will cover the full span of American History from the colonial beginnings to the 21st century. It will prepare students for the AP exam given in May. Extensive readings from primary and secondary sources will supplement the basic textbook, and students will be evaluated by means of a variety of essay assignments and short answer tests. Students will gain experience dealing with the Documents Based Questions and may be required to review materials not extensively covered in the course syllabus. Political, economic, social, cultural, military, and domestic aspects of American History will be examined in depth. 

AP European History (Grade 11-12, Full Year)
AP European History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in European History. Students are prepared for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those of full-year introductory college courses. A seminar format is used, and students are expected to contribute to class discussions, prepare oral reports based on sound historical scholarship, and present substantive evidence clearly and persuasively in written essays. The texts include A History of the Modern World and 
other primary sources. Summer reading: Back to the Front. 

AP Economics

AP Economics presents the tools of micro- and macroeconomic analysis. Macro topics include the market system of economic organization, economic growth, productivity, the role of government, the financial system, inflation, unemployment, short term economic fluctuations, exchange rate determination, and theoretical controversies. Micro topics include applications of supply and demand analysis, elasticity, production theory, the organization of industry (including monopoly and 
oligopoly), labor markets, income inequality, externalities, poverty, and trade. Students will take the Advanced Placement Microeconomics Exam and the Advanced Placement Macroeconomics Exam.

 

AP US Government and Politics

US Government and Politics is the study of the United States national government's policies, institutions, and foundations. Topics include (1) constitutional theories forming the basis of government; (2) political beliefs and behaviors; (3) political parties, interest groups, and the mass media; (4) the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and Federal court system; (5) public policy; (6) civil rights and civil liberties. This course gives students an analytical perspective on American government and politics that prepares them to take the AP US Government and Politics exam.  

 

AP Psychology (Grades 11 & 12, Full Year)
This course introduces students to psychological science, the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Course goals include gaining a working knowledge of the theories and key concepts of each of the major subfields within psychology, exposure to contributing psychologists and major research studies that shape our understanding of psychology, learning to apply psychological principles and understanding connections between theories and ideas, and developing an appreciation for scientific methods and ethical procedures. Topics covered include neuroscience, research methods, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning and memory, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, developmental psychology, 
personality, psychological disorders and treatment, and social psychology. Students are expected to complete two 
papers in APA style, participate in experiential exercises, and contribute to class discussion.