Social Studies Department
Students at Burr and Burton are required to earn four credits in Social Studies in order to graduate; three of these credits must be in a World and United States History course and one credit must be in a Social Studies elective course. Students must take a minimum of one course each year (9-12). Summer reading is required for all students taking a Social Studies course. Book choices, expectations and due dates for summer reading are mailed with final report cards.
The mission of the Burr and Burton Social Studies Department is to educate students in the areas of History and Social Sciences by preparing students today to shape the world tomorrow.
Students will
• understand and participate in the democratic process.
• have awareness and understanding of the interdependence of the global community.
• understand and appreciate their history and heritage.
• accept diverse people, ideas and cultures in their local community and the greater society.
WORLD AND UNITED STATES HISTORY
COLLEGE PREPARATORY DEVELOPING GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING:
PERSPECTIVES ON CULTURE
1 credit Level 2
Freshmen
This course involves the exploration of the following major questions: what is culture, how have religion and moral codes developed and influenced societies throughout history and what happens when cultures collide? The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to examine the questions in relation to what is happening in various regions and civilizations at a given time. Additionally, in this course, students investigate issues and themes from multiple perspectives and make global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding. It is directed at the improvement of already well-developed reading, writing, thinking, problem-solving and research skills in order to ensure success in subsequent courses. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper.
DEVELOPING GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING: PERSPECTIVES ON CULTURE
1 credit Level 3
Freshmen
This course involves the exploration of the following major questions: what is culture, how have religion and moral codes developed and influenced societies throughout history, and what happens when cultures collide? The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to examine the questions in relation to what is happening in various regions and civilizations at a given time. Additionally, in this course, students investigate issues and themes from multiple perspectives and make global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding. It is directed at the improvement of the student’s reading, writing, thinking, problem-solving and research skills in order to ensure success in subsequent courses. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, and essay questions.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY EXPLORING HUMAN CONFLICT: REVOLUTION,
REFORM AND NATIONAL IDENTITIES
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores
This course involves the exploration of the following major themes: the Roots and Evolution of Democracy, The Age of Revolutions in a Global Context and Defining National Identities. In this course students investigate World and US History from multiple perspectives and make global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding. It is directed at the improvement of already well-developed reading, writing, thinking, problem-solving and research skills in order to ensure success in subsequent courses. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper.
PREREQUISITE: The recommendation of the freshman Social Studies teacher.
EXPLORING HUMAN CONFLICT: REVOLUTION, REFORM
AND NATIONAL IDENTITIES
1 credit Level 3
Sophomores
This course involves the exploration of the following major themes: the Roots and Evolution of Democracy, The Age of Revolutions in a Global Context, and Defining National Identities. In this course students investigate World and US History from multiple perspectives and make global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding. It is directed at the improvement of the student’s reading, writing, thinking, problem solving and research skills in order to ensure success in subsequent courses. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, and essay questions.
PREREQUISITE: The recommendation of the freshman Social Studies teacher.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY WORLD AND U.S. HISTORY 11
1 credit Level 2
Juniors, Seniors
This course is a survey of world events in the 20th century, focusing on each decade. Beginning with the United States as a new world power, the course highlights the World Wars, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the Vietnam and Watergate eras of the 1960s and 1970s, the fall of Communism, and recent historical events. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper. Text: The American Nation in the 20th Century (Holt, Rinehart Winston).
PREREQUISITE: The recommendation of the sophomore Social Studies teacher.
WORLD AND U.S. HISTORY 11
1 credit Level 3
Juniors, Seniors
The focus of this course is the major events of the 20th century. Starting with the late 1800s, the course highlights the World Wars, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the Rise of Fascism and World War II, and will close with an examination of the post- World War II period up to the present time. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, and essay questions. A research project is required. Text: History and Life (Scott, Foresman) and The American Journey (Appleby, Brinkley, and McPherson).
PREREQUISITE: The recommendation of the sophomore Social Studies teacher.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
1 credit Level 1
Juniors, Seniors
This in-depth study of America history is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous college-level course. Students prepare for and are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Starting with a review of the colonial era, students study the political, economic, social, geographic and other factors that shaped the nation up to the 1980’s. Taught in a seminar format, the course demands daily preparation and participation. Students have significant nightly reading assignments and many writing opportunities. We continually support our text readings with additional primary and secondary sources. Summer reading is required.
PREREQUISITES: A grade of B+ or better in CP World and US History 10 and the recommendation of the teacher of that course. The AP examination fee of $88 is the responsibility of the student.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
All students entering the 12th grade are required to take one Social Studies elective during their senior year.
CURRENT EVENTS 12
1 credit Level 3
Seniors
Current Events 12 is a practical current-events course. Students become familiar with major national and international issues, as well as key national and world leaders, that impact important political, cultural, economic, and social concerns of our world as a whole. The course emphasizes the personal role each student plays in these problems and tries to instill a sense of responsibility in how these problems are solved. Text: Current Events magazine, newspapers, and other current materials.
PREREQUISITE: The recommendation of World and U.S. History 11 teacher and School and College Counselor.
PSYCHOLOGY
1 credit Level 2
Seniors
This course is designed to help the student gain knowledge of what psychology really is, understand his or her own and others’ behavior patterns, and alter misconceptions about human behavior. Topics covered are: Research Methods, the Biological Foundation of Behavior, Sensations and Perceptions, Consciousness and Its Variations, Sensations and Perceptions, Learning, Lifespan Development, Gender and Sexuality, Personality, Social Psychology, Psychological Disorders, and Therapies. Assessments include chapter tests, projects and daily quizzes. Text: Psychology 4E by Hockenbury (Worth). A lab fee of $25 is required.
PREREQUISITE: The recommendation of the College Preparatory World and U.S. History 11 teacher.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
1 credit Level 1
Seniors
This course is designed to help the student gain knowledge of what psychology really is, understand his or her own and others’ behavior patterns, and alter misconceptions about human behavior. This year-long course is designed for students who wish to earn three college credits while in high school. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May at a cost of $88. Assessments include chapter tests, projects and daily quizzes. Text: Psychology 6E by Myers (Worth). A lab fee of $25 is required.
PREREQUISITES: Students for this course should be highly motivated to read and write about the areas of psychology. A grade of B or better in College Preparatory World and US History 11 or a B- in AP History, the recommendation of the teacher of that course. An SAT score of 550 (PSAT 55) or above in the Critical Reading section is also strongly recommended. This course requires a summer assignment.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
1 credit Level 2
Juniors, Seniors
This course is a study of modern world and national issues. The dynamic nature of these issues means that course content changes yearly. Current political and social conditions, international conflicts, important legislation, national and international economic conditions, major ideologies, the United Nations and other areas are all a part of this course. Special use of videos, periodicals, and up-to-date readings are emphasized. There is considerable use of discussion, debate, seminars, and simulations as a means of trying to solve problems. Students are assigned nightly reading, regular projects, papers and presentations. Text: Newsweek magazine and other current materials.
HOLOCAUST STUDIES This course is offered every other year. (Offered in 2009-10)
1 credit Level 2
Juniors, Seniors
With the events of the Nazi Holocaust as a focus, students engage in active study of human nature as it relates to the good and evil in each of us. What is the nature of evil? Do Absolute Good and Absolute Evil exist? How do fundamentally intelligent, cultured individuals and societies become perpetrators of evil? How does one react to evil? How should one react to evil? What lessons can be learned from the Holocaust? Students view a variety of films as well as read, discuss, and debate works by Elie Wiesel, Adolf Hitler, Jean-Paul Sartre, Robert Coles, Ursula Heggi and others. Each student has the opportunity to investigate contemporary situations related to the issues raised in this course and to create a final project in a medium of his/her choice.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of sophomore English and sophomore Social Studies with grades of B+ or better and the permission of the instructor
POLITICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
This course examines the political, historical and moral consequences of human interaction with the environment. Topics include the relationship between the environment and the creation of political power; the complex relationships between governments, industry, non-governmental organizations and indigenous peoples and the global environment; examination of environmental policies; and ecologically based social movements. Written work is assigned on a regular basis; students complete in-depth case studies of specific issues where politics and environmental issues meet. Students are required to keep up with current events, complete assigned readings, participate in graded discussions, and complete project-based assessments. PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor
GOVERNMENT AND LAW
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
This course explores the three branches of our federal government. A close look is taken at the Obama administration as part of our study of the Executive branch. Special emphasis is placed on the judicial branch as we couple it with the law portion of the course. We examine trial law and apply the principles and procedures in mock trials, a key element of the course. Written work is assigned on a regular basis; a scrapbook is required, and there are tests on each unit. Students considering a career in any of the law fields or public service benefit from this course.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor
INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS This course is offered every other year. (Offered in 2009-10)
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
This course is designed to develop an understanding of how economic principles and analysis can be used to study social problems and issues. As a general introduction to the discipline of economics, the course covers topics in microeconomics-- the economic decisions of individual consumers, workers, managers, and investors; and in macroeconomics-- the behavior of the economy as a whole. Students enrolled in this course participate in a stock market simulation. In addition, students examine a wide range of international issues, including inequality and poverty in less-developed countries, child labor practices, foreign aid and debt relief, and the role of certain organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Students are assigned daily homework and participate regularly in debates and simulations. A major economic development project is required.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor
ASIAN STUDIES This course is offered every other year. (Offered in 2009-10)
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
Asian Studies provides students with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the role of geography, history and current events in determining the culture of Asian nations. The curriculum examines the political, religious, military, economic, ideological and social forces that contributed to the development of China, Korea and Japan. The course also examines the global interdependence of the region and students have opportunities to explore other Asian nations through group and individual projects and presentations. Homework is assigned daily. Readings include historical text, novels and primary sources.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES This course is offered every other year. (Offered in 2010-11)
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
This course surveys the development of Native American culture and history from its origins to the present in North America. The course focuses on the traditional American Indian cultures that existed before the establishment of Western domination. In addition, students explore the conflict generated by the colonial drive of European nations, the U.S. and their citizens. We examine the importance of stories and storytelling, the sacredness of land and landscapes, and the incorporation and resistance to outside influence. Readings include historical text, primary sources, and ethno-history. Homework is assigned daily. Throughout the semester, students complete papers, projects and presentations.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor
THE (MODEL) UNITED NATIONS This course is offered every other year. (Offered in 2010-11)
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
This course introduces students to the organization and actions of the United Nations and other international organizations. Students learn how the UN operates and they study the nations involved with the UN. Students become well versed in modern day political, social, economic and environmental conflicts, and they learn how these conflicts are negotiated and solved. This course includes a great amount of discussion and debate; students should be ready to take an active role in the daily class dialogue. One significant component of this course is participation in a Model United Nations seminar in which each student represents a different country and advocates its opinions while solving international problems. Students may be asked to contribute funds to defray the cost of attending a Model UN Seminar off campus.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.
ART HISTORY
1 credit Level 2
This course is designed to provide an overview and appreciation of architecture, sculpture, painting and other forms of art within historical and cultural contexts. We begin in 1500 B.C., and move through Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Next we examine Baroque and Neoclassical art before considering Romanticism and Impressionism. In the final weeks of the course, we delve into the Art Nouveau movement on the cusp of the 20th century. Throughout, we consider art in the context of history, culture, and economics. Students develop skills of visual analysis and comparison of works to gain an appreciation of aesthetics, art-related technology, and art criticism. The course includes lectures, class discussion and reading assignments. Assessment is based on class participation, short papers, weekly quizzes and a final that illustrates understanding of the material.
This course fulfills either the Arts credit or the fourth-year Social Studies elective credit required for graduation.
THE HISTORY OF MUSIC: FROM BACH TO ROCK
1 credit Level 2
Why is music known as the “universal language"? How did this come to be? Explore these questions through an analysis of visual art, political structures, religion, gender, music, and literature from the 1600s to the present. Students engage in a variety of interactive projects to discover the evolution of music and draw connections to significant historical events. This course is available to all grade levels and requires no pre-requisite.
This course fulfills either the Arts requirement or fourth- year Social Studies elective requirement for graduation.
