Social Studies

The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. It is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous college-level course. Significant nightly reading assignments are required. PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in the preceding CP SS course, or a B- in AP US History. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $110. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)

AP Psychology is designed to help students gain knowledge of what psychology really is, understand their own behaviors and the behaviors of others, and to correct misconceptions about human behavior. This year-long course is designed for students who wish to earn three college credits while in high school, and who are highly motivated to read and write about areas of psychology. Assessments include chapter tests, projects, and daily quizzes. A summer assignment is required. Text: Myers' Psychology for AP (Worth, 2024). PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in the preceding CP World and U.S. History course, or a B- in AP History. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $110. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)

May be taken as an elective or in place of CP World and U.S. History 3 This in-depth study of U.S. history is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous college-level course. Starting with a review of the pre-contact and colonial eras, students study the political, economic, social, geographic and other factors that shaped the nation. Taught in a seminar format, the course demands daily preparation and participation. Students have significant nightly reading assignments and many writing opportunities. Text readings are continually supported with additional primary and secondary sources. A significant summer assignment is required. PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in CP SS 2 or a B- or better in Honors US Government. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $110. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2025-2026)

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

This course examines the rise and fall of world civilizations from its beginnings in Mesopotamia up to the Middle Ages. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: ancient Greece, ancient Rome, early Chinese dynasties, Dar al-Islam, Egypt, and Indigenous American empires. The curriculum covers the governments, cultures, traditions, conflicts, and key leaders of civilizations as well as the origins of major world religions. Students are introduced to the forces that have molded modern cultures and traditions. These dynamic societies and their crucial contribution to humanity are brought to life through archeology, architecture, primary sources, document based questions, and projects. Students should expect nightly assignments, as well as larger unit assessments such as tests, formal writing samples, and projects.

This course fulfills the integrative, immersive learning experience graduation requirement when paired with CP SS 2 or Honors U.S. Government and Politics. Climate change is impacting human and natural communities across our world, with communities that have contributed the least to climate change already feeling the greatest effects. What solutions are at work in Vermont, the United States, and across the globe to mitigate the immediate impacts of climate change? What solutions are needed to adapt to change in the future? Students in this class examine the scientific consensus on climate change and learn about the role of climate in the current state of political affairs, social justice, business entrepreneurship, the media, and systems change theory. Students consider the mindsets, actions, and knowledge needed to be resilient in a changing world. Both individual action and systemic solutions are addressed through the use of Drawdown Learn, a comprehensive solution-based approach to addressing global carbon emissions and the regenerative communities that these changes will build.

Contemporary Issues 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. CP/HONORS ENTREPRENEURSHIP This course fulfills the integrative, immersive learning experience graduation requirement when paired with CP Small Business Start-Up and/or a work-based learning internship. Entrepreneurship is designed for any student interested in working on real-world problems with local leaders, businesses, and nonprofits. Based on the Babson College philosophy of entrepreneurship, where students practice play, empathy, creation, experimentation, and reflection, this class is not just for students interested in business. While students learn how to create a business model, they also develop creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving strategies so they can apply entrepreneurial thinking to multiple contexts. Students work with local businesses, charities, and/or organizations to help research and solve problems, and make recommendations to local leaders on how to solve economic problems in the community. Students also work in teams to develop student-generated business, invention, or nonprofit ideas, with space to seek funding and investment for their ideas. Students work closely with others, are pushed out of their comfort zones, learn how to speak in front of crowds, give and accept constructive criticism, lead, follow, design, make prototypes, fail, and iterate.

Seniors. Recommended Juniors as a social studies elective if space is available.

1 social studies or 1 English credit

Students in this course examine the history of hip hop music to develop a deeper understanding of both American and African-American culture. Students explore Black music history from the Blues to contemporary hip hop. They learn about the rich culture of hip hop, trace influences, and use music to make connections to history. Readings include a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction; students also listen to diverse music in order to learn to “read” songs and to analyze them. Literary study, creative writing, historical research, and the opportunity to make original music are all featured aspects of the class. This course fulfills either the senior English or senior social studies requirement for graduation.

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2027-2028) 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. The course explores fundamental questions about identity, belonging, and group dynamics: Who am I? What shapes my identity? Why do people form groups? What does it mean to belong? What happens when people are excluded from membership? Through study of how intelligent individuals and societies become perpetrators of evil, students examine the everyday choices that can lead to an 'us vs. them' mentality, while reflecting on their own decision-making, moral responsibility, and lessons that can be learned from the Holocaust. They view films including Schindler's List and read, discuss, and debate works by Elie Wiesel, Adolf Hitler, Simon Wiesenthal and others. Students also investigate contemporary situations related to the issues raised in the course and create a final project in a medium of their choice.

This year-long class is a simultaneous exploration of literary genres and culture. The essential skills and understandings from both English and social studies are combined to offer students context and connection, as well as opportunities to explore issues and themes from multiple perspectives and make global connections that lead to in-depth understanding. Students learn how to become active readers and develop their writing skills in a variety of genres. Students transition to their new school through an orientation to the library, the technology, and the culture of Burr and Burton. Using historical as well as contemporary issues as a lens, students consider the following essential question: what does it mean to be human? Through this question, students explore the themes of individualism and community, tradition and change, and culture as a source of power. Students write memoir, poetry, fiction, and response to text essays; they work towards synthesis of evidence and the development of arguments. Texts include The Poet X, Darius the Great Is Not Okay, and Born a Crime, as well as classic and contemporary science fiction. The course features projects involving oration, debate, art, and music as students develop an understanding of the human condition through literature, history, art history, and philosophy.

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2025-2026)

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Through an exploration of LGBTQ+ history, students gain an understanding of how gender and sexuality have changed over the past two hundred years of U.S. history. Students engage with current historical scholarship as well as a wide variety of primary source material (including personal accounts, media, as well as medical, military, and legal papers) to trace the history of LGBTQ+ identities, relationships, communities, and politics in the United States. The course asks students to consider how bringing a LGBTQ+ lens to social and political history might change one’s perspective on the U.S. as a site of oppression and resistance. Throughout the course, students explore the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the 20th and 21st century as well as current cultural and political topics. Collaboration with individuals and organizations in and outside of Burr and Burton brings lived experiences and representation into the classroom.

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2026-2027) One of the great misnomers in history is the "Dark Ages." In fact, the period from the fall of Rome to the emergence of the Renaissance was full of cultural, political, military, and philosophical activity. Students in this class come to understand the many ways that Medieval European society shaped the world we live in today. How did religious groups interact? Did the Magna Carta influence modern democracies, or just consolidate power for a few nobles? How did literature and science advance? How was modern Europe forged out of this period? Students explore these questions and others as they learn about the influence of religion on the structure of society, as well as the castles, nobility and warfare that characterized the politics of this time period. Students conduct quality research and produce papers and projects via cross-disciplinary work to demonstrate their learning.

The United States military is an important institution in American statecraft and foreign policy. This class explores the role of the military in American society, its relationship with civil government, and its place in a democracy. Topics covered include the civil-military relationship, military strategists from Sun Tzu to John Warden, WWII, Vietnam, and military interventions in the post-Cold war era. Guest speakers include a Navy SEAL, an Army Green Beret, a submarine crewman, an Air Force fighter pilot, an Army general, a helicopter pilot, and others. As a final project, students analyze continuity and change in military service from WWII to the present day.

In this class, students examine the history of the Neurodiversity movement, how Neurodivergent people were marginalized in the past, and the ongoing bias, discrimination, and challenges that Neurodivergent people continue to face. Students learn how to discuss these topics affirmingly. The course is centered on authentic works by Neurodivergent people and focuses on learning from their lived experiences. Although students discuss many forms of Neurodivergence, the readings and course materials are primarily about Down's Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD. This course offers a learning opportunity for students who believe in a more Neuro-Inclusive future and/or who want to learn more about Neurodivergent people or themselves; it also helps students to feel more comfortable engaging with and talking about Neurodivergence. Because this class involves discussing sensitive topics, Neurodivergent people (and very empathetic allies) are advised to meet with the teacher prior to the start of the course, to create a communication plan.

CP Psychology is designed to help each student gain knowledge of what psychology really is, understand their own behaviors and the behaviors of others, and to correct misconceptions about human behavior. Topics covered include research methods, the biological foundation of behavior, sensations and perceptions, states of consciousness, learning, lifespan development, gender and sexuality, personality, social psychology, and psychological disorders and treatments. Assessments include chapter tests, projects and daily quizzes. Text: Psychology 3E by Ernst (Worth).

This course fulfills the integrative, immersive learning experience graduation requirement when paired with CP/Honors Entrepreneurship or a work-based learning internship. This course focuses on teaching students the practical knowledge, skills and methods for writing a business plan based on a business model. Local small business owners help students to learn basic microeconomic concepts, principles of accounting and finance, and strategies for managing customers, employees and resources. Students learn about business model generation and how to build/create a business through problem solving, researching potential target markets, and marketing. Students are expected to build and iterate a business model, develop a plan to bring their product to market, budget expenses, and develop financial documents (including income and cash flow statements). At the end of the course, students have a better understanding of how to create and build a viable small business. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of the algebra and geometry math requirements.

This course fulfills the integrative, immersive learning experience graduation requirement when paired with the Close-Up Trip to Washington, DC or CP Climate, Leadership, and Change. The United States was founded on the belief that people have certain natural rights, but the nation's history is a history of different groups of people fighting to win those rights. Is the U.S. closer to achieving the ideals upon which it was founded? The first of a two-part CP SS series, this course explores the roots and evolution of democracy, social movements in America, and the gaps that have existed between democratic ideals and reality. The course focuses on students' continued development of persuasive writing, critical reading, and speaking skills. Students explore difficult questions concerning injustice, often through experiential and collaborative learning. Areas of study include the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, the women's suffrage movement, slavery, the civil rights movement, and modern day reform movements. At the end of the course, students conduct their own research of a modern day civil rights issue and citizens who fought to make change. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, and the completion of a research paper/project. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP Humanities 1.

This course examines the United States and the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Major themes include the rise of U.S. imperialism, the world at war, and issues of wealth and poverty in economic development. Students explore domestic and foreign policy of the 20th century, focusing on the questions "What is the proper role of the federal government in the lives of its citizens?" and "How and why do nations engage with each other?" The course requires daily preparation and participation. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper/project. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP SS 2 or Honors U.S. Government and Politics.

This course examines the United States and the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Major themes include the rise of U.S. imperialism, the world at war, and issues of wealth and poverty in economic development. Students explore domestic and foreign policy of the 20th century, focusing on the questions "What is the proper role of the federal government in the lives of its citizens?" and "How and why do nations engage with each other?" The course requires daily preparation and participation. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper/project. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP SS 2 or Honors U.S. Government and Politics.

America was founded on the belief that people have certain natural rights, but American history is a history of different groups of people fighting to win those rights. Is America closer to achieving the ideals upon which it was founded? The second of the three-part World and U.S. History series, this course explores the roots and evolution of democracy, democracy in America, the gaps of liberty that have existed between democratic ideals and American reality, and social movements of oppressed people. The course focuses on students’ continued development of persuasive writing, critical reading, and public speaking skills. Students explore difficult questions concerning injustice in America, often through experiential and collaborative learning. Areas of study include the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, the women’s suffrage movement, slavery, the civil rights movement, and modern day reform movements. At the end of the course, students conduct their own research of a modern day “gap of liberty” and develop possible solutions for closing it. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper/project. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of a freshman Humanities course.

May be taken as an alternative to CP English 3 and CP SS 3 What does it mean to live in the United States and be an American? Through the study of United States history and American literature, students in this class explore what this nation is, what it has been, and what it could be. Co-taught by an English teacher and a social studies teacher, this interdisciplinary course asks students to investigate how the American perspective has been expressed artistically by reading poetry, short stories, novels, and plays from some of the country's greatest writers. In addition, students study how the story of the United States has been told historically, using narratives and essays of the past and present. Authors may include American poets, Frederick Douglass, Tommy Orange, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tim O'Brien, Julie Otsuka, and Arthur Miller. Throughout, students write research and personal essays to demonstrate their understanding of diverse American experiences and identities. The course culminates in a project that synthesizes this understanding with a personalized vision of what America means to each student. Students who wish to pursue advanced reading assignments and writing/research projects may take this course for honors credit. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP English 2 and CP SS 2 or Honors U.S. Government and Politics.

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2027-2028) This course examines the rise and fall of world civilizations from its beginnings in Mesopotamia up to the Middle Ages. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: ancient Greece, ancient Rome, early Chinese dynasties, Dar al-Islam, Egypt, and Indigenous American empires. The curriculum covers the governments, cultures, traditions, conflicts, and key leaders of civilizations as well as the origins of major world religions. Students are introduced to the forces that have molded modern cultures and traditions. These dynamic societies and their crucial contribution to humanity are brought to life through archeology, architecture, primary sources, document based questions, and projects. Students should expect nightly assignments, as well as larger unit assessments such as tests, formal writing samples, and projects.

Classic Music History highlights the development and history of Western European music from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque, the Classical and the Romantic Periods. Students listen, watch, read, research, take field trips, meet special guests, and pursue integrative projects. Those wishing to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit.

Contemporary Music History highlights the birth of music in the U.S., including Jazz, American Roots, Electronic Music, Broadway, and Rock & Roll. Students listen, watch, read, research, take field trips, meet special guests, and pursue integrative projects. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Entrepreneurship is designed for any student interested in working on real-world problems with local leaders, businesses, and nonprofits. Based on the Babson College philosophy of entrepreneurship, where students practice play, empathy, creation, experimentation, and reflection, this class is not just for students interested in business. While students learn how to create a business model, they also develop creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving strategies so they can apply entrepreneurial thinking to multiple contexts. Students work with local businesses, charities, and/or organizations to help research and solve problems, and make recommendations to local leaders on how to solve economic problems in the community. Students also work in teams to develop student-generated business, invention, or nonprofit ideas, with space to seek funding and investment for their ideas. Students work closely with others, are pushed out of their comfort zones, learn how to speak in front of crowds, give and accept constructive criticism, lead, follow, design, make prototypes, fail, and iterate.

This class explores the fundamentals of music theory through composition, analysis, and aural skills. Students use a variety of technology, tools, and resources. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit.

Students explore multicultural music from around the globe through listening, watching, reading, researching, taking field trips, meeting special guests, and pursuing integrative projects. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit.

Juniors and Seniors
3 Bennington College credits
1 Burr and Burton social studies elective credit
In an interdisciplinary approach, theories of conflict resolution are introduced and then explored through a number of different prisms. These include the nature of peace, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, the Bible, Rock and Roll, the arts, and the environment. The course culminates during its last two sessions with students sharing and discussing their own personal conflict resolution philosophy and statements.

This course fulfills the integrative, immersive learning experience graduation requirement. Honors Model United Nations introduces students to the organization and actions of the UN and other international organizations. Students become well versed in modern day political, social, economic and environmental conflicts, and learn how these conflicts are negotiated and solved. This course includes a great amount of discussion and debate; students take an active role in the daily class dialogue. One significant component of the course is participation in two Model United Nations conferences, at which each student represents a different country and advocates its opinions while solving international problems. Students are asked to contribute funds to defray the cost of attending a Model UN Seminar off campus; scholarships are available. PREREQUISITE: department chair approval.

May be taken as an elective or in place of CP SS 2 This course fulfills the integrative, immersive learning experience graduation requirement when paired with the Close-Up Trip to Washington, DC or CP Climate, Leadership, and Change. Honors U.S. Government and Politics is for students who want to make sense of how the U.S. political system really works. Students examine democratic theory and the various institutions and processes of the U.S. government. They push their critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The class is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous honors level course. Nightly reading assignments are required. Assessments include formal and informal discussions, position papers, research, and action projects. In election years students work to gain an understanding of the current election cycle and engage in election-related civic participation. PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in the preceding CP Humanities course/CP SS course, or a B- in AP History. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval.

1 arts or 1 social studies elective credit
Students explore multicultural music through listening, watching, reading, researching, field trips, special guests and project based learning. Participants delve into the communal aspects of music that bind societies together, examine the role of music through personal and collective emotional experiences, and engage in discussions about cultural appropriation. Ultimately, students foster an understanding and appreciation for the shared aspects of the human experience through a musical lens, understanding how music serves as a universal language that connects cultures across borders and eras. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit.