History & Social Science Education

The primary purpose of a history and social science education is to prepare students to have the knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world.  Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will enable them to embrace democracy’s potential, while recognizing its challenges and inherent dilemmas.  Through their course of study, students will be prepared to make informed civic choices and assume their responsibility for strengthening equality, justice, and liberty in and beyond the United States.

 

This intensive course explores Modern World History starting with the changes brought about by the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.  Students examine the global impact of Imperialism, the World Wars, and the Cold War.  Throughout the course, students will transfer their learning to the present so they may become more active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. Students will use the course content to become better readers, researchers and communicators empowering them to make informed civic choices and engage as active citizens. Although the format of Modern World History honors is the same as Modern World History college prep, students at this level should be reading and writing above grade level and must be prepared to engage in more independent learning, more outside reading, the reading of more complex texts and more in-depth writing assignments.

Prerequisite: Grade of 90 or better in World History Grade 8 or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Full year course, required for grade 9)

 

This course explores Modern World History starting with the changes brought about by the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.  Students examine the global impact of Imperialism, the World Wars, and the Cold War.  Throughout the course, students will transfer their learning to the present so they may become more active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. Students will use the course content to become better readers, researchers and communicators empowering them to make informed civic choices and engage as active citizens.  (Full year course, required for grade 9)

 

 Freshmen Seminar engages students in an intensive, culturally responsive examination of self and civic identity. Students identify the rights and responsibilities of being part of their new high school community and learn to apply those competencies as change agents within WHS and beyond. The course centers on the acquisition of knowledge, literacy skills, and applied social emotional competencies that students need for effective participation in their high school classes today and their civic and democratic life tomorrow.  The course culminates in a non-partisan civics project designed to promote a student’s ability to (i) analyze complex issues; (ii) consider differing points of view; (iii) reason, make logical arguments and support claims using valid evidence; (iv) engage in civil discourse with those who hold opposing positions; and (v) demonstrate an understanding of the connections between federal, state and local policies. 

Prerequisite: Grade of 90 or better in World History Grade 8 or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course, Grade 9).

 

 Freshmen Seminar engages students in a culturally responsive examination of self and civic identity. Students identify the rights and responsibilities of being part of their new high school community and learn to apply those competencies as change agents within WHS and beyond. The course centers on the acquisition of knowledge, literacy skills, and applied social emotional competencies that students need for effective participation in their high school classes today and their civic and democratic life tomorrow.  The course culminates in a non-partisan civics project designed to promote a student’s ability to (i) analyze complex issues; (ii) consider differing points of view; (iii) reason, make logical arguments and support claims using valid evidence; (iv) engage in civil discourse with those who hold opposing positions; and (v) demonstrate an understanding of the connections between federal, state and local policies.  (Full-year course, Grade 9).

 

This intensive course explores United States history starting with the origins and main events of the American Revolution and the development of key Constitutional principles.  Students examine events of the early Republic, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, industrialization, immigration, and Progressivism. Throughout the course, students will transfer their learning to the present so they may become more active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. Students will use the course content to become better readers, researchers and communicators empowering them to make informed civic choices and engage as active citizens. Although the format of United States History I  honors is the same as United States History I college prep, students at this level should be reading and writing above grade level and must be prepared to engage in more independent learning, more outside reading, the reading of more complex texts and more in-depth writing assignments.

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in Modern World History CP, 75% or higher in Modern World History Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Full year course, required for grade 10)

 

This course explores United States history starting with the origins and main events of the American Revolution and the development of key Constitutional principles.  Students examine events of the early Republic, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, industrialization, immigration, and Progressivism. Throughout the course, students will transfer their learning to the present so they may become more active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. Students will use the course content to become better readers, researchers and communicators empowering them to make informed civic choices and engage as active citizens.  (Full year course, required for grade 10)

 

AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In AP U.S. History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 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 comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, 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: American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society.

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in a CP History course, 80% or higher in Honors History course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work.  In order to earn AP credit in this course, the student must take the AP Exam.  (Full year course)

 

This intensive course explores United States history starting with the role of the United States in World War I.  Students examine the Great Depression, New Deal, World War II, and the Cold War, concluding with an examination of domestic and global policies and politics in the 21st century. Throughout the course, students will transfer their learning to the present so they may become more active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. Students will use the course content to become better readers, researchers and communicators empowering them to make informed civic choices and engage as active citizens. Although the format of United States History II  honors is the same as United States History II college prep, students at this level should be reading and writing above grade level and must be prepared to engage in more independent learning, more outside reading, the reading of more complex texts and more in-depth writing assignments. 

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in United States History I CP, 75% or higher in United States History I Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Full year course, required course for grade 11)

 

This course explores United States history starting with the role of the United States in World War I.  Students examine the Great Depression, New Deal, World War II, and the Cold War, concluding with an examination of domestic and global policies and politics in the 21st century. Throughout the course, students will transfer their learning to the present so they may become more active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. Students will use the course content to become better readers, researchers and communicators empowering them to make informed civic choices and engage as active citizens. 

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in United States History I, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Full year course, required course for grade 11)

 

AP Seminar is the first of two foundational course in the AP Capstone program.  As a prerequisite to AP Research, the course  introduces students to the skills they will need to be successful AP students.  In AP Seminar, students investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence-based arguments.  Students engage in in-depth analysis of academic and contemporary topics using an inquiry framework, analyzing articles, research studies, philosophical texts,  speeches and artistic performances.  Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.   Students who take and pass the AP exam for AP Seminar will be eligible to take AP Capstone their senior year. Students who pass the AP exams for AP Seminar will be eligible to take AP Research their senior year as part of the AP Capstone.  Students who pass AP Seminar, AP Research, and, and four other AP courses will earn an AP Diploma from the College Board.

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in CP History course, 80% or higher in Honors History course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work.  In order to earn AP credit in this course, the student must take the AP Exam.  (Full year course, open to grades 9 and 10) 

 

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, students cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research and inquiry in order to produce and defend their scholarly work.  Students engage in an in-depth exploration of an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work culminating in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.  

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 75% or higher in AP Seminar, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work.  In order to earn AP credit in this course, the student must take the AP Exam.  (Full year course, open to grade 12) 

 

This course is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Psychology by introducing them to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. To accomplish this, the course provides instruction in each of the following content areas: History and Approaches, Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Testing and Individual Differences, Abnormal Psychology, Treatment of Psychological Disorders, and Social Psychology.  Students will learn to think like psychologists as they seek to “restrain intuition with critical thinking, judgmentalism with compassion, and illusion with understanding” (Sternberg, 1997).

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in CP course, 80% or higher in Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work. In order to earn AP credit in this course, a student must take the AP exam. (Full year course, open to grade 11, 12 only)

 

This full year course is designed as an introduction into the field of Political Science and is available to juniors and seniors who wish to challenge themselves. The class is an intensive look at the role of Politics and Government in the United States of America with an emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of the individual in the political process. Through the textbook, additional readings, primary source documents, internet resources, research projects and class debates, the course will examine the role that politics plays in both the history and the contemporary life of the United States. Students will use the skills attained in class to interpret the various trends throughout politics and to examine the importance of participation in local, state, and national government.

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in CP course, 80% or higher in Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work. In order to earn AP credit in this course, a student must take the AP exam. (Full year course, open to grade 11, 12 only)

 

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics will include research methods, biological basis of behavior, dreams, mental disorders, social psychology, memory, personality, and human development.   The course will help students develop a better understanding of themselves and others. Emphasis is will be placed on  collaboration, open ended questions and critical and independent thinking.

Prerequisite:  Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Full year course, open to grade 11 and 12)

 

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.  Topics will include research methods, biological basis of behavior, dreams, mental disorders, social psychology, memory, personality, and human development.   The course will help students develop a better understanding of themselves and others. Emphasis is will be placed on collaboration, open ended questions and critical and independent thinking.

(Full Year course, open to grade 11 and 12)

 

This course is designed as an introduction to constitutional, criminal and civil law, which will include an examination of the judicial system, as well as, criminal and civil laws. The course allows students to understand and examine their rights and responsibilities under the law. Students will use case studies, independent research, and current legal issues in the media today.

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, and 12)

 

This course is designed as an introduction to constitutional, criminal and civil law, which will include an examination of the judicial system, as well as criminal and civil laws. The course allows students to understand and examine their rights and responsibilities under the law. Students will use case studies, independent research, and current legal issues in the media today. (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, and 12)

This course is designed for the student who would like to further their study of concepts covered in Legal Studies I, as well as, other legal topics. A more in depth look at criminal and civil law will be included. The course will also study contracts, consumer, rental, credit and housing law.  Accelerated assignments are given to students requesting honors credit.

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, students must have a grade of 85% or higher in Legal Studies I CP, 75% or higher in Legal Studies I Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  For CP Credit, Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Legal Studies I, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11 and 12)

 

This course examines the most devastating, destructive war in history and the concurrent emergence of the United States of America as the world’s dominant power. Topics for discussion include the escalation of international tensions in the aftermath of World War I, the advent of atomic weaponry, the Holocaust, and military targeting of civilian cities. Written primary and secondary sources, video footage, and student research will be used to study the conflagration from a global perspective that incorporates the points of view of all major combatant nations. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit.

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

 

This course examines that most pivotal and tragic period in the history of the United States; the Civil War. Topics include the causes of the war, slavery, military and political leaders, important battles and campaigns, and the short and long term effects on the nation and its warring states. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors or college prep credit.

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.   (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

This course provides students with a comprehensive examination of economic principles and processes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of the American economy in the global economy.  This course is strongly recommended for those considering a college major in business or economics. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit.

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course open to grades 10, 11 and 12)

 

This course challenges participants to develop a global view of their world through the exploration of culture, physical geography and current events.  Students will explore the big ideas of power, place and perspective as they study immigration, migration, population, human trafficking, city planning and economics.  Students will engage in hands-on projects, like budgeting for food shopping, and learn to apply these experiences to solve real world problems. 

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course open to grades 10, 11, and 12)

 

This semester course is designed to familiarize students with the development of Western and Eastern philosophy, ethics, morality, and logic. The writings of Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Rousseau and Nietzsche among others will provide the foundation for discussion and debate. The course will examine the “big” questions, such as – What is the nature of man? What is truth? What is reality? Students will examine the foundation of their own thinking. 

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)

 

The course will encourage students to determine what causes crime by examining different sociological, psychological and biological theories behind criminal behavior.  As students understand why criminal behavior occurs, they can enhance their understanding of society’s response to crime, victims and social policy for alleviating criminal behavior.  This course is available for optional Dual Enrollment credit, please see page 21.  

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester course, open to grades 11 and 12)

 

11560(H)/11561(CP) INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY II - Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)

The course will encourage students to determine what causes crime by examining different typologies to include crimes of violence, property crimes, white collar and organized crime, public order crime, and political crime and terrorism.  Students will also examine society’s response to crime, and public policy concerning victim rights and correctional goals.  This course is available for optional Dual Enrollment credit, please see page 21.

Prerequisite:  For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in Intro To Crim I CP, 75% or higher in Intro to Crim I Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. For CP credit, Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in Intro to Crim I, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11 and 12)

 

This course examines the history of Weymouth from its short-lived settlement of Wessagusset in 1622 to its incorporation of Weymouth in 1635. In order for the students to make the connection to Weymouth’s past, the class will examine the initial conflicts with Native Americans and its relationship with surrounding settlements, such as Plymouth. It will also cover the economic, political, geographical, and demographic changes over the last 319 years as well as its contribution to the military actions of the state and federal governments. Furthermore, the course will examine the personalities who helped form Weymouth’s past, such as Thomas Weston, Abigail Adams, Cotton Tufts, and James Bates. Hands on, discovery learning will be utilized to the fullest making good use of local field trips and guest speakers to enhance the connection between the student and the town. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit. 

Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in a prior History CP course, 75% or higher in a prior History Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  (Semester Course, open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12)

 

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. The content is presented thematically rather than regionally and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human–environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction. The goal for the course is for students to become more geo-literate, more engaged in contemporary global issues, and more informed about multicultural viewpoints. 

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in CP, 80% or higher in Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work.  In order to earn AP credit in this course, a student must take the AP exam. (Full-year course, open to Grades 9 and 10).

 

AP African American Studies is designed to offer high school students an evidence-based introduction to African American studies. The interdisciplinary course reaches into a variety of fields—literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, and science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans.   The AP African American Studies course is interdisciplinary—not only diving into the history of the African continent, but also covering uplifting topics such as African American music and the significance of the Marvel Black Panther movie. It looks back at more than 400 years of contributions to the U.S. by people of African descent, going as far back as 1513, when Juan Garrido became the first known African in North America while on a Spanish expedition of what’s now Florida. Students will gain “a solid understanding of the impact African Americans have had on the building of our nation. 

Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in CP, 80% or higher in Honors course, or teacher recommendation and department approval.  This course may require summer work.  In order to earn AP credit in this course, a student must take the AP exam. (Full-year course, open to Grades 10 – 12).