Social Studies

Students must attain at least 6 points which includes successful completion of social studies Regents exams (Global History II and United States History).

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None

This course is designed to focus on the common themes that recur across time and place and eight historical eras. This is the first part of a two-year sequence which focuses on a chronological study of:

1. Ancient World: Civilizations and Religion (4000 BC–500 AD);
2. Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter (500-1200);
3. Global Interactions (1200-1650); and
4. The First Global Age (1450-1770).

The course is designed to show interdependence and to create in students a greater awareness of the world using the new NYS Social Studies Frameworks.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Score of a 3 or 4 on NYS 8th Grade ELA Exam, grade of 85 or better for each quarter of 8th grade and teacher recommendation.

This course examines world history from 8000 BCE to the first Golden Age with the aim of helping students develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contracts and how different human societies have interacted. This course highlights the nature of changes in an international context and explores their causes and continuity. This course is designed to prepare students for AP World History.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Successfully completed Global History and Geography I

This course provides a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology and the interconnectedness of the world. The last three Key Ideas focus on global issues, applying a more thematic approach. In addition to content, students are taught how to effectively utilize essential Social Studies Practices such as: Gathering, Interpreting, and Using Evidence, Chronological Reasoning and Causation, Comparison and Contextualization, Geographic Reasoning, Economics and Economics Systems, and Civic Participation. This course ends with a Regents exam.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Successfully complete Global History and Geography 1 Honors with a cumulative average of 85 or better and/or a teacher recommendation.

This course highlights six overarching themes that correspond to the NYS Social Studies Framework for Global History and Geography. This course will conclude with a Regents examination encompassing material from Global History and Geography II. Students are also required to take the Advanced Placement World History Examination prepared by the College Entrance Examination Board and pay the College Board fee. College credit is based upon the Advanced Placement examination score and the policy of the college.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Score of a 4 on NYS 8th Grade ELA Exam, grade of 90 or better for each quarter of 8th grade and/or teacher recommendation.

This course introduces students to how humans understand, use and change the Earth’s surface. Students explore patterns in human activity, study the impact on the environment and learn the tools and methods geographers use in their research. The curriculum aligns with the National Geography Standards (2012). This course is offered in place of Global History and Geography I.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Global History and Geography II

This course begins with the colonial and constitutional foundations of the United States and explores the government structure and functions written in the Constitution. The development of the nation and the political, social and economic factors that led to the challenges our nation faced in the Civil War are addressed. Industrialization, urbanization and the accompanying problems are examined, along with America’s emergence as a world power, the two world wars of the 20th century and the Cold War. Students explore the expansion of the federal government, the threat of terrorism and the place of the United States in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. Oral presentations and research skills (research to build and present knowledge, and the analysis of primary and secondary source documents) will be emphasized.

Durations: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Successfully complete Global History and Geography II or AP World History with a cumulative average of 85 or better and/or a teacher recommendation.

AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college-level course in United States history. Students examine significant events, individuals and developments across nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present while analyzing both primary and secondary sources. Throughout the course, students build historical thinking skills—such as argumentation, comparison, contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time—while exploring key themes including American identity, migration, politics and power, work and technology, America’s role in the world, geography and the environment, and culture and society.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: successfully complete the last three years of social studies classes.

This course emphasizes the interaction between citizens and government at all levels: local, state and federal. The development of student participation in the processes of government is encouraged.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States History and Government or AP United States History and Government with a cumulative average of 85 or better and/or a teacher recommendation.

This college-level course gives students a deeper understanding of how the United States government and political system work. Students learn key concepts in American politics and apply them to real examples and current events. Major topics include the Constitution, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, the branches of government, and civil rights and liberties. Students will build strong skills in critical thinking, research and writing throughout the course. This course satisfies the requirements for Participation in Government and Economics.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Successfully complete the last three years of social studies classes

This course introduces students to the role of economics in American society and the global economy. Students learn about personal finance, supply and demand, and how individuals and institutions make economic decisions.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States History and Government or AP United States History and Government with a cumulative average of 85 or better and/or a teacher recommendation.

This course introduces students to college-level microeconomics. Students learn how consumers and producers make decisions, explore product and factor markets, and examine the role of government in the economy.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States History and Government or AP United States History and Government with a cumulative average of 85 or better and/or a teacher recommendation.

This course introduces students to college-level macroeconomics. Students learn how the overall economy functions, including national income, price determination, economic growth and international economics.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This one-semester course consists of a general introduction to the various areas of psychology, including general principles, adolescent development, understanding of emotions, learning and problem solving, human motivation and personality problems.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None

AP Psychology is a full-year, introductory, college-level psychology course. Students cultivate their understanding of the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through inquiry-based investigations as they explore concepts like the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior and social psychology.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This one semester course is a study of the structure and function of social groups, social customs, relationships and institutions, their meaning and the processes by which they change. It includes an analysis of social problems, through contemporary thought and the relationships within the social structure.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

The objective of this course is to provide the student with the necessary foundational knowledge of the three main components of the Criminal Justice system: Police, Courts and Corrections. The student will be exposed to the basics in each area upon which other criminal justice courses build.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This course examines aspects of constitutional, criminal and civil law. Rights, due process of law and legal system structure are included.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This elective is designed to enable students to gain certain basic understandings about our contemporary world. Some of the topics covered are:

1. crime and punishment in our society;
2. a study of diversity in our society;
3. the problems of marriage and family in our society;
4. the problems of aging;
5. alcoholism and drug abuse;
6. teenage suicide;
7. gun control;
8. animal rights;
9. terrorism;
10. criminal and civil law.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None

This interdisciplinary course explores the diverse experiences of African Americans, from early African kingdoms to the present. Students develop skills in history, literature, visual analysis and data interpretation while examining Black communities in the U.S. and the broader African diaspora.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This course focuses on African Americans in American society from slavery to present. It will be a thematic approach that seeks to tackle many themes in African American culture such as slavery and its effects on African American society and identity, Jim Crow legislation, affirmative action, racial epithets, as well as music and its influences. We will also attempt to make historical correlations to modern day issues in America dealing with race. Students will be required to question and break down stereotypes about people of African descent. Students will also learn about different cultural aspects of African American history. Students will gain greater insight about what it means to be African American, a person of color or minority in America.

Duration: 1 year (Every day)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None

This course brings the United Nations directly into the classroom. Students will learn about the dynamics of the U.N. through classroom discussions and debate, as well as through simulations of U.N. committees. Through simulations, the students will learn specifics about international diplomacy, especially its role in the U.N. In addition, the simulations will allow the students to acquire in-depth understanding related to important international issues and problems. This hands-on elective hones research, writing, analytical and communication skills. Students will then apply these skills in the classroom and in Model United Nations conferences. This course is designed for independent learners with a strong interest in foreign affairs. It fulfills the requirements of a capstone project, which is a culminating, research-based project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to investigate a real-world issue, develop a solution or present an in-depth analysis of a topic.

This course is intended for students pursuing the Seal of Civic Readiness and the Seal of Biliteracy. In addition, students will be required to engage with the greater East Ramapo community by completing designated community service hours.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

Holocaust refers to the systematic persecution and genocide of social, religious, ethnic and political opponents of totalitarian regimes. The course is a study of the human potential for extremes of good and evil and it is designed to help students understand how human nature can affect the course of history. The course investigates the causes and effects of the Nazi persecution of the 1930s and 1940s and the tragic experiences of people in Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda and other areas. The course relies on memoirs of the victims, original film footage and other documented records.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This course explores the experiences, cultures, and contributions of diverse communities. Students examine issues of identity, equity and social justice while learning to appreciate multiple perspectives in society.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

The objective of this course is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the social, economic, political and cultural development of Latin America and the Caribbean. This course will examine political, societal and economic conditions prior to European conquest. Students will examine how Europeans changed and influenced Latin America and the Caribbean’s cultural identity, social hierarchy and economy. Lastly, students will analyze issues that plague the region today – a result of European conquest (El Salvador – Civil War; Haiti – Papa Doc, Aristide; Venezuela – moving towards socialism). The materials to be used for this course are primary and secondary sources (documents, maps, charts, diaries, paintings, photographs, journals and newspaper articles from the era) and excerpts from selected texts.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None

This course involves the study and application of strategic approaches to learning. In preparation for the rigor of college study, students will learn to apply learning strategies in their current courses and analyze which work best for them.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: None
Prerequisite: Attempted to pass the Global History and Geography II Regents Exam

This course helps students strengthen the key skills and content knowledge needed for the Global History and Geography II Regents Exam. Students review major themes, practice using primary and secondary sources and work with Regents-style questions and essays. The class focuses on building confidence, improving test-taking strategies and reinforcing important concepts from global history.

Duration: 0.5 year (Every day)
Credit: None 
Prerequisite: Attempted to pass the U.S. History Regents Exam

This course supports students in preparing for the U.S. History Regents Exam. Students review essential topics, analyze historical documents, and practice answering multiple-choice questions, short responses and essays. The class emphasizes understanding major events in U.S. history, developing strong writing skills and building effective strategies to succeed on the exam.