A new sequence of required courses has been proposed for the Class of 2009 and all successive classes.  The four required courses will include one semester of world history in grade 9, one semester of U. S. History I in grade 10, one semester of U.S. History in grade 11, and a modern world history course in grade 12. This sequence reflects the Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education.  Members of the Classes of 2007 will continue in the current sequence.  The Class of 2008 must pass one semester of Intro Social Studies, one semester of world history and two semesters of United States History.

It should be stated that to be initially enrolled in or to maintain placement in our History honors/advanced placement program(s), students will be screened through our honors placement process which is designed to determine if students consistently demonstrate aptitude and effort through a variety of means.  A student clearly demonstrates aptitude and effort if s/he earns a B+ or better in his/her current honors course, earns a B+ or better on the final examination, and receives a teacher recommendation.  Another way to demonstrate aptitude is by passing placement exams for those students wishing to take honors/advanced placement programs going into the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grades.

413      World History I Honors                        5 Credits

This course studies the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution.  Research, writing and critical thinking skills are emphasized in this examination of the important persons, events, ideas and movements that shaped human history. 

414      World History I Academic                    5 Credits

This course studies the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. This course asks the student to think critically in his approach to the study of the human experience.  Reading, writing and critical thinking skills are emphasized.  The course also focuses on the critical role geography played in human development. 

415      World History I Standard                     5 Credits

This course studies the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. This course is designed to reinforce reading, writing and critical thinking skills as it examines human history and institutions. Additional emphasis will be placed on the critical role geography played in human development. 

443      World History II Honors                      5 Credits

This course studies the French Revolution to the present.  Research, writing and critical thinking skills are emphasized in this examination of the important persons, events, ideas and movements that shaped human history. 

444      World History II Academic                  5 Credits

This course studies the French Revolution to the present. This course asks the student to think critically in his approach to the study of the human experience.  Reading, writing and critical thinking skills are emphasized.  The course also focuses on the critical role geography played in human development. 

445      World History II Standard                   5 Credits

This course studies the French Revolution to the present. This course is designed to reinforce reading, writing and critical thinking skills as it examines human history and institutions. Additional emphasis will be placed on the critical role geography played in human development. 

432      Advanced Placement United States History            10 Credits

This one semester course, designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination, studies US History from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries.  Heavy emphasis will be placed upon reading and interpreting primary sources.  Writing skills will also be developed.  It is understood that students enrolling in this course will agree to take the Advanced Placement Examination.

423      United States History I Honors                            5 Credits

This one semester course examines the history of the United States from 1820 to the Progressive Era.  As part of its study of the significant people and events of that period, the course will place heavy emphasis on out-of-class reading, writing and research.  Projects, journals and discussion will also be important elements of the class.

424      United States History I Academic                        5 Credits

This one semester course examines the history of the United States from 1820 to the Progressive Era.  This course is designed for college-bound students, so time is spent considering the historical method, critical analysis and conflicting interpretation of important historical movements.  Analysis is stressed over memorization. Study of current events is pivotal.

425      United States History I Standard                          5 Credits

This course is designed for the student who needs more practical knowledge from United States history and government and will cover 1820 to the Progressive Era.  The learning experiences in this course are meant to help students analyze and evaluate present day problems, and an examination of current events, within their historical context, is a central part of the course.

433      United States History II Honors                            5 Credits

This one semester course examines the history of the United States from World War I to the present.  As part of its study of the significant people and events of that period, the course will place heavy emphasis on out-of-class reading, writing and research.  Projects, journals and discussion will also be important elements of the class.

434      United States History II Academic                        5 Credits

This one semester course examines the history of the United States from World War I to the present.  This course is designed for college-bound students, so time is spent considering the historical method, critical analysis and conflicting interpretation of important historical movements.  Analysis is stressed over memorization. Study of current events is pivotal.

435      United States History II Standard                          5 Credits

This course is designed for the student who needs more practical knowledge from United States history and government and will cover World War I to the present.  The learning experiences in this course are meant to help students analyze and evaluate present day problems, and an examination of current events, within their historical context, is a central part of the course.

442      Advanced Placement European History                            5 Credits

This course, designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination, studies European history from 1450 to the present.  This course emphasizes cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which we live.  Heavy emphasis will be placed upon reading and interpreting primary sources.  Writing skills will also be developed.  It is understood that students enrolling in this course will agree to take the Advanced Placement Examination in European History.

452      Advanced Placement Comparative Governments                  5 Credits

This course, designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination, gives students the tools to understand the world’s many political structures and practices.  Students will analyze the political structures of Great Britain, France, China, Russia, and Nigeria.  Students will also learn and use general concepts of government.  It is understood that students enrolling in this course will agree to take the Advanced Placement Examination in comparative governments.

446            Psychology                                       5 Credits

The purpose of this introductory Psychology course is to provide students the opportunity to achieve a better understanding of the behavior and mental processes of human beings.  A wide variety of study topics are examined including:  the mind and the roles of biology, sensation, perception and consciousness; learning and the impact of memory, language and intelligence, human development from infancy through childhood, adolescence and adulthood; various aspects of the personality; psychological health, stress, disorders and treatment; and social cognition and interaction.

447           Contemporary Affairs                   5 Credits

Contemporary Affairs is offered to senior students.  Weekly news, talk shows and documentaries are utilized as learning aids.  Students read and discuss editorials; analyze political cartoons, and develop projects that enhance their understanding and comprehension of national and international events.

448      Life and Politics: Leadership in Society                            5 Credits

The purpose of this elective course is to have students analyze political trends in America through a focus on law and government.  Using specific data from election results and campaigns as well as examining the Constitution and local and state laws, students will gain a unique understanding of how U.S. politics has shaped American society.

449      Pop Culture                                        5 Credits

Popular culture is often described as “escapist” entertainment.  But this dismissal evades some very serious questions.  What are we escaping? Where are we escaping to? Does everybody go to the same place?  How might the trip affect us once we get back?  This class looks at the social consequences and political implications of mass mediated entertainment.  Its goal is to develop the theoretical tools and critical perspective to interrogate the TV shows, commercials, films, books, songs, videos, and web sites that saturate our lives.

450     Community Service Program                                      2 Credits

Prerequisite:  Participation is subject to review of conduct/attendance records

This is a service course that students will participate in for one block during one semester in their senior year.  Students must have transportation available on a daily basis in order to enroll in this course.  Many sites will be outside of the high school building.  Students will need to locate their sites and seek approval of the placement from their guidance counselor.

453            Philosophy                                       5 Credits

The purpose of this elective course is to introduce the basic questions of philosophy.  Topics will include freedom and determinism, the nature of government and theories of ethics.  Students will also be introduced to the history of philosophy and how those ideas shaped history.